Last updated: June 2025

Improving The Quality of The Air In Your Home: A Complete Guide

Did you know the air inside your home can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air? From dust mites to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), indoor air quality impacts your health, sleep, and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with allergies, asthma, or just want a fresher living space, this guide delivers practical, expert-backed strategies for improving the quality of the air in your home.

Table of Contents

• Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
• How to Assess Your Home’s Air Quality
• 10 Proven Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
• Do Houseplants Really Help? (Spoiler: It’s Complicated)
• FAQ: Your Top Air Quality Questions Answered

Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

Before fixing the problem, you need to know what’s causing it. Here are the top culprits:

• Combustion sources: Gas stoves, fireplaces, or tobacco smoke release carbon monoxide and particulate matter.
• Building materials: Older insulation, pressed wood, or paint may contain formaldehyde or asbestos.
• Household products: Cleaning sprays, air fresheners, and even candles emit VOCs.
• Biological contaminants: Mold, pet dander, dust mites, and pollen thrive in humid or poorly ventilated spaces.

How to Assess Your Home’s Air Quality

Step 1: Conduct a sensory check
Notice musty odors, excessive dust, or condensation on windows? These signal poor ventilation or mold growth.

Step 2: Monitor health symptoms
Frequent headaches, allergy flare-ups, or dry throats at home? Track when symptoms worsen (e.g., after cleaning or cooking).

Step 3: Use an air quality monitor
Devices like the EPA-recommended monitors measure PM2.5, VOCs, CO2, and humidity levels.

Sign	Possible Issue
Persistent coughing	Dust mites or mold
Eye irritation	High VOC levels
Stuffy air	Poor ventilation

10 Proven Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

1. Increase Ventilation

How-to: Open windows for 10–15 minutes daily (even in winter) to cycle out stale air. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.

Pro tip: Install trickle vents if you live in noisy or highly polluted areas.

2. Use Air Purifiers Strategically

Choose a purifier with a HEPA filter for allergens and a carbon filter for odors/VOCs. Place units in bedrooms or living rooms—not corners.

• Best for allergies: Coway Airmega
• Budget pick: Levoit Core 300

3. Control Humidity Levels

Keep humidity between 30–50% to prevent mold and dust mites. Use dehumidifiers in basements and hygrometers to monitor levels.

4. Ditch Toxic Cleaning Products

Switch to EWG-approved cleaners or DIY solutions (e.g., vinegar + baking soda). Avoid sprays with “fragrance” listed.

5. Maintain Your HVAC System

Change filters every 3 months (1 month if you have pets). Schedule annual professional duct cleaning to remove accumulated dust.

6. Ban Smoking Indoors

Secondhand smoke contains 7,000+ chemicals. Designate an outdoor smoking area at least 10 feet from doors/windows.

7. Opt for Hard Flooring

Carpets trap dust, pet dander, and pesticides. Replace with hardwood, tile, or vacuum 2x weekly using a HEPA-filter vacuum.

8. Test for Radon and CO

Radon (the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers) and carbon monoxide are odorless. Use EPA’s radon test kits and install CO detectors.

9. Cook with Care

Gas stoves emit nitrogen dioxide. Always use the range hood (venting outdoors, not recirculating) or open a window while cooking.

10. Adopt a “No Shoes Indoors” Policy

Shoes track pesticides, lead, and bacteria. Provide indoor slippers or a shoe rack by the door.

Do Houseplants Really Help? (Spoiler: It’s Complicated)

While NASA’s 1989 study suggested plants filter VOCs, recent research shows you’d need 10–1,000 plants per square foot for meaningful impact. However, plants like snake plants or peace lilies can modestly boost humidity and mood.

FAQ: Your Top Air Quality Questions Answered

Q: How often should I change my HVAC filter?

A: Every 30–90 days, depending on filter type (fiberglass: 30 days; pleated: 90 days) and pet/child presence.

Q: Are ionizing air purifiers safe?

A: Some emit ozone, a lung irritant. The EPA advises against them. Stick with HEPA/carbon filters.

Q: Can candles worsen air quality?

A: Yes. Paraffin wax candles release soot and VOCs. Use beeswax or soy candles with cotton wicks instead.

Final Thoughts: Breathe Easier Starting Today

Improving the quality of the air in your home doesn’t require expensive overhauls. Small changes—like cracking a window, swapping cleaning products, or upgrading your vacuum filter—add up to significant health benefits. Start with one step from this guide, monitor improvements, and gradually incorporate more strategies.