Improving your home’s air quality isn’t just about comfort — it can have a real impact on how you feel every day. Whether you’ve been noticing dust gathering faster than usual or allergies that flare up even when you're indoors, these signs might all point to poor air quality. The good news? There are several smart, effective ways to make the air in your home fresher, cleaner, and healthier to breathe. You don’t even need to tackle a full-scale renovation to make a notable difference. With the right updates and daily habits, you can transform your living space into a cleaner environment where you and your guests can breathe easier.
This guide will show you exactly how to get started — from everyday strategies to long-term solutions.
Start With Ventilation
One of the most frequently overlooked ways to improve indoor air quality is by increasing ventilation. When your home lacks fresh airflow, it traps pollutants — including moisture, airborne particles, and odors — that would otherwise move outdoors. You don’t need to throw every window open year-round, but even small changes can bring remarkable results.
Try opening the windows in opposite rooms for just 10 to 15 minutes a day to allow for cross-ventilation. Consider using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove moisture, especially after cooking or showering. Using a window fan to pull the fresh air inside while pushing the stale air out can refresh your living space in no time.
Use Air Purifiers Strategically
Not all air purifiers are created equal, and not every room needs one. That’s why using them strategically matters. A high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter can capture dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and even some airborne bacteria and viruses. The best places to use purifiers are bedrooms, living rooms, or spaces where you spend several hours a day.
Setting up an air purifier near the entrance can help reduce outdoor pollutants from entering the rest of the home. And for those with seasonal allergies or asthma, placing a purifier near the bed can make a noticeable difference in how well you sleep.
Keep Humidity in Check
Humidity levels directly affect your indoor air quality. If the humidity is too high, you invite mold and mildew to grow. If it’s too low, however, the air feels dry and irritating to your nose, throat, and skin. The ideal indoor humidity level ranges between 30% and 50%.
To control moisture, use a dehumidifier in any rooms that feel damp. In winter months, a humidifier can add just enough moisture to make the air feel more comfortable without going overboard. If you want more precision, consider investing in a digital hygrometer to monitor your humidity levels in real time.
Cut Down on Dust
Dust is more than a visual annoyance — it’s a cocktail of dead skin cells, pet hair, pollen, textile fibers, and microscopic debris. These particles float in the air and settle everywhere, especially on flat surfaces and fabric.
To reduce buildup, dust with a damp microfiber cloth instead of a dry one. Wash bedding weekly in hot water. Clean ceiling fans and vents often, as they tend to collect large amounts of dust. If you use rugs or carpets, vacuum frequently using a vacuum with a HEPA filter to avoid blowing dust back into the air.
Ditch Artificial Fragrances
It’s tempting to reach for candles, air fresheners, or plug-ins to make your home smell inviting. However, many scented products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which release chemicals into the air that can irritate your lungs or contribute to indoor pollution.
If you love pleasant scents, try natural alternatives. Essential oil diffusers with pure oils like lavender or eucalyptus offer fragrance without heavy additives. You can also simmer citrus peels or cinnamon sticks on the stove for a cozy, clean smell that won’t linger too long. For a neutral solution, activated charcoal or baking soda placed in small containers can help absorb any unwanted odors.
Choose Low-VOC Paints and Materials
Whenever you renovate or repaint, your material choices affect air quality long after the job is finished. Paint, varnish, and adhesives often contain VOCs, which continue releasing gases long after application — sometimes for months.
Look for low-VOC or no-VOC paints when updating your interiors. Many major brands offer eco-conscious options that look great and leave a cleaner footprint inside your home. If you're buying new furniture, especially pressed-wood products, check for certifications that indicate lower emissions. Even new flooring or cabinetry can contribute to cleaner air if you choose materials designed with air quality in mind.
Introduce Air-Cleansing Houseplants
Plants do more than add a pop of green to your living space. Many can naturally filter out pollutants and produce oxygen. Spider plants, snake plants, peace lilies, and pothos are especially known for their air-purifying capabilities. These varieties are low-maintenance and thrive in a variety of indoor conditions.
Just don’t go overboard — while plants can help freshen your environment, you’ll need quite a few to see a measurable impact on air quality. A handful of plants placed in the living room, home office, and bedroom can complement your other air quality efforts while making your space feel warmer and more relaxing.
Clean and Replace the HVAC Filters
Your HVAC system can either help your air quality or quietly make it worse. When filters get clogged with dust and debris, your system pushes that dirty air back throughout your home. That’s why regular maintenance is key.
Check the filters every month, and replace them at least every 90 days or more frequently if you have pets or allergies. Choose high-efficiency filters with a MERV rating of 8 to 13, depending on your system’s capacity. For best results, your HVAC technician can help you choose one that balances filtration with airflow.
Maintain Your Ducts and Vents
Even with clean filters, your ducts may collect dust, mold, or other particles over time. When that occurs, air traveling through the system can carry contaminants into each room. If you’ve noticed persistent dust buildup, uneven airflow, or strange smells coming from the vents, it might be time for a professional duct inspection. A thorough cleaning every few years can keep things running more efficiently and improve the air you breathe every day.
Create a Weekly Cleaning Routine
Routine maintenance is key. Even if your home looks clean, microscopic pollutants continue to build up every day. A weekly cleaning schedule can keep you on track without feeling like a major chore.
Vacuum the carpets, dust all surfaces, wash the linens, and wipe down the vents. If you keep your windows closed most of the week, set aside a time to air things out. The more consistent you are, the less buildup you’ll have to fight, and the fresher your home will feel year-round.
Breathe Easier With Small Daily Changes
Ultimately, you don’t need to overhaul your entire home to enjoy cleaner air. When you combine new habits with smart tools and thoughtful upgrades, you can create an environment that supports how you want to feel every day.
If you’re ready to find the perfect home in Edina, connect with the
Cari Ann Carter Group for trusted insight.
