Indoor air quality is often overlooked, but it plays a significant role in your overall health, comfort, and even energy efficiency. With most people spending 90% of their time indoors, the air inside your home has a direct impact on respiratory health, allergies, sleep, and overall well-being.
The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to make a meaningful improvement. Here are some simple, practical tips for improving your indoor air quality—most of which you can begin implementing today.
1. Replace or Upgrade Your Air Filters Regularly
One of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your indoor air quality is by replacing your HVAC air filters regularly. These filters are your first line of defense against airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores.
- Standard recommendation: Replace every 1–3 months
- High-efficiency filters (HEPA or MERV): Consider upgrading for enhanced filtration
- Bonus tip: Set a calendar reminder so you never forget a change
2. Keep Your Home Clean
Dust, dirt, and pet hair settle into carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces—contributing to poor air quality. A consistent cleaning routine helps control these pollutants before they become airborne.
- Vacuum with a HEPA filter at least once a week
- Dust surfaces with a damp cloth to avoid stirring particles into the air
- Wash bedding and curtains regularly
3. Let Fresh Air In
Proper ventilation is essential for flushing out stale indoor air and bringing in fresh outdoor air. On mild weather days, crack open windows or doors for a short time to help ventilate your home.
4. Control Humidity Levels
High humidity promotes mold growth, while low humidity can irritate the skin and respiratory system. Aim to maintain your home’s humidity between 30%–50%.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp spaces like basements or bathrooms
- Run exhaust fans during cooking or showering
- Consider a whole-home humidifier during dry winter months
Balanced humidity improves air quality and makes your home feel more comfortable.
5. Add Indoor Plants (
Some indoor plants, like peace lilies and snake plants, are known to help filter indoor air. However, it’s important to choose plants carefully and avoid overwatering, which can lead to mold growth in soil. If you or someone in your home has allergies, consider whether plants may aggravate symptoms before adding them. Also, be sure to check if plants are toxic to pets if you have four-legged family members.
6. Eliminate Chemical Pollutants
Many household products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can lead to headaches, respiratory issues, and long-term health effects.
- Choose natural or low-VOC cleaning products
- Avoid aerosol sprays and synthetic air fresheners
- Store chemicals like paint or pesticides away from living areas
- Use proper ventilation when using strong-smelling cleaners or adhesives
7. Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance
Even the best DIY efforts can fall short if your HVAC system isn’t properly maintained. During a professional tune-up, your technician will:
- Inspect and clean system components
- Check ductwork for leaks and debris
- Ensure proper airflow and ventilation
- Recommend upgrades like air purifiers or humidifiers
Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently and ensures it’s contributing to clean, healthy air.
Contact Potter Heating Cooling & Plumbing today to schedule your HVAC services. Our team is here to help with all of your heating and air conditioning needs.