Indoor air quality has gotten complicated with all the products and conflicting advice flying around. As someone who’s helped Northwest homeowners improve their living environments through better electrical and ventilation systems, I learned everything there is to know about practical improvements that actually work. Today, I’ll share it all with you.
Simple Changes That Make a Difference
Probably should have led with this section, honestly — some of the most effective improvements cost almost nothing. Regular cleaning removes dust and allergens before they become airborne. Vacuum with a HEPA filter, wash bedding weekly in hot water, and damp-dust surfaces instead of pushing particles around with dry cloths.
The Role of Ventilation
Fresh air dilutes indoor pollutants — but only when outdoor air quality is good. That’s what makes ventilation timing endearing to us air quality enthusiasts. Open windows on clean days. Run exhaust fans when cooking or showering. Consider mechanical ventilation systems for homes that stay sealed tight.
Air Purifiers and Filtration
HEPA air purifiers work. They capture particles down to 0.3 micrometers with 99.97% efficiency. Place them in rooms where you spend the most time — bedrooms especially. Size matters: undersized purifiers just waste electricity without cleaning effectively.
Your HVAC filter matters too. Upgrade to MERV 13 if your system can handle it. Change filters on schedule.
Houseplants: Helpful but Limited
Spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies do absorb some pollutants. They also look nice and add humidity. But you’d need a greenhouse to match what a decent air purifier accomplishes. Think of plants as supplements, not solutions.
