When you think about your home in Syracuse, Utah, comfort and beauty may come to mind. But there's another, often overlooked factor that plays a critical role in your well-being: air quality. The air inside your home can affect your energy levels, focus, sleep, respiratory health, and even long-term wellness.
Maintaining fresh, clean air isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential. If you’ve ever woken up with a dry throat, experienced frequent headaches indoors, or noticed lingering odors that just won’t go away, your indoor air may be working against you. Fortunately, there are practical, science-backed ways to improve the air you breathe, and they can be surprisingly simple to implement.
Identify and Eliminate Sources of Indoor Pollution
Before you can enhance the air quality in your home, you need to understand where the problems originate. Common sources of indoor pollution include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paint, new furniture, and cleaning supplies; off-gassing from synthetic materials; mold from damp areas; pet dander; and smoke from cooking or candles.
The first step is to eliminate or reduce these sources. Choose low-VOC or VOC-free paint when updating your walls. Opt for unscented, non-toxic cleaning products that rely on natural ingredients. If you’re buying new furniture, look for pieces that are Greenguard Gold certified or made from solid wood instead of pressed wood or composite materials. Regularly inspect bathrooms and kitchens for signs of mold or mildew, and address any moisture issues promptly with proper ventilation and dehumidifiers.
The first step is to eliminate or reduce these sources. Choose low-VOC or VOC-free paint when updating your walls. Opt for unscented, non-toxic cleaning products that rely on natural ingredients. If you’re buying new furniture, look for pieces that are Greenguard Gold certified or made from solid wood instead of pressed wood or composite materials. Regularly inspect bathrooms and kitchens for signs of mold or mildew, and address any moisture issues promptly with proper ventilation and dehumidifiers.
Boost Ventilation for Better Airflow
Poor ventilation traps pollutants indoors, allowing them to accumulate over time. One of the most effective ways to refresh your home's air is to improve airflow. Start by opening the windows whenever the weather permits, especially when you're cooking, cleaning, or painting. Cross-ventilation — opening the windows or doors on opposite sides of the home — creates a breeze that helps push stale air out and pull fresh air in.
Consider installing exhaust fans in your bathrooms and above your stove if you don't already have them. These fans remove humidity and contaminants right at the source. For even better control, invest in a mechanical ventilation system like an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) or heat recovery ventilator (HRV), which can bring in fresh outdoor air while maintaining your indoor temperature and humidity levels.
Consider installing exhaust fans in your bathrooms and above your stove if you don't already have them. These fans remove humidity and contaminants right at the source. For even better control, invest in a mechanical ventilation system like an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) or heat recovery ventilator (HRV), which can bring in fresh outdoor air while maintaining your indoor temperature and humidity levels.
Invest in an Air Purifier That Matches Your Needs
If you’re serious about removing allergens and dust from your air, choose a purifier that uses a HEPA filter, which can capture 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. For those dealing with chemical vapors or lingering odors, a model that includes activated carbon filtration is particularly effective.
Different rooms may require different solutions. A bedroom may only need a compact, quiet unit, while an expansive living area might benefit from a more powerful air purifier designed for open spaces. If you live with pets or someone with allergies, running a purifier in the most-used rooms of the home can make a noticeable difference.
Different rooms may require different solutions. A bedroom may only need a compact, quiet unit, while an expansive living area might benefit from a more powerful air purifier designed for open spaces. If you live with pets or someone with allergies, running a purifier in the most-used rooms of the home can make a noticeable difference.
Control Humidity to Prevent Mold and Dust Mites
Humidity levels that are too high or too low can disrupt indoor air quality. When humidity exceeds 50%, your home becomes a breeding ground for mold spores, mildew, and dust mites. These microscopic intruders can contribute to respiratory discomfort and allergic reactions.
A hygrometer — a small, inexpensive device — can help you monitor humidity levels in different areas of your home. If readings are consistently high, consider using a dehumidifier, particularly in damp areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms. In the winter, if your indoor air feels dry and you experience static electricity, dry skin, or irritated sinuses, a humidifier can bring balance by adding gentle moisture to the air. Aim to keep humidity between 30% and 50% year-round.
A hygrometer — a small, inexpensive device — can help you monitor humidity levels in different areas of your home. If readings are consistently high, consider using a dehumidifier, particularly in damp areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms. In the winter, if your indoor air feels dry and you experience static electricity, dry skin, or irritated sinuses, a humidifier can bring balance by adding gentle moisture to the air. Aim to keep humidity between 30% and 50% year-round.
Rethink Your Home’s Air Filters
Most homes rely on HVAC systems to maintain indoor comfort, but many overlook the importance of regular filter maintenance. If your air filters are dirty or clogged, your HVAC system has to work harder and may circulate dust, allergens, and other pollutants.
Check your air filters at least once a month, especially during seasons when your system is in heavy use. Replace them every 60 to 90 days — or more frequently if you have pets or allergies. When buying filters, choose those with a higher MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, ideally between 8 and 13. These filters can trap smaller particles without overburdening your HVAC system.
Check your air filters at least once a month, especially during seasons when your system is in heavy use. Replace them every 60 to 90 days — or more frequently if you have pets or allergies. When buying filters, choose those with a higher MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, ideally between 8 and 13. These filters can trap smaller particles without overburdening your HVAC system.
Bring Nature Indoors With Air-Purifying Plants
While plants alone won’t dramatically transform your air quality, they can contribute to a fresher, more pleasant indoor environment. Certain houseplants have been shown to absorb low levels of toxins and help regulate humidity. Beyond their filtering capabilities, plants also offer visual comfort and a sense of calm that enhances the atmosphere of your home.
Some low-maintenance options to consider include snake plants, spider plants, pothos, peace lilies, and bamboo palms. Keep in mind that while these plants can complement your air-purifying strategy, they shouldn’t replace more robust methods like ventilation and filtration.
Some low-maintenance options to consider include snake plants, spider plants, pothos, peace lilies, and bamboo palms. Keep in mind that while these plants can complement your air-purifying strategy, they shouldn’t replace more robust methods like ventilation and filtration.
Clean Regularly and Thoughtfully
Routine cleaning goes hand in hand with healthy indoor air. Dust mites, pet dander, and pollen easily settle on carpets, drapes, bedding, and upholstery. Vacuum at least once a week using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Wash bedding in hot water to kill dust mites, and don’t forget to clean curtains and fabric furniture periodically.
Use microfiber cloths instead of feather dusters, which can stir dust into the air rather than capturing it. When mopping or cleaning hard floors, choose non-toxic, scent-free products to avoid introducing more irritants into your space.
Use microfiber cloths instead of feather dusters, which can stir dust into the air rather than capturing it. When mopping or cleaning hard floors, choose non-toxic, scent-free products to avoid introducing more irritants into your space.
Upgrade to Green Cleaning Products
Many conventional cleaning supplies contain harsh chemicals that release harmful fumes into the air. From ammonia-based glass cleaners to chlorine-laden bleach, these ingredients can degrade air quality over time.
Look for green-certified or plant-based cleaning products that are free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals. You can even make your own with common pantry staples like white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. These alternatives are effective, affordable, and better for your health and the environment.
Look for green-certified or plant-based cleaning products that are free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals. You can even make your own with common pantry staples like white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. These alternatives are effective, affordable, and better for your health and the environment.
Breathe Easier, Live Better
Your home should be a place where you can relax, recharge, and feel your best — and clean air plays a central role in that. Improving your indoor air quality doesn’t require a complete renovation or major investment. It starts with being intentional about what you bring into your home, how you maintain it, and the habits you adopt every day. With a few mindful changes, you’ll create an environment that supports your health and helps you feel more refreshed, energized, and comfortable.
If you’re ready to achieve your homeownership goals in Syracuse, Utah, Doxey Real Estate Group is by your side.
If you’re ready to achieve your homeownership goals in Syracuse, Utah, Doxey Real Estate Group is by your side.
