How to Improve the Air Quality of Your Home

The comfort of your home isn’t just about stylish design or modern upgrades; it’s also about the quality of the air you breathe every day. Whether you're trying to reduce allergens, avoid that dry, stuffy feeling, or simply want your home to feel fresher, there are several practical steps you can take. With the right mix of simple habits, new technology, and natural enhancements, you can transform your Irvine home into a cleaner, healthier living space.

Before adding air purifiers or diffusers, it's essential to identify and reduce the root causes of poor air quality. Everyday items like cleaning products, candles, furniture, and even your flooring can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your living environment. These compounds can build up over time and contribute to respiratory irritation, headaches, and more.

To reduce VOC exposure:

• Choose low-VOC or VOC-free paints, sealants, and adhesives when remodeling.
• Opt for solid wood, metal, or certified low-emission furniture.
• Replace chemical-heavy cleaning products with natural or plant-based alternatives.
• Avoid aerosol sprays and synthetic air fresheners that mask odors but contribute to poor air quality.

Controlling these sources from the start makes every other air quality effort significantly more effective.

Natural ventilation is one of the easiest and most effective ways to refresh your home’s air. However, as pollen and outdoor pollutants may fluctuate depending on the season, it’s important to be strategic about when and how you open your windows.

Choose early mornings or late evenings when outdoor air is typically cooler and cleaner. Use window screens, and position fans to draw the fresh air inside while pushing stale air out. Even 10–15 minutes of daily ventilation can dramatically reduce indoor pollution levels and create a fresher environment.

Your HVAC system plays a critical role in air circulation, but its effectiveness depends heavily on the quality of the filter. Most homes are equipped with basic fiberglass filters, which do little more than protect the system itself. To improve indoor air quality, you'll want to step up your filter game.

Look for high-efficiency pleated filters with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating between 8 and 13. These filters can trap smaller particles, such as dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander, without putting unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. Be diligent about changing your filters every 60 to 90 days or more frequently if you have pets or allergies.

Portable air purifiers are a great way to target specific rooms or problem areas in your home. They’re especially useful in bedrooms, home offices, and other spaces where you spend a lot of time.

When shopping for an air purifier, prioritize models with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, which can trap 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. Some models also include activated carbon filters that neutralize odors and capture VOCs from cooking, cleaning, and household materials.

Indoor plants do more than brighten your living room; they also serve as natural air filters. Certain varieties are especially useful at absorbing toxins and boosting oxygen levels indoors.

Top performers include:

• Spider Plant – Easy to maintain and great for beginners.
• Peace Lily – Known for removing ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde.
• Snake Plant – Filters out toxins and continues producing oxygen at night.
• Areca Palm – Adds moisture to the air while filtering airborne pollutants.

Group several plants together in high-traffic areas, but avoid overwatering, which can contribute to mold growth. Proper drainage and airflow around your plant pots are just as important as the plants themselves.

Soft surfaces like carpets, rugs, drapes, and upholstered furniture are magnets for dust, pollen, pet dander, and other particles that linger long after they settle. If left unchecked, these allergens can circulate in the air whenever someone walks across the room.

To maintain clean indoor air:

• Vacuum the carpets and rugs at least twice a week with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter.
• Wash drapes and cushion covers regularly in hot water.
• Have area rugs and upholstery professionally cleaned at least once a year.

If you're considering remodeling your home in Irvine, explore hardwood, tile, or other smooth-surface flooring options, which are easier to keep clean and dust-free.

Too much humidity can lead to mold growth, while too little can cause dry skin, irritated sinuses, and increased dust in the air. Even in Irvine’s relatively mild climate, indoor humidity can still swing depending on the season, especially with prolonged use of air conditioning or heaters.

Keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50% using:

• Dehumidifiers in damp areas like bathrooms.
• Humidifiers during dry winter months to add moisture and improve comfort.
• Hygrometers to measure your indoor humidity levels accurately.

Balanced humidity not only helps air quality but also protects wood furniture, flooring, and even electronics from warping or cracking.

Scented candles, wax warmers, and plug-in air fresheners may smell inviting, but they often introduce unwanted chemicals into your home’s air. Many contain synthetic fragrances and paraffin wax, which can emit VOCs and other respiratory irritants when heated.

Instead, opt for:

• Beeswax or soy candles with cotton wicks and essential oil-based scents.
• Natural reed diffusers using organic essential oils.
• Baking soda or activated charcoal to absorb odors rather than mask them.

This approach allows you to maintain a pleasant-smelling home without compromising the air quality you’ve worked hard to improve.

Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the biggest contributors to poor air quality, thanks to steam, smoke, moisture, and odors. Proper ventilation in these spaces helps remove excess humidity and airborne particles before they become a problem.

Turn on your range hood vent every time you cook — even when boiling water or reheating leftovers. Similarly, make a habit of running the bathroom fans during showers to keep moisture levels under control. These simple practices take very little effort but offer significant long-term benefits for your home’s air quality and overall comfort.

Improving your home’s air quality doesn’t require a complete renovation — it’s about consistent, thoughtful actions that add up over time. From choosing natural materials to maintaining ventilation systems, each decision you make helps create a healthier, more comfortable environment where you can truly breathe easily.

Staying on top of indoor air quality means more than just comfort. It enhances your day-to-day well-being, supports better sleep, and allows you to enjoy your home at its absolute best. With these strategies, you’re not just improving air quality — you’re elevating your entire lifestyle.

If you’re ready to begin the real estate journey in Irvine, team up with the Stephanie Young Group for trusted insight along the way.