Breathe Easy: Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Clean indoor air is important for everyone — especially for people with asthma, allergies, or other lung and heart conditions. Here are some simple ways to keep the air in your home healthier:
Keep Air Fresh and Flowing
- Open windows when weather and outdoor air quality allow. Even opening your windows or doors for 10 minutes per day can help. If outdoor air quality is poor (ex: poor air quality alert days, wildfires affecting your area, living near a factory/freeway/plant, etc.), skip this step.
- Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to reduce moisture and odors
- Avoid blocking air vents and change your HVAC filters regularly (every 1–3 months)
Keep It Clean
- Dust and vacuum regularly using a vacuum with a HEPA filter
- Mop floors to remove dust missed by vacuuming
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water to reduce allergens like dust mites
Reduce Pollutants
- Don’t smoke indoors—secondhand smoke lingers in the air and surfaces
- Limit use of candles and incense
- Avoid harsh cleaning products—choose fragrance-free or natural options
Use Air-Purifying Tools
- Air purifiers with HEPA filters can help remove dust, pollen, and smoke
- Dehumidifiers help reduce mold in damp spaces like basements
- Houseplants may help improve air, but they can also grow mold—choose and care for them wisely
Maintain Appliances
- Check for gas leaks and have gas stoves, heaters, and fireplaces inspected annually
- Avoid idling cars in garages—even if the garage door is open
Monitor Indoor Air
- Test for radon—a colorless gas that can increase lung cancer risk
- Install carbon monoxide detectors and change batteries every 6 months or more often if needed
- Make sure all smoke detectors are functioning properly and change batteries every 6 months or more often if needed
Keeping your indoor air clean helps protect your lungs, reduce allergy symptoms, and support overall health—especially if you have chronic health conditions.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or frequent headaches that might be related to indoor air.
This content was created with the assistance of AI. Any AI-generated content was reviewed by a Nurse Practitioner.