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How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home: A Complete Guide

  • Eimy Fernandez
  • Feb 12
  • 4 min read

Updated: Feb 27

Table of Contents


White air purifier with digital display showing "006" next to a large green plant. For quality air improvement. Wooden chair on the left. Minimalistic room setting.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

Did you know that indoor air can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA? Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can lead to health issues like allergies, asthma flare-ups, and respiratory problems. It can also affect your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.


Common contributors to poor IAQ include:


  • Inadequate ventilation

  • Poor insulation

  • Outdated heating and cooling systems

  • Indoor pollution sources like gas stoves, cleaning products, and building materials


Improving your home’s air quality isn’t just about health—it’s about creating a safer, more comfortable living environment. Let’s dive into actionable steps you can take today.


Step 1: Identify and Control Pollution Sources

The first step to improving IAQ is identifying and controlling pollution sources. Common culprits include:


  • Combustion appliances (e.g., gas stoves, furnaces, water heaters)

  • Building materials (e.g., asbestos, formaldehyde-based products)

  • Household products (e.g., cleaning supplies, paints, air fresheners)


What you can do:


  • Seal or remove hazardous materials: If your home contains asbestos, consult a professional to seal or remove it safely.

  • Adjust gas stoves: Ensure your gas stove is properly adjusted to minimize emissions. Consider switching to induction cooking (more on this later).

  • Choose low-VOC products: Opt for paints, cleaners, and building materials labeled as low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) to reduce harmful emissions.


Step 2: Improve Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential for reducing indoor air pollutants. Without adequate airflow, pollutants can accumulate and cause health issues.


What you can do:


  • Open windows and doors: Even in winter, opening windows for 10–15 minutes daily can significantly improve air quality.

  • Use exhaust fans: Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to remove contaminants directly from the source.

  • Install energy-efficient ventilation systems: Consider heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) or energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), which exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air without losing energy.


Pro Tip: If you live in a colder climate, balanced ventilation systems can maintain air quality without sacrificing energy efficiency.


Step 3: Use Air Cleaning and Filtration

Air purifiers and HVAC filters can significantly improve IAQ by capturing allergens, dust, and other pollutants.


What you can do:


  • Use HEPA filters: Invest in vacuums and air purifiers with HEPA filters, which capture 99.97% of airborne particles.

  • Upgrade HVAC filters: Replace standard filters with high-efficiency options (MERV 13 or higher) to trap smaller particles.

  • Clean and replace filters regularly: Dirty filters can reduce system efficiency and recirculate pollutants.


Did you know? According to the American Lung Association, using a HEPA filter can reduce airborne allergens by up to 99.97%.


Step 4: Promote Clean Energy Solutions

Clean energy upgrades not only improve IAQ but also enhance home efficiency. Here are some solutions to consider:


Energy Assessments

Schedule a no-cost or low-cost home energy assessment to identify air quality and safety issues, such as mold growth or improper ventilation. These assessments can also reveal opportunities for energy savings.


Clean Heating and Cooling Systems

  • Heat pumps: These systems eliminate fossil fuel combustion and reduce exposure to harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide.

  • Energy-efficient HVAC systems: Upgrade to systems that filter allergens and dust while saving energy.


Induction Cooking

Switch to induction stoves: Unlike gas stoves, which can leak methane and benzene even when turned off, induction stoves are safer, more energy-efficient, and easier to clean.


Step 5: Seal and Insulate for Better Air Quality

Air sealing and insulation are critical for maintaining IAQ and energy efficiency. Proper sealing prevents pollutants and dust from entering your home, while insulation helps control humidity levels and reduce mold growth.


What you can do:


  • Seal air leaks: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps around doors, windows, and ductwork.

  • Upgrade insulation: Improve insulation in attics, walls, and basements to regulate temperature and reduce energy costs.

  • Install high-performance windows: These windows reduce drafts and improve comfort while keeping pollutants out.


Additional Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality

Here are some extra steps you can take to ensure your home’s air is clean and healthy:


  1. Regular Maintenance:

    • Clean air filters monthly and replace them every 3 months.

    • Schedule professional HVAC tune-ups twice a year.

  2. Healthy Habits:

    • Use damp cloths for dusting and mopping to reduce airborne particles.

    • Dry laundry outdoors when possible to avoid releasing moisture and lint into the air.

  3. Monitor Humidity Levels:

    • Use dehumidifiers in damp areas to prevent mold growth.

    • Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30–50% for optimal comfort.

  4. Add Houseplants:

Certain plants, like spider plants and peace lilies, can help remove toxins from the air. However, they should complement—not replace—proper ventilation and filtration.

  1. Avoid Synthetic Fragrances: 

Choose natural alternatives to synthetic air fresheners, which can release harmful chemicals.


Final Thoughts

Improving your home’s indoor air quality is an investment in your health, comfort, and energy efficiency. By following these steps—identifying pollution sources, improving ventilation, using air filtration, and adopting clean energy solutions—you can create a safer, healthier living environment for you and your family.


Ready to take the next step? Contact us today for a professional energy assessment or to learn more about our clean energy solutions. Let’s work together to create a home that’s both comfortable and healthy!


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