How to Improve the Air Quality of Your Home

The quality of air inside your home plays a critical role in your overall health and comfort. It's important to maintain a clean and fresh indoor environment, especially in urban areas like Redwood City, where outdoor air pollutants such as vehicle emissions and seasonal wildfires can contribute to poor indoor air. Fortunately, there are several ways to improve the air quality in your home to make it healthier for you and your family. In this guide, we’ll explore practical steps you can take to purify your home’s air and ensure a safe and comfortable living space.

1. Ventilation: Let Fresh Air In

Increasing ventilation is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve air quality. Proper ventilation ensures fresh outdoor air circulates inside your home, diluting indoor pollutants that can build up from cooking, cleaning, or breathing.

Here are some ventilation strategies for Redwood City homeowners:

Open windows and doors: On days when the air quality outside is good (you can check local air quality reports), open windows and doors to let fresh air flow in and push out stagnant indoor air.
Use exhaust fans: In kitchens and bathrooms, make sure to use exhaust fans while cooking or showering to remove moisture and odors that contribute to poor air quality.
Consider a whole-house ventilation system: If your home is tightly sealed or you live in an area where it’s difficult to get fresh air regularly, a whole-house ventilation system can help. These systems mechanically pull in outdoor air and distribute it throughout your home.

2. Invest in an Air Purifier

Air purifiers are great tools for capturing airborne particles that can reduce indoor air quality, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. An air purifier can be especially beneficial if you live in Redwood City, which experiences poor air quality during wildfire season. Look for air purifiers equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which can capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles. To optimize their effectiveness, consider placing an air purifier in the rooms where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom or living room.

3. Control Humidity Levels

High humidity levels can encourage the growth of mold and mildew, both of which can negatively impact air quality and lead to respiratory issues. Conversely, air that’s too dry can cause irritation in your respiratory system.

In Redwood City’s coastal environment, humidity levels can vary, so maintaining an ideal indoor humidity level of 30% to 50% is key. Here’s how you can control indoor humidity:
Use a dehumidifier: During the rainy season or when humidity is high, a dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from the air, reducing the risk of mold growth.
Fix leaks: Check for any leaks in your home, especially in areas like the basement, attic, or bathroom. Fixing leaks will prevent excess moisture from seeping into your home and causing mold to grow.
Add moisture when needed: During the dry season or when your heating system is in use, the air inside your home may become too dry. A humidifier can help keep the air at a comfortable moisture level.

4. Keep Your Home Clean

Keeping your home clean is another simple yet effective way to improve indoor air quality. Dust, allergens, and chemicals can accumulate on surfaces and get recirculated into the air.

Here are some cleaning tips to improve air quality:

Vacuum regularly: Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to capture small particles contributing to poor air quality. Be sure to vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery at least once a week.
Dust frequently: Dusting surfaces such as shelves, countertops, and furniture with a damp cloth helps prevent allergens from becoming airborne.
Wash bedding and curtains: Fabrics like bedding and curtains can harbor dust mites and allergens. Wash them regularly to keep your indoor air cleaner.

5. Avoid Synthetic Fragrances and Harsh Cleaning Products

Many household products, such as air fresheners, candles, and cleaning supplies, can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are harmful chemicals that can contribute to poor indoor air quality and cause respiratory problems.

In Redwood City, where residents may already be exposed to pollutants from nearby urban areas, minimizing exposure to VOCs is crucial. Here’s what you can do:

Opt for natural alternatives: Choose fragrance-free or naturally scented products, and look for eco-friendly cleaning supplies made with non-toxic ingredients.
Limit the use of air fresheners: Instead of synthetic air fresheners, try using essential oils in a diffuser or place bowls of baking soda around the home to absorb odors.
Use non-toxic cleaners: Switch to cleaning products that are labeled as non-toxic or make your own cleaners using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.

6. Add Indoor Plants

Indoor plants not only beautify your space but can also improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Some plants can even filter out toxins from the air.

Consider adding these air-purifying plants to your Redwood City home:

Spider plant: Great for removing formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air.
Snake plant: Known for its ability to filter out formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
Aloe vera: Helps reduce benzene and formaldehyde levels.
Peace lily: Can remove ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.

Be mindful of which plants are pet-friendly if you have animals, as some common houseplants can be toxic to pets.

7. Replace HVAC Filters Regularly

Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system greatly maintains indoor air quality. The filters in your HVAC system trap dust, pollen, and other airborne pollutants. However, when filters become clogged, they can no longer effectively filter the air and may even circulate pollutants back into your home.

To ensure your HVAC system is helping rather than hurting your air quality:

Change filters regularly: Check and replace your HVAC filters every one to three months, depending on usage and the filter type. If you have pets or live in a wildfire-prone area, you may need to change them more often.
Consider upgrading to a HEPA filter: Some HVAC systems can be fitted with HEPA filters, which provide an extra layer of protection against airborne pollutants.

8. Test for Radon and Carbon Monoxide

Radon and carbon monoxide are both odorless, colorless gases that can pose serious health risks if not detected. While radon occurs naturally in the soil and can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, carbon monoxide is produced by burning fuel in appliances like gas stoves and furnaces.

To ensure your home in Redwood City is safe from these gases:

Install carbon monoxide detectors: Place detectors in key areas of your home, such as near bedrooms and on each level of your home.
Test for radon: Radon testing kits are available for homeowners to ensure their indoor air is free from this hazardous gas.

Improving the air quality of your home is essential for your health, especially in areas like Redwood City, where air pollutants from urban environments and seasonal wildfires can affect indoor air. By implementing the strategies above—ventilating properly, using air purifiers, maintaining a clean home, and making other air-quality improvements—you can create a healthier, more comfortable living space for you and your family.

Ready to find a home in Redwood City that offers both comfort and excellent air quality? Work with Victoria Costantini and the Costantini Team, Redwood City’s local real estate experts. Whether you’re buying or selling, Victoria and her team provide the guidance and expertise you need for a seamless real estate experience. Contact the Costantini Team today to take the first step toward your ideal home!