A short outlook on healthy CO2 indoor levels, at-home sources, potential health issues, and solutions
What is a healthy CO2 indoor level?
400 to 1,000 ppm – are average CO2 concentrations in occupied indoor spaces with good air exchange is from. At high concentrations of up to 1000 ppm, CO2 hurts well-being, causing headaches, fatigue, and lack of attention.
To better understand what stays behind the numbers:
- Outdoor CO2 normal levels are from 350 to 450 ppm. The indoor concentrations are always higher due to the lack of ventilation and high insulation with two or more people inside.
- Ppm is an abbreviation for parts per million, often used to express the dilute concentrations of substances.
What happens if CO2 levels get high?
When too much carbon dioxide is in the air, the gas enters the bloodstream due to hypoventilation. People with asthma and respiratory illnesses cannot breathe well in a room with a high CO2 content, where there’s not enough oxygen that enters the lungs.
How to lower CO2 levels in the house?
To tackle indoor air pollution and reduce CO2 levelsHow to lower CO2 levels in the house?
Don’t smoke inside
If you are a smoker and don’t plan to quit any time soon – smoke outside, far from open windows to prevent the pollutants from seeping back into the house. Cigarettes release large amounts of CO2 that can get trapped inside the room for ages.
Increase Ventilation
CO2 levels are lower outdoors. Proper room air exchange prevents high concentrations of carbon dioxide.
In the premises used, the CO2 concentration mainly depends on the following factors:
- The number of people in the room, the volume of the room
- Room user activity
- Time users spend indoors
- Indoor combustion processes
- Air exchange and outdoor air volume flow
Clean Air Ducts once every 3-5 years, change HVAC filters every 60 days and keep windows open for at least 15 min a day.
Reduce the use of gas or wood stove
If your stove is a gas or wood one – don’t forget that the open flame consumes oxygen and produces carbon dioxide. CO2 concentration levels triple during cooking. Now count how many meals you cook at home and how often you use the stove.
Not only the fire (combustion reaction) uses up the indoor oxygen but replace it with CO2. If you are a fan of the Hygge lifestyle and burn 2-3 candles in the evening or sit by the fireplace for hours, you may be getting higher doses of CO2 than you are aware.
Vacuum rugs and carpets
Especially if there’re pets in the house. Not only duct mites living in rugs but also pet dander constantly move around the house, collecting extra duct from the floor and rugs, delivering it directly to the noses and lungs of the family members.
Go all-natural
No chemical-based cleaning products or odors are welcome.
Purify the air
Keep windows open at least for half an hour per day.
Keep windows open in your bedroom.
We spend a third of a lifetime sleeping, and we shouldn’t neglect the effect that sleep has on our lives. Studies have shown that a fresh indoor air environment helps people perform better and be healthier and active throughout the day.
Keeping the bedroom door and windows open, before and after sleep, will help you relax better and feel more energetic in the morning. During sleep, you exhale carbon dioxide. If you didn’t ventilate the room for days, imagine the concentrations of CO2 you’re breathing in. No wonder people get headaches and sleep poorly. Who can do the opposite?
After reading your report. I agree with what you say about ventilation but I sleep in the front room on the ground floor so I can’t leave a window open. I have an air purifier. I don’t know if it is actually helping. I’d be grateful for any further suggestions
Thanking you in advance
Hi Marion,
Thank you for your feedback! I understand your concern about leaving windows open, especially on the ground floor. Using an air purifier is a good step, but its effectiveness can vary depending on the model and how often it’s used. To further reduce CO2 levels, consider adding more indoor plants, which can naturally absorb CO2 and release oxygen. Additionally, ensure your air purifier is equipped with a carbon filter, which can help trap CO2. Lastly, regular ventilation—even briefly during the day when you can supervise—can significantly improve air quality.
I hope these suggestions help!