Easy Habits to Improve Indoor Air Quality Every Day
Keeping your indoor air clean is essential for a healthier home, especially if you have pets, allergies, asthma, or live in an area with high dust or pollen levels. While professional air duct cleaning plays a key role in improving ventilation and indoor air quality, homeowners can implement simple, effective habits to maintain clean air throughout the year. By following these tips, you can reduce airborne contaminants, improve HVAC efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your system.
Below are practical tips for maintaining clean air between professional cleanings that every homeowner can follow.
Want Help Keeping Your Air Ducts Clean?
Change Air Filters Regularly
Air filters are the first line of defense against dust, allergens, and airborne particles. Over time, filters become clogged, restricting airflow and allowing contaminants to circulate through the home.
How Often Should You Replace Filters?
Standard filters: every 30–60 days
Pleated high-efficiency filters: every 60–90 days
Homes with pets, large families, or allergy sufferers: replace every 30 days
Using high-MERV or HEPA-style filters enhances filtration and keeps the air cleaner between professional HVAC cleanings.
Vacuum and Dust Your Vents Frequently
Dust, pet hair, and debris can settle around supply and return vents, eventually traveling inside the ductwork. Regular cleaning helps reduce buildup and maintain cleaner airflow.
How to Clean Vents Effectively
Use a vacuum with a brush attachment
Wipe vent covers with a damp microfiber cloth
Remove vent covers periodically and wash them with warm soapy water
Vacuum just inside the duct opening to remove loose debris
Keeping vents dust-free prevents contaminants from entering the HVAC system.
Keep Floors and Furniture Clean
Dust and allergens settle on carpets, rugs, upholstery, and hard flooring. When people or pets move around, these particles become airborne and travel into the HVAC system.
Tips for Reducing Indoor Dust
- Vacuum carpets and rugs at least twice per week
- Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter
- Mop hard surfaces weekly
- Wash curtains, blankets, and bedding regularly
- Groom pets frequently to minimize shedding
Clean floors contribute to cleaner air and reduce how much debris enters the ducts.
Maintain Proper Indoor Humidity Levels
High humidity allows dust mites, mold, and bacteria to thrive, while low humidity can lead to dry air that irritates the sinuses. Balanced humidity levels help maintain healthier indoor air.
Recommended Humidity Range: 30%–50%
Use humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed, especially in basements, bathrooms, or humid climates. Keeping humidity in check reduces the likelihood of mold and protects your HVAC system.
Ensure Good Airflow Throughout the Home
Blocked or closed vents restrict airflow and force your HVAC system to work harder. This can lead to increased dust accumulation and reduced system efficiency.
Airflow Tips
- Keep vents open and unblocked
- Avoid placing furniture directly over registers
- Make sure return air vents are not obstructed
- Replace clogged filters promptly
Good airflow helps maintain even heating and cooling—and cleaner air.
Use Air Purifiers in Key Areas
Air purifiers with HEPA filtration help capture particles such as pollen, smoke, pet dander, and dust. They are especially beneficial in bedrooms, living rooms, or areas where pets spend the most time.
Benefits of Air Purifiers
- Reduce airborne allergens
- Improve indoor air quality
- Minimize odor-causing particles
- Reduce strain on the HVAC system
While not a replacement for professional duct cleaning, air purifiers help maintain clean air between appointments.
Schedule Routine HVAC Maintenance
Even between professional duct cleanings, your HVAC system benefits greatly from routine inspections.
Maintenance May Include:
- Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils
- Checking for duct leaks
- Inspecting drainage lines
- Ensuring proper airflow
- Replacing worn components
Well-maintained systems circulate cleaner air and operate more efficiently year-round.
Take Control of Your Indoor Air Quality
Maintaining clean air between professional cleanings is easier than most homeowners realize. By replacing filters regularly, cleaning vents, managing humidity, and keeping floors dust-free, you can significantly improve the quality of your indoor air and reduce the amount of debris entering your HVAC system.
Ready to take air quality to the next level? Schedule a professional air duct cleaning with Better Air Northwest to refresh your home’s ventilation system and enjoy cleaner, healthier air year-round.
