How to Improve the Air Quality of Your Home

Indoor air plays a more significant role in your daily life than many people realize. Did you know that the average person spends 90% of their time indoors? That means the air quality in your home can impact how you feel day after day. Clean, well-ventilated spaces make a difference in how easy it is to work, relax, or recharge. Paying attention to air quality is not just for people with allergies or sensitivities — it benefits everyone in the household.

Improving the air inside your home doesn't require renovations. A few straightforward changes can help reduce airborne particles, control moisture, and make your space feel fresher. This guide outlines how to improve the air quality of your home with practical and effective tips you can apply immediately.

• Indoor air can contain certain pollutants at concentrations up to 70 times higher than what's found outdoors. (Source: USEPA)
• One in six people with allergies may be affected by bacteria and fungi in HVAC ductwork. (Source: Total Health and Better Health Magazines)
• The EPA includes indoor air quality on its list of the top five environmental health risks. (Source: EPA)
• On an average day, a person breathes in about 3,000 gallons of air. (Source: EPA)

Air filters trap dust, pet dander, and particles moving through your HVAC system. When filters are left unchanged for too long, they lose their ability to clean the air efficiently. Replacing filters on a routine schedule helps your system circulate cleaner air throughout the home.

Most HVAC systems use disposable filters that should be changed every one to three months, depending on use and indoor conditions. Higher-quality filters may last longer but still need regular inspection. If you use portable air purifiers, those filters also require maintenance. Clean filters reduce strain on your system and improve airflow.

Cooking releases smoke, grease, and moisture into the air, especially when using high heat or oils. Without good ventilation, these particles remain in your kitchen and spread through nearby rooms. Using a range hood or an overhead fan with direct outdoor venting can help pull these airborne materials out of the house.

If you don’t have a complete ventilation system installed, cracking a window or running an exhaust fan while cooking can reduce indoor buildup. These small steps make a difference in daily air quality, especially in tight or enclosed kitchen layouts.

Excess humidity indoors can contribute to the spread of allergens and make the air feel heavier. Running a dehumidifier in rooms where moisture collects — such as basements, laundry rooms, or bathrooms — helps control levels. Keeping humidity between 30% and 50% creates a healthier balance indoors.

In drier climates, moisture issues may appear as isolated damp spots near plumbing or poorly ventilated spaces. Identifying and managing these areas with better airflow or moisture barriers helps maintain consistent air quality.

Some plants can improve the composition of indoor air. While plants aren’t a substitute for mechanical filtration, they can add a light natural effect and contribute to cleaner oxygen in small spaces. Popular options include snake plants, pothos, and spider plants, which require little upkeep.

If you add plants to your home, place them in areas that benefit from the visual and environmental upgrade, like living rooms or workspaces. Keeping them healthy and rotating them occasionally allows them to perform well without crowding the space.

Air quality often suffers when allergens collect in carpets, curtains, or bedding. Frequent cleaning using vacuums with HEPA filters helps manage particles that might settle over time. Washing linens and pillowcases on a routine schedule also reduce buildup.

Limiting wall-to-wall carpeting in favor of hardwood or tile helps control trapped particles. If you have pets, grooming them regularly and cleaning their spaces can also reduce the amount of dander entering the air.

If your filters look dusty or discolored or your HVAC system runs more frequently, it may be time to replace them. For most households, every one to three months is recommended.

Testing isn't required for every home, but it can be helpful if you notice unusual smells, discomfort, or persistent dust. A professional can identify hidden sources of air problems and recommend targeted improvements.

Common causes include inadequate ventilation, outdated filters, excess moisture, and household products that release VOCs. Cooking, smoking, and pet activity can also impact indoor conditions.

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