# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
For the average household, summertime leads to higher energy bills as people crank up the air conditioning in their homes in order to combat rising temperatures outdoors. Unfortunately, families with a tight budget may find themselves forced to choose between in-home comfort or having to make sacrifices in other financial areas. Also, with the modern emphasis on green living and conservation, more and more individuals are likely to say "no" to AC and bear the heat in order to reduce their footprint.

Wouldn't it be nice if there were other options? What if we could cool our homes without spending a fortune on the electric bill or damaging our environment?

Actually, we can. Here are the top 10 most effective ways to cool your home without air conditioning.

1. Ceiling Fans

Probably the most common alternative to central air conditioning is the use of ceiling fans. If you don't already have them installed in your home, you may want to consider putting a ceiling fan in every room - or at least all of the rooms that see frequent use. Of course, you want to make sure to get a fan that is big enough to cool the space where you plan to install it. Measure your room or rooms before you go shopping as most ceiling fans will have maximum room dimensions listed on the outside of the packaging. Finally, be certain that your fans are spinning in the correct direction. (Most fans have a directional switch.) Remember that hot air accumulates in high places. During cooler months, you want your ceiling fan to push hot air down and away from the ceiling in order to help heat your living space. In summer, the fan blades should pull air toward the ceiling so as to circulate, but avoid pushing more hot air down into a room.

2. Upgrade Your Window Treatments

While the initial investment for outfitting your home with energy-efficient window treatments is fairly lofty, you can expect to see a huge difference in temperature immediately upon installing them. The best choices for reflecting the sun's heat are cloth roller, accordion, or Roman shades. For those with an eye for the all-natural, look for organic cotton or wool (which is flame-resistant) curtains or shades. Another option is woven bamboo, a wonderful renewable resource that makes for beautiful Roman or roller shades. Choose coverings equipped with a white outer lining for maximum heat-deflection.

Even if you find that you can't afford to cover all of the windows in your home, just do one room or even one or two windows at a time. Start with the hottest room (usually the ones with west-facing windows or those that get the most afternoon sun) and work your way to rooms that are naturally cooler due to vegetation or orientation.

3. Plant Some Trees

This solution won't offer immediate results, but over time can have a dramatic cooling effect. Plant trees around your house to shade walls from the suns heat. Choose trees that grow around 1 - 2 feet per year and make sure to feed and water your saplings appropriately so they can reach their maximum potential. Just remember not to plant new trees too close to your home as spreading roots can damage foundations. Expect the roots of your tree to reach to the same diameter as the upper growth (usually listed on the label) and plan ahead to allow enough room. If you aren't sure how to pick a tree or if you're concerned that you may have a 'brown thumb', most home improvement stores and nurseries have experts on staff who can take you through the process step-by-step.

Alternately, you can grow potted trees or other plants indoors for a less dramatic but more immediate cooling effect. The micro-climate formed by a roomful of potted plants actually lowers air temperature as it improves air quality. Position 'part-sun' potted plants in front of windows to trap more heat and help shade a room.

4. Grow Some Vines

For those who lack the time, patience, or funding to plant shade trees, the plant kingdom offers another option - climbing vines. Fast-growing, hardy, and sporting thousands of tiny solar panels (aka leaves), a mature climber can lower the temperature of an outer wall by as much as 50%. The best part? These plants require almost no maintenance. Read more about selecting and growing vines in this article from the Clemson Extension.

If you're adverse to the idea of a plant growing up the side of your house, you could alternately put up a high trellis and train your climbing vine to grow up this structure instead.

5. Put Up Awnings

A great alternative to indoor window treatments or planting trees are awnings. These handy outdoor shades come in a variety of styles, seemingly endless patterns and colors, and can even be made retractable. For more information on choosing the right awning, read this helpful guide by Better Homes and Gardens.

6. Window Film

Another cost-efficient way to beat the heat is to cover your windows with heat-deflecting window film. These coverings are far less expensive that cloth or woven shades and while they can be difficult to install on your own, two people working together can get the job done fairly easily.

7. Seal Up Air Leaks

Doors and windows with old or damaged seals can be the source of a lot of discomfort in the summertime (as well as in the colder months!) You can usually feel the leaks in doors and windows even if you can't see them - you walk by and a hot draft of air hits you out of nowhere. Don't put off closing up these leaks! Grab a caulk gun and a tube or two of sealant, make sure the seam is clean, then go to work. For help in choosing the appropriate caulk for the job, read this guide. To fix air leaks under doors and windows where sealant isn't an option, first check the weatherstripping - another easy do-it-yourself fix. For larger gaps, you can also purchase or make your own draft dodger.

8. Let in Cool Air

If you know the outdoor temperature is going to drop once the sun goes down, open up a window or two in every room. If your windows are the kind that open from the top down as well as from the bottom up, try opening both ends. As cool air flows in through the bottom crack, heat that has accumulated around the ceiling will be pushed out the top. Also, leave as many interior doors open as you can. This will promote better air circulation throughout your home and help to cool down overheated humans and pets as the breeze flows through the house. Just remember to close all open windows before the temperature climbs again the next day!

9. Mind Your Heat Sources

Try to minimize use of your stove or oven. Make certain that your dryer is properly connected to the output vent and run the machine on low heat whenever possible. Alternately, try installing a clothes line and dry your laundry outdoors to conserve even more on energy and bring down your utility bills. Also, if you haven't already switched all of your old incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescents or light-emitting diodes, summer is the time to do it. Incandescent light bulbs give off a tremendous amount of heat while CFL's and LED's are cooler, last longer, and use a lot less energy.

10. Portable Cooling Device

At some point in your life, you've probably seen people walking around out in the summer heat with a tiny battery-operated fan attached to a spray bottle full of water. You can make something similar in your home that does the same trick without the constant need to spritz water on your face. Just fill up two bottles with water, pop them in the freezer, and wait. Once they're frozen, set one of the bottles between yourself and the business end of a small fan and let the cold air soothe away the summer heat. When the first bottle thaws, swap it out for the spare. Want to cool the air in your whole house this way? No problem! All you need is one fan and two bottles per room.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Genius Ways To Cool Your Home Without Air Conditioning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For the average household, summertime leads to higher energy bills as people crank up the air conditioning in their homes in order to combat rising temperatures outdoors. Unfortunately, families with a tight budget may find themselves forced to choose between in-home comfort or having to make sacrifices in other financial areas.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Having air to breathe is a must for our good health, but it's rather hard to come by these days, due to the constant degradation and air pollution. Even the cleanest environment, room, or air can still be filled with invisible and sometimes visible particles and dirt that may be harming your health or further aggravating already existing health issues.

Odds are, you probably know at least one person who has one, as air purifiers are becoming increasingly popular to eradicate pollutants like smoke, pet dander, allergens, dust, environmental toxins and so on that always seem to find a way to get into your home. An air purifier is an appliance that helps remove these pollutants and can benefit just about everyone as they have HEPA filters that clean and purify the air by trapping particles that a vacuum would just simply recirculate back into the air - and, according to ConsumerSearch expert tests, the filter is able to remove about 99.9% of dust particles and impurities from the air including pollen, mold, spores, pet dander, and/or dust mites.

If you aren't convinced you need one, these reasons will help you understand why every household really should have an air purifier, including yours.

1. Long-Term Health Benefits

Most of us take our health for granted when we're young, but this is a time when our behavior now can play a big part in our health during our later years - and, air quality easily ranks among some of the most influential factors, along with consuming a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and not smoking.

The problem with airborne pollutants is that with many of them, we still don't know exactly what effects they might have in the long term. Like cigarettes, lead and arsenic, which we now know can devastate our health, government regulators are just now beginning to recognize the wide-ranging harmful effects of airborne chemicals. In fact, only about 25 percent of the 82,000 or so chemicals used today in the U.S. have even been tested for their effects on people. And, our body can't always tell us when the air we're breathing is contaminated as much of what is harmful to us can't be detected by smell.

Making smart lifestyle choices really should include thinking about the air we breathe, going well beyond diet and exercise in order to ensure our good health now and in the future.

2. Fighting Off Mold

In many homes, especially in areas of the country that are subject to high humidity levels and lots of moisture, are prone to mold, a type of fungus that requires warmth, moisture, and food to grow. Mold reproduces from tiny spores that can't be seen by the naked eye - and, it wafts through the air indoors as well as out. Typically, it tends to accumulate in areas where moisture levels are higher in the home, like the kitchen, bathrooms or basements.

Mold can cause serious illness to young and old family members alike. Just some of the possible effects of breathing in mold include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and allergies. An air purifier can trap the airborne mold spores in its filter, and prevent them from reproducing or sticking to walls.

3. Battling Cigarette Smoke

We shouldn't have to tell you about the dangers of cigarette smoke, whether inhaled directly, or indirectly through passive, or secondhand smoke. Passive cigarette smoke inhalation has been scientifically proven to cause lung cancer in nonsmokers. Cigarette smoke can pollute indoor air, emit a horrible odor along with smoke particles and toxins that can contaminate an indoor area and be very difficult if not nearly impossible to get rid of. These toxins tend to stick to everything - the walls, the carpets, furniture and so on. It's especially harmful to older adults, children, and those who suffer from allergies or asthma, as it can directly affect their breathing.

Cigarette smoke also contains more than 4,000 chemical compounds and at least 11 known human carcinogens. Only a high-quality air purifier can effectively trap these complex chemicals and odors.

4. Eradicating Germs and Bacteria

Household surfaces contain a lot of harmful bacteria, which can be transferred to any part of our body that comes in contact with the surface. Airborne flu virus particles move from person to person by things like sneezing and coughing, and failure to wash the hands afterward.

Bacteria love those warm, humid areas of your home, and it can cause serious illness to family members and friends of all ages. Using an air purifier reduces your family's risk of these germs and potential subsequent illness.

5. Removing Pet Dander

If you have pets, you have dander in your home. And many people who live with animals experience allergies and other issues that are directly related to it. While that's a consequence many people think that have to suffer through in exchange for these loving relationships, getting an air purifier will help to filter the pet dander from the air in your home, allowing you to breathe easier by leaving the environment cleaner. An air purifier not only removes airborne pet hair, dander and odors but will also help protect your pets from indoor air pollution. Like children, our pets are naturally more susceptible to the effects of poor indoor air as they typically spend more time indoors and are closer to the floor where dust, toxins and airborne chemicals collect.

6. Remove Household Odors

If your house has a bad odor, which can easily happen as many tend to easily absorb strong odors like dirty diapers, a litter box, sweaty humans, and so on, getting an air purifier may be the best thing you ever do, especially if you hope to have guests over. It can help eliminate those unwanted smells, leaving the air in your home fresh and enjoyable to breathe.

7. You Just Moved Into a Brand New Home

Moving into a new home that no one has lived in before is incredibly exciting, but it definitely has its downsides, and indoor air pollutants are one of them. Many new houses are filled with toxins like formaldehyde, something that's considered very hazardous, having been shown to directly cause health issues. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry , being exposed to low levels of formaldehyde can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and airways, and those who are especially sensitive may become ill. Being exposed to high levels of it over many years has been linked to rare nose and throat cancers.

An air purifier can help filter this pollutant as well, which is why it's really a must for anyone living in a brand new home to ensure they're breathing healthy air.

Top 3 Air Purifiers You Can Buy

Given all of that, it's easy to see how important it is to have an air purifier in your home. If you're ready to purchase, these are three of the top air purifiers you can buy.

If you're looking for the best of the best, the Rabbit Air Minus A2 is considered by many to be the top air purifier available today, with an unmatched 6-state air purification process that results in the freshest, cleanest air you can breathe. It has an extra-long life version of a True HEPA filter, which means it will last for as long as three years, as well as a customized filter that allows you to change things up to suit your specific air cleaning needs. You can pick toxin absorption, pet allergies, odor elimination or enhanced germ defense.

Another benefit to this air purifier is that you can customize the front panel as far as both design and color with multiple artistic design choices available. One of the highest rated out there, it is more expensive but worth it.

This air purifier is one of the most popular in recent years. It's one of the best values you'll find , however, the downside is that it's really only good for purifying one room at a time. As it's very lightweight, it can easily be moved from room-to-room. If you're looking for a purifier to use in your bedroom so that you can breathe, and therefore sleep, better at night, this one is definitely ideal - it's incredibly quiet so it won't interrupt your rest.

The GermGuardian features a True HEPA filter which can capture 99.97% of dust and allergens as small as .3 microns, as well as a UV-C light which kills germs and a charcoal filter to capture odors.

For something in between, this air purifier is ideal. And it's made by Honeywell, which is the No. 1 brand recommended by allergists. It also uses a True HEPA filter and a carbon filter, and it can handle a fairly large space - up to 465 square feet. It has some standout features too, like the automatic shut off timer, with two, four and eight-hour intervals.

It has over 1,000 reviews on Amazon with a very high proportion rating the air purifier with the maximum five star rating.

Get $60 In Free Organic Groceries & Natural, Non-Toxic Health & Beauty Products From Thrive Market

Thrive Market's mission is simple: make healthy living and organic food accessible to everyone-regardless of where they live or how much they make. How do they do it? By offering organic, wholesome foods and nontoxic home and body care products for less than what you'll find in traditional retail stores-all delivered straight to your door.

And here at Natural Living Ideas, we have teamed up with Thrive Market to offer our readers $60 worth of free groceries. Simply click the link below to claim your free groceries.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
7 Reasons You Need An Air Purifier + Top 3 Reviewed

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
1. Long-Term Health Benefits Most of us take our health for granted when we're young, but this is a time when our behavior now can play a big part in our health during our later years - and, air quality easily ranks among some of the most influential factors, along with consuming a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and not smoking.

# data[].attributes.body
This helps in our homes because we are breathing better air in our homes. This helps with static in the winter months with dry air around.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
While most people recognize the dangers posed by outdoor environmental pollutants, awareness of the many factors that compromise indoor air quality are not as well-known. Because we spend so much of our time inside - an average of ninety percent - everyone can benefit from the understanding of how to purify and maintain healthy air in the home and office.

Before you begin to improve indoor air quality, you may want to invest in an indoor air quality monitor - such as this popular Multi Tester Indoor Air Quality Monitor. Consistently measuring air quality is the best way to ensure the changes you make are yielding improvements.

1. Increase Ventilation

This advice may seem simple at first, but there is more to improving the ventilation in your home or office than just opening a window. Outdoor air may still contain pollution that you don't want in your living spaces. Instead, consider installing trickle vents (such as these) to purify and cycle the air you breathe indoors.

2. Natural Air Conditioning

While it may seem like a better option than running your central cooling system in the summer months, resist the temptation to open all of your windows which will allow pollutants to enter your living space. Instead, try some of these tips to cool your home naturally.

- Use ceiling fans

- Install heat-blocking window treatments

- Minimize use of heat-producing appliances

- Grow plants for shade

For more information on these tips and more, check out this article.

3. Indoor Air Filters

HEPA filters are an effective way to remove unwanted contaminants from indoor air. For use in both central air systems and portable air purifiers, HEPA filters should be changed regularly for maximum health benefits.

If you'd like to invest in an indoor air purifier, you may be interested to read our review of three of the best on the market. Hint: this Germ Guardian 3 in 1 Air Purifier is the best budget option.

4. Eliminate the Source

Excessive moisture, dust build-up, smoking, and the use of chemical products like paint, detergents, and synthetic fibers are among the most common causes of indoor air pollution. Try to eliminate as many of these sources from your living spaces as possible and always be on the lookout for all-natural alternatives to chemical-laden household items.

5. Use Beeswax Candles

If you like to burn candles for natural light, avoid paraffin candles which release petroleum byproducts into the air. Instead, opt for beeswax candles. Beeswax burns clean and offers the added benefit of ionizing air to neutralize toxic compounds and other contaminants.

As an added bonus, beeswax candles burn slowly, so you have to replace them less often. Try some of these candles from Bluecorn Naturals.

6. Salt Lamps

Himalayan pink salt is another natural ionic air purifier that pulls toxins from the environment and neutralizes them. Add an Himalayan pink salt lamp to any room in your home or office for both functionality and decoration.

If you don't already own a Himalayan pink salt lamp, you don't know what you're missing! For more information on the health benefits of HPS lamps, read this article.

Want to try purifying your home air with salt lamps? You can purchase them from this page on Amazon.

7. Activated Charcoal

Another great way to purify indoor air is with activated charcoal. Also known as active carbon or simply carbon, activated charcoal is odorless and highly-absorptive. Carbon air filters can be purchased from many supermarkets and home improvement stores or from here on Amazon.

8. Houseplants

Plants are Mother Nature's air purifiers. Try growing any of these houseplants to filter toxins from the air in your home or office:

Further Reading: 13 Best Houseplants To Clean Indoor Air

Most of these plants are readily available at any home improvement store or nursery, are fairly easy to take care of, and will liven up your living space while naturally cleaning the air you breathe.

Get $60 In Free Organic Groceries & Natural, Non-Toxic Health & Beauty Products From Thrive Market

Thrive Market's mission is simple: make healthy living and organic food accessible to everyone-regardless of where they live or how much they make. How do they do it? By offering organic, wholesome foods and nontoxic home and body care products for less than what you'll find in traditional retail stores-all delivered straight to your door.

And here at Natural Living Ideas, we have teamed up with Thrive Market to offer our readers $60 worth of free groceries. Simply click the link below to claim your free groceries.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
1. Increase Ventilation This advice may seem simple at first, but there is more to improving the ventilation in your home or office than just opening a window. Outdoor air may still contain pollution that you don't want in your living spaces.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You don't know what you're missing if you've never owned a Himalayan salt lamp. It's like having an open window - a softly glowing natural source of fresh, clean air - on your desk, in your living room, next to the bed, or anywhere you choose to put it.

Looking to buy an authentic Himalayan salt lamp? This beautiful Levoit Kana Himalayan Salt Lamp is our top pick for the best salt lamp on the market. (Although we reveal some more great picks at the end of this article!) See the price on Amazon here.

Before we dive into the health benefits of using Himalayan salt lamps in your home, it may be helpful to first have a brief chemistry lesson:

All matter (the human body, air, water, etc) is made up of molecules which are made up of atoms which are made up of three types of particles: protons (positive charge), electrons (negative charge), and neutrons (no charge). Electrons orbit their molecules like planets revolve around a star. Occasionally an electron flies off and when it does, it leaves behind a positively-charged ion whose sole purpose in life becomes to fill the void left by its little lost electron. In other words: it wants to steal a replacement electron from another molecule. Due to differences in molecular structure (number of electrons in the outermost orbit, strength and structure of electron bonds, etc) some materials lose electrons much more easily than others.

With this basic understanding of the behaviors of positive and negative ions fresh in your mind, let's take a look at the top ten benefits of the Himalayan Salt Lamp, before we reveal how to place the lamps around your home and the best salt lamps available to buy.

1. Salt Lamps Cleanse & Deodorize the Air

Probably the most well-known benefit - and why the majority of people use them - is due to their incredible power to remove dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants from the air. "But how do they do this," you ask? "It's just a big chunk of salt with a light bulb inside, right?"

Well yes, but no. There's much more to it than that.

Himalayan salt lamps purify air through the power of hygroscopy, meaning that they attract water molecules from the surrounding environment then absorb those molecules - as well as any foreign particles they may be carrying - into the salt crystal. As the HPS lamp warms up from the heat produced by the light bulb inside, that same water then evaporates back into the air and the trapped particles of dust, pollen, smoke, etc remain locked in the salt.

2. Reduce Allergy & Asthma Symptoms

Because Himalayan salt lamps remove microscopic particles of dust, pet dander, mold, mildew and the like from the surrounding air, placing a lamp or two in the rooms where you spend the most time can seriously cut back on allergy symptoms. Even people who suffer from asthma should notice a big difference after a week or two. (In fact, Himalayan pink salt is so good for your airways, there are even HPS Inhalers!)

3. Eases Coughing

When the Himalayan salt lamp heats up and begins its hygroscopic cycling of airborne particles, it also changes the charge of the molecules which are released. (Remember our chemistry lesson?) The majority of homes are filled with positively charged ions which aren't particularly good for a person's health. The positive ions are created by a number of things, but the primary source for most of us is from our electronics.

One of the health detriments of breathing lots of positive ions in the air is that the cilia (microscopic hairs) which line the trachea (aka: windpipe) become sluggish and don't work as well to keep contaminants out of our lungs. As a Himalayan pink salt lamp absorbs water and particles from the air, it also takes positive ions with them. Then, when the heated salt releases cleansed water vapor back into the air, it also expels negative ions which have the opposite effect on our airways - increasing cilial activity to keep your lungs clear.

What all this means in a nut shell: Besides removing contaminants from the air, Himalayan pink salt lamps also help your body to filter air more efficiently so any foreign particles you do happen to breathe won't make it into your lungs.

4. Increase Energy Levels

Taking a drive through the countryside with the windows down, spending time at the beach or camping in the mountains, or simply taking a shower first thing in the morning are all things that many people find invigorating. It's not a coincidence that these are all activities which expose us to increased concentrations of negative ions such as those generated by Himalayan salt lamps. The fact is, positive ions sap our bodies of energy. Unfortunately, it's all too common for us to try to diagnose the problem as something else entirely.

If you constantly feel tired and don't know why, try keeping a Himalayan salt lamp in the room or rooms where you spend the most time. After about a week, you should notice a difference.

5. Neutralize Electromagnetic Radiation

Nowadays, most of us are living in a metaphorical ocean of electromagnetic (EM) radiation which flows from our electronics (ie: television, computer, cell phone, tablet, appliances, sterio, etc). While they may be invisible, the long-term effects of EM exposure can be quite serious. Constant exposure to EM radiation is known to increase stress levels, cause chronic fatigue, and decrease the body's immune response, among other things.

As they emit negative ions into the air, Himalayan salt lamps work to neutralize electromagnetic radiation. Keep one next to the computer, television, and any other electrical devices which you use frequently to reduce the potential danger to you and your family.

6. Better Sleep

Another side effect which results from over-exposure to positive ions in the air is that it robs you of quality sleep. This happens because those positively-charged particles can actually reduce blood and oxygen supply to the brain resulting in irregular sleep patterns. Himalayan pink salt lamps are natural negative ion generators, thus they can help to reverse this problem. Keep one or two around your bedroom to improve the air quality so you can get a better night's sleep.

Remember, even if you're like me and you can't sleep unless the room is totally dark, you can always turn the lamp off at bedtime. Just leave it on for the rest of the day so it can do its work while you're awake. People in humid climates should be aware that HPS lamps tend to weep when the salt becomes cool. You'll definitely want to protect surfaces by placing a saucer underneath and be sure to follow the instructions for use and care which should be included with your lamp!

7. Improve Mood & Concentration

Himalayan pink salt lamps are a great way to naturally enhance your mood or to help you relax and unwind at the end of the day. At the same time and on the opposite side of the coin, HPS lamps are great for improving concentration. Again, this is due to the effect of the negative ions on your body, improving blood and oxygen supply to the brain and other organs, as well as providing a boost of serotonin - the neurotransmitter which makes us (literally) feel happy.

8. Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder

In addition to generating negative ions which improve mood and energy levels, the soft, natural light given off by a Himalayan pink salt lamp is close enough to the warm glow of sunshine that they can even be used to relieve the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. This year when the days get shorter, fight back the lethargy by surrounding yourself with a few HPS lamps set on timers.

9. Reduce Static Electricity in the Air

While not a "health benefit" at first glance, static is pesky stuff. It causes stress, embarrassment, and frustration. Static zaps you when you least expect it, as you're reaching for a door handle, kissing your husband or wife before bed, or trying to pet your dog or cat. Static can give you a bad hair day, make it impossible to clean crumbs or coffee grounds off of the kitchen counter, and even cause you to accidentally go to work with a sock stuck to the back of your shirt...

(Okay, so that last one may have been a little over-the-top.) The point is, static electricity can be a huge pain and Himalayan pink salt lamps are a natural way to neutralize the airborne ionized particles which cause it.

10. Environmentally-Friendly Light Source

Last, but not least: Himalayan pink salt lamps are environmentally friendly. While only an estimate, the reserves from which HPS is mined measure somewhere between 80 and 600 million tons and is projected to last for at least another 350 years at the current extraction rate. The base of an HPS lamp is generally carved from a sustainable wood such as neem. Some lamps use a low-wattage bulb which consumes very little energy while others are powered by a lit candle.

Choosing & Placing Your Himalayan Pink Salt Lamp

When it comes to buying Himalayan pink salt lamps, coverage is determined by the size of the crystal. Smaller lamps ( like this 5-8 lbs lamp) are good for the average bedroom, while larger lamps ( like this 11-15 lbs lamp) are better for spaces like the living room or den. On average, calculate that 1 lb of Himalayan salt crystal will cleanse the air in approximately a 4′ x 4′ area.

If you can't find a large enough lamp for any given room, remember that you can use multiple lamps spread out around the space for the same effect.

Top 5 Best Himalayan Salt Lamps

In 2017, thousands of Lumière Himalayan Salt Lamps sold at Michaels stores and through Amazon between July and November 2016 were voluntarily recalled. A fault meant that once the lamp was plugged in it could overheat and potentially catch fire - making them a shock and fire hazard.

It's important to note that this affected a very small percentage of all lamps sold but does highlight the importance of buying a high quality Himalayan salt lamp from a reputable seller. Below we reveal five of the best Himalayan salt lamps from the most reputable sellers...

I highly recommend building a whole-home collection of these beautiful lights even if you only buy one or two at a time. Start by purchasing appropriately-sized lamps for those areas where you spend the most time, then move on to rooms with lots of electrical devices, and finish your collection by adding lamps to infrequently-used spaces.

For smaller rooms, or simply for added variety, consider adding some Himalayan Salt Lamp Candle Holders to your collection. Alternatively, this Samgreho Wall Plug Himalayan Salt Lamp makes another great portable salt lamp. On the opposite end of the scale, if you are looking to make a big statement (or you just really love salt lamps), then this absolutely giant Indus Classic Salt Lamp is for you - but only if you have very deep pockets!

Remember, Himalayan pink salt crystals will begin to melt with prolonged exposure to high humidity. For this reason, use caution and keep a close watch on any HPS lamps positioned near sources of steam such as dishwashers, laundry machines, or showers.

Also, as previously mentioned, results of negative ion generation may take about a week to be noticeable, so don't give up if you don't feel the improvement right away.

More Ways To Purify Home Air

Himalayan pink salt lamps aren't the only way to improve air quality in your environment. Pair them with air purifying houseplants or any of these other simple, yet brilliant techniques to naturally purify the air in your home so you and your family can breath the healthiest, cleanest air possible!

Then be sure to pick up even more excellent information on how to use Himalayan pink salt (in it's non-lamp form) to fortify your health with these 10 Miraculous Benefits Of Himalayan Pink Salt!

Get $60 In Free Organic Groceries & Natural, Non-Toxic Health & Beauty Products From Thrive Market

Thrive Market's mission is simple: make healthy living and organic food accessible to everyone-regardless of where they live or how much they make. How do they do it? By offering organic, wholesome foods and nontoxic home and body care products for less than what you'll find in traditional retail stores-all delivered straight to your door.

And here at Natural Living Ideas, we have teamed up with Thrive Market to offer our readers $60 worth of free groceries. Simply click the link below to claim your free groceries.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Reasons To Have A Himalayan Salt Lamp In Every Room Of Your Home

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You don't know what you're missing if you've never owned a Himalayan salt lamp. It's like having an open window - a softly glowing natural source of fresh, clean air - on your desk, in your living room, next to the bed, or anywhere you choose to put it.

# data[].attributes.body
The filters are an effective way to remove unwanted contaminants from indoor air. Hepa fliters should be changed regularly for maximum health benefits. Long- term health benefits, fighting off Mold, battling cigarette smoke, eradicating germs and bacteria, removing pet dander, remove household odours, and you just moved into a brand new hom

# data[].attributes.body
do not allow smoking

ensure fuel-burning appliances are well maintained and inspected regularly

vent stoves and flue gas heaters outdoors

ensure any leaks and cracks in walls, floors and roofs are fixed

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Can I do anything to reduce air pollution in my home?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Yes. The changes you can make depend on the source of your contaminants. Indoor air pollution can come from both outdoor or indoor sources. Some chemicals are directly emitted from aerosols, cleaning products, soft furnishings, flooring, the surfaces of building materials and other products.

# data[].attributes.body
Outdoors may contain pollution that you don’t want in your living spaces. Installing trickle vents to purify and cycle the air you breathe indoors

# data[].attributes.body
Salt lamps are natural ionic air purifier that pulls toxins from the environment and neutralizes them.

They cleanse and deodorize the air, Reduce allergy, Asthma symptoms, Eases coughing, increase energy levels, neutralize electromagnetic radiation, better sleep, improve mood, concentration, treat seasonal affective disorder, reduce static electricity in the air, and environmentally-friendly light source

# data[].attributes.body
Use ceiling fans, install heat- blocking window treatments, minimize use of heat- producing appliances, and grow plants for shade.