6 Tips for Improving Your Home Air Quality

Last updated on May 29, 2024

Here are six simple tips that will help you improve your home air quality in no time. Read on!

There are many factors that impact indoor home air quality. The presence of certain materials or improper ventilation can have a negative effect inside, while external pollutants and climate considerations also play a role.

Improving your home air quality requires a combination of knowledge, intentional upgrades, activities, and a few habit changes. Here are six tips for improving your home air quality so you can breathe a little easier.

Maintain Your HVAC System

Nothing impacts your indoor air quality as much as your HVAC system. Your HVAC is the lungs of your home and impacts how the air travels from room to room. It also impacts the temperature and humidity levels in your house. When poorly maintained, your house is susceptible to mold growth and temperature inconsistencies. Meanwhile, your household becomes at risk for irritation and illness.

Maintaining your HVAC system is the most important thing you can do to improve the air quality of your home. Schedule seasonal tune-up appointments to ensure your filters are clean and everything is functional. Work with an HVAC expert who specializes in indoor air quality and can help you make changes to improve your humidity levels, filtration, and vent cleaning.

Upgrade or Seal Your Windows

Your windows have a significant impact on your home’s air quality. Your windows help with internal temperature and humidity control while also sealing out external pollutants, such as car exhaust, industrial output, and pesticides.

Upgrading and replacing old windows will improve both the air quality and resale value of your home. It can also help you manage heating and cooling costs. If a full window replacement isn’t in the budget, it’s worth checking your windows for drafts and replacing the caulking as needed. Weatherstrips, window film, and insulated curtains are a great way to seal your windows without breaking the bank.

Minimize Your Textiles

Textiles and fabric hold onto pollutants and allergens in the home. Dust mites love a good pile of papers or unwashed curtains. Excess dust and debris find a home in a plush rug, let alone a thick carpet.

Going through your home and minimizing textiles can help you improve your indoor air quality. Clean out the closets to get rid of extra clothing that goes unworn. Declutter your office and get rid of those stacks of old paperwork. Rip out old carpets and replace them with laminate, tile, or hardwood.

While eliminating textiles entirely is impossible (no one expects you to live without curtains or blankets), taking a minimalist approach can be incredibly helpful. Consider investing in hypoallergenic fabrics and creating a cleaning schedule to ensure textiles are laundered regularly.

Improve Your Airflow

The better the airflow in your home, the better the air quality. While maintaining your HVAC system plays an integral role in this task, it’s not the only factor to consider.

If you have fans in your home, use them appropriately based on the season. If not, consider getting fans to improve air circulation around hallways and transitional areas.

Check to ensure that your furniture is spaced away from vents to minimize blockages. It’s best to have furniture placed far from the vents, but that isn’t always possible with certain home styles. If that’s the case, move your sofa or bed away from the wall to improve airflow or invest in minimalist-style furniture.

Use Natural Cleaning Products

If you haven’t already made the shift to natural cleaning products, the time is now. While we tend to think of cleaning products as beneficial for removing pollutants and germs, the fumes they emit can have a negative impact on air quality.

You don’t need to purchase expensive organic brands to keep your air fresh. Hot water, vinegar, baking soda, and some essential oils or citrus peels go a long way in keeping your home shiny and tidy.

Purchase Some Air Purifiers

Finally, invest in a few small air purifiers to offset your non-negotiables. You’re not likely to part with your dog because his fur impacts the air quality or throw out your classic book collection because of dust.

With these simple tips, you can improve the air quality in your home.