In the Northeast, where cold winters and hot summers are common, homeowners often find themselves spending a significant amount of time indoors. Unfortunately, the very environments that keep us cozy can also affect the air quality inside our homes. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a variety of health problems, from allergies and asthma to more severe respiratory issues. With many homes in the Northeast being older and sometimes less ventilated, it’s even more important to focus on improving indoor air quality (IAQ).
Why is Indoor Air Quality Important?
Indoor air quality refers to the condition of the air within and around a building, particularly as it affects the health and well-being of the people living there. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. The primary pollutants that affect indoor air quality include dust, mold, pet dander, pollen, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints and cleaning products, and even household chemicals.
In the Northeast, the combination of tightly sealed homes for energy efficiency and regional weather conditions can exacerbate the problem. During the winter months, homes are closed up to retain heat, which can trap pollutants inside. Similarly, humidity fluctuations, which are common in this region, can contribute to mold and mildew growth.
Top Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home
1. Ventilate Your Home Properly
Proper ventilation is one of the most important factors for improving indoor air quality. With Northeast homes, particularly older ones, often having poor airflow due to outdated or sealed windows, ventilation becomes critical.
What you can do:
- Open windows: Even in the winter, it’s important to occasionally open windows for fresh air. A few minutes of ventilation can help clear stagnant air and reduce indoor pollution.
- Use exhaust fans: Ensure your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are in good working order. These help remove moisture, smoke, and odors that contribute to poor air quality.
- Install an energy recovery ventilator (ERV): An ERV is a mechanical system that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while preserving your home’s energy efficiency.
2. Control Humidity Levels
High humidity in Northeast homes can promote the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites, all of which negatively impact air quality. On the flip side, dry air can irritate the respiratory system, leading to discomfort and dryness.
What you can do:
- Use a dehumidifier: In the summer months or during damp seasons, a dehumidifier can reduce moisture in the air and prevent mold growth.
- Maintain humidity levels: Aim to keep humidity levels in your home between 30% and 50%. Consider purchasing a hygrometer to monitor the moisture in your home.
- Use a humidifier in winter: When heating your home in the winter, the air tends to become very dry, which can irritate the respiratory system. A humidifier can help restore moisture to the air, keeping your nasal passages and skin comfortable.
3. Clean Your HVAC System Regularly
Your home’s HVAC system plays a huge role in distributing air throughout your home, and if it’s not maintained properly, it can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Dust, allergens, and mold can build up in ducts, filters, and the HVAC unit itself.
What you can do:
- Change filters regularly: Replace HVAC filters every 1-3 months, especially if you have pets or suffer from allergies. Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to capture more dust, pollen, and other particles.
- Have ducts cleaned: Over time, dust and allergens accumulate in your ducts, which can circulate throughout your home when the system is running. Hiring a professional to clean your ducts every few years can significantly improve air quality.
- Schedule annual HVAC inspections: Regular inspections ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently and that no mold or debris is circulating in your air.
4. Remove and Reduce Sources of Indoor Pollutants
The materials and products you bring into your home can introduce harmful chemicals into your indoor environment. These pollutants, known as VOCs, can come from new furniture, carpets, cleaning products, and even personal care items like hairspray or nail polish.
What you can do:
- Choose low-VOC or VOC-free products: When purchasing paint, cleaning supplies, and furniture, look for products that are labeled as low-VOC or VOC-free to reduce chemical exposure in your home.
- Avoid smoking indoors: Tobacco smoke contains a variety of harmful chemicals that can linger in the air for hours, even days. Designate an outdoor smoking area and avoid smoking inside.
- Use natural cleaning products: Harsh cleaning chemicals can release toxic fumes into the air. Consider making your own cleaning solutions with ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, or choose natural cleaning products available at the store.
5. Add Indoor Plants
Indoor plants do more than just brighten a room—they can also help purify the air. Plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, and some plants can filter harmful chemicals from the air. Certain plants can help reduce VOCs, dust, and other pollutants in your home.
What you can do:
- Choose air-purifying plants: Some plants are especially effective at improving air quality. Popular choices include the spider plant, peace lily, snake plant, and aloe vera.
- Place plants strategically: Place plants in high-traffic areas or near sources of indoor air pollution (like the kitchen or bathroom). They will absorb pollutants and release fresh oxygen, improving air quality in these spaces.
6. Consider an Air Purifier
If you’re concerned about allergens, dust, or pet dander, investing in a high-quality air purifier can be an effective way to clean the air inside your home. Many modern air purifiers are equipped with HEPA filters that trap harmful particles, improving overall air quality.
What you can do:
- Choose the right purifier: Make sure the air purifier you choose is suitable for the size of your home or room. A portable air purifier can be placed in areas where air quality is particularly poor.
- Maintain the purifier: Just like your HVAC system, air purifiers require regular filter changes and cleaning to operate effectively.
Take Action: Improve Your Home’s Air Quality Today
Ready to improve the air quality in your home? Start by taking small steps today—whether it’s changing your HVAC filters, adding a few houseplants, or investing in a dehumidifier. Every action you take to improve your indoor air quality will make a significant difference in your health and comfort.
Don't wait for a problem to arise—take charge of your home’s air quality now and enjoy a cleaner, healthier living space all year long.