For many people, hot summer weather means outdoor fun. It’s hard to resist the siren call of the beach and the family road trip when the mercury rises and the days get longer. But summertime also means that wildfires, thunderstorms, and air quality alerts will sometimes send you back inside into the hopefully cooler but often not-so-fresh air. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up 12 ways to maintain cleaner indoor air during the summer months.
1. Get your HVAC system inspected
Some homeowners forget to have their HVAC systems inspected annually, but it’s time to add this simple task to the regular maintenance list. In addition to ensuring that your system is heating and cooling properly, an annual inspection can help spot issues that might diminish indoor air quality or lead to a more expensive problem later, like dirty ducts. With summer being a popular time to sell, having a cool and comfortable house is key for a successful summer home showing.
2. Take care of your AC
If you don’t have a whole-house HVAC system and rely on window units or freestanding air conditioners, you’ll also need to schedule regular maintenance for these. Clean or replace the filters in each unit per the manufacturer’s instructions. Dirty filters recirculate dirty air filled with allergens, bacteria, and other unpleasant particles. Additionally, ensure that your installation is correct. A leaky window unit can let in all dirty outdoor air even when not operating.
3. Imitate the south
These days, air conditioning is ubiquitous in the South. But to save money and bring fresh air into your home, do as old-school Southerners used to do. Open windows for a breeze and cross ventilation in the morning during the coolest part of the day and close them when the heat rises. If you’re a night owl and the temperature drops sufficiently, open windows at night, too. This practice keeps air moving through your home and can also help reduce your utility bills, especially in notoriously hot and humid states like Florida.
4. Mind the humidity
Humidity is a big problem in the summer, not only because it’s uncomfortable and sticky but also because it promotes mold and the cultivation of dust mites. Luckily, properly calibrated dehumidifiers keep the indoors comfortable and the air healthy. Center air conditioners can handle much of this work, but those in extra-humid climates may need more help.
5. Add indoor plants
Indoor plants don’t just promote peaceful, serene environments, but they also have added benefits: If you have enough of them (and the right kind), they can work with your other strategies to help filter toxins from the air. Spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants are all recommended, but be mindful: Some plants are toxic to dogs and cats.
6. Don’t add to indoor pollution
If you’ve worked hard to clean the indoor air, don’t ruin your good efforts by smoking inside. This added pollution to the indoor air is difficult to remove and can stain walls and ceilings over time.
Limit the use of cleaning products that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs); these chemicals can be irritating to the sensitive lining of the lungs and cause a reaction in those who are especially sensitive. This includes eliminating the burning of scented candles or using chemical air fresheners and perfumes. Stick with natural fragrances and flowering plants for a subtle, beautiful scent.
7. Keep your home clean
Dust and vacuum regularly to reduce pollen, pollutants, and pet dander. Select a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture the tiniest dirt and dust particles. After vacuuming and dusting, mop floors to grab whatever bits you missed.
8. Invest in an air purifier
During the COVID-19 crisis, many invested in high-quality air purifiers to reduce the amount of germs in the air. Take a page from that book and invest in your own air purifier with a HEPA filter. These can be moved from room to room, capturing tiny dust mites, pollen, dander, and, yes, even air-transmitted viruses.
If you don’t feel like wheeling a portable air purifier around the house or have stairs that make that challenging, placement matters. Keep the purifier in the high-traffic rooms of your house (i.e., the living room, kitchen, or bedroom).
9. Get a mold inspection
When your HVAC system is inspected, schedule a mold inspection too, especially if you’ve had mold in your home before. Damp areas like basements and bathrooms are prime locations for dangerous molds. If mold is found, remove it immediately and use paint with a mold inhibitor to prevent future growth.
10. Cook with the fan on
Bacon may smell delicious when cooking, but few people want to keep smelling it several days later. When you cook, use the fan above your range or open a window to reduce cooking-based air pollution.
11. Reduce pet dander
A strange phenomenon occurs for pet owners over time: they can become “nose blind” to their pets. Nose blindness is the inability to smell the odors you’re around often (e.g., litterbox odors or the natural fragrance of your old hound dog). This becomes an issue if you are trying to sell your house or have company over, but it can also contribute to poor indoor air quality.
You don’t need to get rid of your pet to improve odors and air quality, though. Regularly grooming your pets keeps pet dander and odor at bay. Scoop the litter box at least once daily (more if you have more than one cat) and replace it completely every three to four weeks, as necessary.
If you are in the habit of snuggling your pet at night or getting cozy on the couch with them, you might want to rethink that, too. Pet dander and odor are absorbed in mattresses and cloth furniture and can contribute to odor.
12. Install an air quality monitor
Just as nose blindness can make you miss the ambient aroma of your home, it’s easy to get used to low-level indoor air pollution. Fortunately, indoor air quality monitors can track pollution inside so that you can make changes as needed.
Remember to pay attention to outdoor air quality, too. Events like wildfires, high pollen counts, or chemical spills nearby mean that windows should stay closed until the outdoor air quality improves.
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