Dyson’s checklist for a cool and clean home this summer

We spend as much as 90% of our time indoors and the air we breathe contains microscopic particles which are invisible to the human eye. The cleanliness of your house has a direct correlation to your indoor air quality and wellbeing. Less dust and allergens in your home means there is less in the air you breathe.

At Dyson, we have over 25 years of experience and expertise in HEPA filtration and filter media and have our own in-house microbiology lab, armed with the sort of equipment usually associated with hospital laboratories.

Professor of Global Environmental Health, Sotiris Vardoulakis, at the Australian National University says: “We’re often exposed to many different types of both indoor and outdoor air pollution and the health effects of different pollutants can depend on the individual. Certain groups may be particularly sensitive to the effects of air pollutants, including young children, pregnant women, the elderly and one in nine Australians who suffer from respiratory health conditions such as asthma, hay fever or bronchitis.”

Head of Environmental Care at Dyson, Evan Stevens, shares tips for maintaining a healthy home and staying cool this summer.

Close curtains and shutters

Keep the windows, curtains or shutters closed during the day to minimize the amount of sunlight entering the home. Night-time is when summer temperatures tend to dip, so make a habit of opening windows at night to allow cooler air to enter. Then be sure to close them in the morning before temperatures rise.

Beat heat with cooling airflow

The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that environmental stressors, such as noise or temperature, can impact sleep quality and quantity. With temperatures rising, staying cool can be a real challenge on hot summer nights. Using Dyson Air Multiplier™ Technology, the machine can project purified air to every corner of the room. The Dyson Purifier Cool ™ has also been redesigned to be 20% quieter while maintaining purification performance for more peaceful nights.

Reduce heat sources at home

Electronic devices can generate excess heat, contributing to the ambient temperature of the room. Traditional lightbulbs for example use up to 90% of their energy generating heat, with only 10% being converted to visible light.5 Choose energy efficient lights and get into the habit of turning off and unplugging all electronic devices that are not being used. Cooking in a pan or oven can also increase indoor temperatures, so opt for a lighter meal or one that can be cooked outside such as a barbecue. This may have the added benefit of reducing indoor levels of PM2.5, which is often generated through combustion while cooking.

Use HEPA purifiers when cooking

Burning fuels such as wood, gas or oil can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as well as tiny particulates called PM2.5, which are emitted during combustion. Despite the pleasant smells coming from the kitchen, it’s possible that, as a result, the air contains some of these unwanted pollutants. Opening the window while you cook or using mechanical ventilation like a purifying fan will filter out the pollutants, helping reduce your exposure to them.

Vacuum often to reduce dust and pet hair

Keep your carpets, hard floors, upholstery and surfaces free of dust and pet hair – most effectively by vacuuming often. These items can harbour not only large debris but also dust mites, skin flakes and other allergens such as pollen and food allergens.

1 Klepeis NE, Nelson WC, Ott WR, et al. The National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS): a resource forassessing exposure to environmental pollutants. J Expo Anal Environ Epidemiol 2001;11:231-522 US Department of Energy. “https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/design/windows-doors-and-skylights/update-or-replace-windows”3 In maximum setting. Tested for air projection (DTM 801) and purification coverage in a 81m3 room (TM-003711).4 20% quieter than Dyson’s predecessor machine, applies to Dyson Pure Cool only.5 How Incandescent Bulbs Are Inefficient — Scientific Lights