Take Care of Your Air: 5 Tips to Breathe Easier at Home

Did you know that the air in our homes can be up to 10 times worse in quality than the outdoors?

Between neighbors who smoke tobacco and chemical-laden home cleaning products, there is no shortage of sources that affect your indoor air quality. Here are five ways you can improve the air quality in your home.

To learn more or schedule an inspection, visit our indoor air quality page.

1. Clean your HVAC When is the last time your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) system got some TLC? Replace the filter every 3 months - more often if you have a pet or use your fireplace often.

   

   
   

2. Ventilate your kitchen Many over-the-stove range hoods, especially in apartments, don't actually ventilate. Unless it is ducted to an external wall, your range hood just recirculates the air in your kitchen. To avoid increased humidity when cooking (which could cause mold growth and respiratory problems), keep a window open while you use the stove.
   

3. Install an ERV An ERV (energy recovery ventilator) is essentially an air exchanger that brings in and filters air from outside while pushing out unclean air from inside. ERVs can be installed by HVAC contractors. While the cost for equipment and labor can reach $2,500, it is one of the most effective ways to ensure you have fresh air indoors.
   

4. Limit VOCs VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are indoor air pollutants that are particularly harmful to children and those with preexisting health conditions. They can be found in paints, cleaning supplies, dry cleaning and varnishes. To limit their presence in your home, look for products with UL GreenGuard Gold Certification (certified low in VOCs) and leave your windows open when you bring home brand new furniture and decor.
   

   

   
   

5. Use an air purifier Though air purifiers are not as effective as the above suggestions, the key is to choose one that's the right size for your space, certified ozone-free, has a HEPA filter and a MERV rating of 16 or higher. If your air purifier has a carbon filter (which is great for trapping VOCs and fumes), remember to switch it out regularly.