How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality: 5 Ways + Bonuses

The air inside your residence directly affects your health, comfort, and overall well-being. Poor indoor air quality can lead to allergies, respiratory issues, and long-term health concerns. Since modern homes are built more around energy efficiency, they are often tightly sealed, which can trap airborne pollutants. That’s why you want to be testing your indoor air quality, or at least making sure it’s relatively clean every so often.

At Heart of Ohio, we specialize in HVAC services, indoor air quality services, air purification, and ventilation solutions to help homeowners and businesses in Brunswick, Medina, Akron, and surrounding areas breathe cleaner and live healthier lives. Let’s look at practical ways you can enhance your indoor air quality and start creating a healthier living space.

For Better Indoor Air Quality, Change Your Air Filters Regularly

Your HVAC system circulates air throughout your home, and its filters are responsible for trapping dust, pet dander, pollen, and other airborne pollutants. These dirty filters reduce your airflow and make your system work harder, also allowing the contaminants to spread.

• Replace or clean air filters every 1–3 months to maintain efficiency.
• Upgrade to HEPA filters to capture the smaller particles and improve air quality.
• Check the MERV rating—higher ratings trap more airborne contaminants.

Improve Indoor Ventilation for Cleaner Air

Proper ventilation helps to push out stale, musty air and brings in fresh outdoor air, preventing the buildup of pollutants, odors, and excess moisture.

• Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove humidity and odors.
• Open windows when possible to allow fresh air circulation.
• Install an air exchange system to improve airflow without compromising energy efficiency.

Control Humidity Levels to Prevent Mold and Allergens

Excess moisture in the air creates the perfect conditions for mold growth, dust mites, and allergens, which lower your air quality and can negatively impact your health.

• Keep humidity levels between 30–50% for optimal comfort and air quality.
• Use a dehumidifier in basements or damp areas.
• Run exhaust fans while showering or cooking to reduce indoor moisture levels.

Use an Air Purifier for Better Indoor Air Quality

Air purifiers remove allergens, bacteria, and other airborne contaminants, helping to create a cleaner indoor environment.

• HEPA air purifiers capture fine dust, pollen, and pet dander.
• UV air purifiers destroy airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.
• Activated carbon filters eliminate odors and absorb chemical pollutants.

Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

A well-maintained HVAC system is crucial for clean indoor air. Without proper maintenance, you’re distributing dust, allergens and pollutants throughout your home..

• Schedule professional HVAC maintenance at least once a year.
• Have your air ducts cleaned to prevent dust buildup and musty odors.
• Ensure your HVAC system is properly sized for efficient airflow.

Bonus Indoor Air Quality Tips For Ohio

Use Natural Cleaning Products to Reduce Toxins

Many household cleaners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can negatively impact indoor air quality.

• Choose non-toxic, fragrance-free cleaners to minimize airborne chemicals.
• Use natural alternatives like baking soda and vinegar for cleaning.
• Avoid aerosol sprays, which release fine particles into the air.

Add Indoor Plants for Natural Air Filtration

Certain plants help improve indoor air quality by filtering out toxins and increasing oxygen levels.

• Spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants help remove pollutants.
• Keep plants in well-ventilated areas to prevent excess humidity.
• Be mindful of plant allergies—some plants can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.

Reduce Indoor Pollutants at the Source

One of the best ways to improve air quality is to eliminate pollution at its source.

• Avoid smoking indoors to prevent harmful particles from lingering.
• Limit synthetic fragrances from candles, air fresheners, and laundry products.
• Test for radon and carbon monoxide to ensure a safe home environment.

Keep Your Home Clean to Reduce Dust and Allergens

Regular cleaning prevents dust, pet hair, and allergens from spreading through your HVAC system.

• Vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap fine particles.
• Dust with a damp cloth to capture allergens instead of spreading them.
• Wash bedding and curtains regularly to keep dust mites under control.

Upgrade to a Whole-Home Air Filtration System

For the most effective air purification, a whole-home air filtration system works alongside your HVAC system to remove contaminants.

• Electrostatic and HEPA filters trap even the smallest airborne particles.
• UV light purifiers eliminate bacteria and viruses in air ducts.
• Professional installation ensures efficiency and seamless integration with your HVAC system.

Breathe Easier with Heart of Ohio’s Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Cleaner air starts with the right fixes. Choose Heart of Ohio for all your indoor air quality needs. We specialize in HVAC services, air purification, and ventilation upgrades to help homeowners and businesses in all major Ohio areas.

Call us today to schedule an indoor air quality assessment and take the first step toward fresher, healthier air in your home or business