Making the Right Move: Reduce Air Pollution from Your Household
Daily exposition to air pollution affects our health. Although some pollution sources are more difficult to eradicate, choices you make at home can play a big role in the air quality of your neighborhood and beyond. When you are looking for a new home or ways of heating, some choices are better than others. Let’s explore how homes contribute to pollution, what makes a home “air-friendly,” and how you can save money by going green.
What's polluting our Air?
When we talk about outdoor air quality, we’re mainly looking at two things: PM (Particulate Matter) and NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide).
These harmful pollutants often surge in densely populated cities, exceeding the recommended European limits (see Figure 1). This can contribute to health issues such as asthma, respiratory conditions, and cardiovascular diseases.
Figure 1 : European thresholds for PM and NO2
Where do these pollutants come from?
The primary direct source of these pollutants is domestic heating, which significantly contributes to air pollution. Residential heating is responsible for 73% of PM2.5 emissions in the EU and accounts for 33% of NO2 emissions. There are various ways to heat a home, each with a different impact on air quality. The tables below rank heating options by fuel type and technology, highlighting the least polluting solutions for both PM and NO2 emissions.
Heating systems ranked best to worst per pollutant (PM 2.5)
Heating systems ranked best to worst per pollutant (NO2)
- Electric heating from renewable sources like solar panels or wind turbines is the cleanest option.
- Pellet stoves, which use recycled wood, are a better alternative to traditional firewood but still contribute to air pollution.
- Wood burning is a major source of particulate matter (PM) emissions, responsible for up to 85% of air pollution generated by households. Its use has risen due to the energy crisis.
- Heating oil is the most polluting option. In Flanders, new heating oil boilers have been banned since 2022 unless natural gas heating is unavailable.
Beyond Heating: Other Things That Matter
While heating affects particulate matter, traffic is a big source of NO2 in cities. That’s why where you live matters. When searching for a home, check for nearby public transport, carpooling options, and bike-sharing programs.
Cooking is another factor. If you use the same system for heating and cooking, the rankings stay the same. Induction cooking, which uses electricity, creates less NO2 than a gas stove.
Finally, proper insulation and windows can cut down on energy use, improving outdoor air quality and reducing your energy bill. Insulation like glass wool or hemp, and vacuum-sealed windows, boost your home’s PEB/EPC score, which increases its value.
What's Belgium Doing About It : Regulations and subsidies
Belgium is getting rid of polluting heating systems, but the rules vary depending on where you live:
- Flanders: New heating oil boilers are banned (unless you have no gas access). New buildings can’t connect to the gas network after 2025.
- Wallonia: New heating oil boilers will be banned in 2025, followed by gas boilers in 2035.
- Brussels: New heating oil boilers will be banned in 2025, with a complete phase-out by 2035. Gas boilers are still allowed for now.
Good news: the government offers subsidies to help you upgrade to energy-efficient systems!
- Flanders: Check out MijnVerbouwPremie to see what you qualify for.
- Wallonia: Similar subsidies are available, plus low/zero-interest loans. Click here
- Brussels: Look into ‘Renolution‘ subsidies. Keep in mind that the program may change in 2025 based on new government decisions.
Simple Ways to Make a Difference Today
Want to improve the air in your community?
Small changes at home can have a big impact:
- Burn less wood (especially if it’s just for those cozy winter vibes)
- Turn off the heat when you leave and close curtains at night to save energy.
- Use public transport instead of driving to reduce NO₂ emissions.
- Plant greenery around your home, some plants fix pollutants or disperse them helping improve local outdoor air quality.
These easy, affordable actions create a healthier environment for everyone.
Airscan: Monitoring and Improving Air Quality
At Airscan, we use advanced sensors and data to monitor and improve air quality. Our projects include mapping urban air pollution (like Pure Cities) and helping organizations get green building certifications and smart ventilation control. We track pollutants like PM and NO2, giving you real-time data to make smart decisions. We also engage with the public through screens, reports, and news articles, promoting healthier environments through education.
Conclusion: You Can Make a Change!
By making smart choices about heating, cooking, and transportation, you can help improve outdoor air quality. Choose energy-efficient systems, sustainable fuels, and good insulation. Simple actions like burning less wood and using public transport also make a difference. With regulations phasing out polluting systems and subsidies available for sustainable upgrades, improving air quality is becoming easier and more affordable. These steps not only save you money but also create a healthier place to live.
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