Breathe Easier: Simple Ways to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home

By the Mercury Team

Your home should be a sanctuary, a place where you feel comfortable and safe. However, the air inside your home can often be more polluted than the air outside. Everyday activities and common household items can release pollutants that affect your health and comfort.

Fortunately, you don’t need to undertake a major renovation to make a big difference. This guide will walk you through simple, effective ways to improve indoor air quality, helping you create a healthier living space for you and your family.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. This is because modern homes are often sealed tightly for energy efficiency, which can trap pollutants inside.

Common indoor air pollutants include:

• Dust and Pet Dander: Allergens that can trigger respiratory issues.
• Smoke: From cooking, candles, or fireplaces.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Chemicals released from paints, cleaning supplies, furniture, and air fresheners.
• Allergens: Pollen, mold spores, and dust mites that can cause allergic reactions.

Improving the air quality in your home is a simple step toward creating a healthier environment. For more ideas on how to make your home healthier, explore these affordable ways to create an eco-friendly home.

Common Causes of Poor Air Quality Indoors

Understanding the sources of indoor air pollution is the first step toward addressing them. Many everyday activities contribute to poor air quality without you even realizing it.

Common causes include:

• Cooking Fumes: Frying, searing, and even boiling can release particulates and gases into the air.
• Mold and Mildew: Damp areas in bathrooms, basements, or kitchens can harbor mold, which releases spores.
• Chemical Cleaners: Many household cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that emit VOCs.
• Inadequate Ventilation: Without proper airflow, pollutants become concentrated indoors.

Regular home maintenance is key to managing these sources. Tasks like cleaning exhaust fans and checking for leaks can prevent pollutants from building up.

How To Improve Indoor Air Quality

You can take several practical steps to start improving your home’s air quality right away. These methods range from using technology to making simple behavioral changes.

Use Air Purifiers Effectively

A common question homeowners have is, what do air purifiers do? Air purifiers are devices that sanitize the air by capturing and removing contaminants. Most effective models use a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, which can trap 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander.

To get the most out of your air purifier:

• Place it strategically: Position the unit in the room where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom or living room. Ensure it has clear space around it for optimal airflow.
• Maintain it properly: Replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A clogged filter can’t work effectively.

Increase Ventilation and Airflow

One of the best ways to increase indoor air quality is to bring fresh air in and let stale air out.

• Open windows: Even opening windows for just 5-10 minutes a day can significantly reduce indoor pollutant levels.
• Use exhaust fans: Run the exhaust fan in your kitchen while cooking and in your bathroom during and after showering to vent moisture and fumes outside.
• Maintain your HVAC system: Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system circulates air throughout your home. Be sure to replace your air filters every one to three months and have the system professionally serviced annually. These simple summer home maintenance tips can help keep your system running efficiently.

Choose Air-Purifying Plants for a Natural Boost

Houseplants are not only beautiful but can also help clean the air. Certain plants are known for their ability to absorb common toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, particularly when placed in close proximity to each other in various areas of the home.

Consider adding these air-purifying plants to your home:

• Snake Plant: Extremely low-maintenance and known for filtering air even at night.
• Spider Plant: Great for removing formaldehyde and xylene. It’s also non-toxic to pets.
• Peace Lily: Effective at removing ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde. Keep in mind that peace lilies are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

Place plants in well-lit areas, but be mindful of your pets. Research any plant to ensure it’s safe for your furry family members before bringing it home.

Reduce Sources of Indoor Pollution

Preventing pollutants from entering your home in the first place is a highly effective strategy.

• Choose low-VOC products: When painting or buying new furniture, look for products labeled as low-VOC or no-VOC.
• Switch to natural cleaners: Use simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda for cleaning to reduce chemical exposure.
• Maintain detectors: Ensure your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Test them monthly and replace batteries as needed.
• Leave shoes at the door: A no-shoes policy inside can drastically reduce the amount of dirt, pesticides, and other pollutants tracked into your home.

When To Call a Professional

Sometimes, indoor air quality issues are beyond a simple DIY fix. If you’ve tried the tips above and still experience issues like persistent musty odors or allergy symptoms, it may be time to call a professional.

Signs that you might need an expert include:

• Visible mold growth covering a large area.
• Lingering odors that you can’t identify.
• Symptoms of poor air quality (headaches, fatigue, respiratory irritation) that improve when you leave the house.

A professional can inspect your HVAC system and ductwork for hidden mold or blockages that could be contributing to the problem.

How Mercury Helps Safeguard Your Home

While you take steps to make your home healthier, it’s also important to ensure it’s protected from unexpected events.

“A safer home often means a lower risk of claims, which can lead to more affordable homeowners insurance premiums,” explains Bonnie Lee, VP, Homeowner Claims for Mercury Insurance. “A comprehensive homeowners insurance policy protects you financially from covered losses like fire and smoke damage, which can severely impact your home’s air quality.”

Mercury also offers optional coverages that provide an extra layer of protection, helping you maintain your home’s critical systems and prevent issues before they start. Regular safety checks, like a home safety audit, are a great way to identify potential hazards and keep your home secure.

Final Thoughts

Improving your home’s air quality doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By taking small, consistent steps, like opening windows, changing filters, and choosing safer products, you can create a healthier and more comfortable environment for your family. These simple actions contribute to the overall safety and well-being of your home.

Contact us today for a fast, free homeowners insurance quote!