Have you ever stopped to consider what’s really in the air you breathe at home? (Or why you might need an indoor air quality check?) Many homeowners assume their indoor air is safe, yet research shows that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Given that we spend around 90% of our time indoors, understanding and improving indoor air quality (IAQ) is essential for a healthier home environment.
Poor indoor air quality stems from multiple sources, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household products, mold spores, carbon monoxide, radon, and formaldehyde off-gassing from furniture and building materials. The good news? By identifying these pollutants and taking action, you can significantly improve the air in your home.
The First Step: Fresh Air & Ventilation
Before diving into the details of an indoor air quality check, one of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance your indoor air is through proper ventilation. Bringing in fresh outdoor air dilutes indoor pollutants, reduces moisture buildup, and prevents stale air from accumulating harmful contaminants. A few key habits to improve ventilation include:
- Opening windows daily, even for just a few minutes.
- Using exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
- Running ceiling fans to promote air circulation.
- Checking your home’s ventilation system to ensure it’s functioning effectively.
Indoor Air Quality Monitors: A Game-Changer
Understanding your home’s air quality is much easier with indoor air quality monitors. These devices provide real-time data on pollutants, humidity levels, and temperature, giving you the insights needed to make informed improvements.
In the past, professional air quality testing was costly and time-consuming. Today, home air quality monitors offer an accessible alternative. While they don’t replace professional assessments for serious concerns, they provide valuable day-to-day insights.
One highly recommended option is the AirThings Element Air Quality Monitor, which tracks:
- VOC levels from household products.
- Fine dust particles (PM2.5) that impact respiratory health.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2), an indicator of poor ventilation.
- Humidity and temperature, which affect mold growth and air comfort.
With a smartphone app, the AirThings monitor provides alerts and personalized recommendations to help you adjust your habits and improve your air quality in real time.
Radon Detectors: Essential for Home Safety
Radon, a colorless, odorless gas, is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in non-smokers. This naturally occurring gas seeps into homes from the soil, accumulating in basements and lower-level living spaces. Because radon levels vary by location and season, testing is the only way to know if your home is at risk.
Homeowners have two main options for radon detection:
- Short-term test kits, which provide a quick snapshot of radon levels.
- Continuous radon monitors, such as the Airthings Corentium, which track fluctuations over time for more accurate readings.
If radon levels exceed 4.0 pCi/L, the EPA recommends mitigation, such as installing a radon reduction system.
VOC Indoor Air Quality Check
All homes, but espeically new homes or homes with recent remodels can have excessively high levels of VOCs and Formaldehyde. With a simple indoor air quality check from me, you can get a full report of what VOCs are present and what they’re likely from.
VOCs can be present from our products we bring into our homes, our building materials or furnishings.
Without the proper indoor air quality check, you won’t know where the VOCs are coming from and how to reduce them inside your space.
A simple VOC test will run for approximately 2 hours and is then sent to a lab where they will analyze your results and give you a full report on your space.
You can order your VOC Test Kit or Formaldehyde Kit from me and we can go through your findings together to create a plan for your home.
How to Fix Poor Results from Your Indoor Air Quality Check
The good news is that even if your indoor air quality check comes back with high levels of an unwanted toxin, there are so many ways to fix this with some simple tools I’m sharing below:
Air Purifiers: Filtering Out Toxins
High-quality air purifiers can significantly reduce airborne pollutants, making them a great addition to homes with allergy sufferers, asthma, or high levels of indoor pollutants. Some of the best air purifiers, like MedifyAir, use HEPA filters to capture fine dust, mold spores, bacteria, and pet dander. Many also include activated carbon filters, which absorb VOCs, smoke, and odors.
Be sure to check out this post that compares Medify Air and Air Doctor air purifiers.
Optimizing HVAC Air Filters
Your home’s HVAC system plays a crucial role in filtering indoor air. To maximize its effectiveness:
- Use high-quality MERV-rated filters (MERV 12 or higher for optimal filtration).
- Change filters every 3-6 months.
- Consider activated carbon filters for additional chemical and odor absorption.
Add a few drops of essential oils (like lavender or eucalyptus) to the filter for a natural, fresh scent.
Using VOC Blocking Technology
One of my favorite options for cleaning up indoor air after you’ve had an indoor air quality check is to take advantage of VOC blocking solutions. These products will essentially seal in VOCs and Formaldehyde, preventing them from off gassing into your space. It’s an encapsulation method that really works to reduce toxins inside your home. Below are some of the best options for blocking in VOCs and Formaldehyde inside:
Simple, Natural Ways to Improve Indoor Air
Beyond monitors and purifiers, adopting healthy home habits can further enhance your air quality:
- Reduce humidity to prevent mold growth (aim for 35-50% humidity).
- Dust and mop regularly with a damp cloth to trap and remove toxins.
- Use a HEPA vacuum to reduce fine particles and allergens.
- Choose non-toxic cleaning products and avoid synthetic air fresheners.
- Opt for low-VOC paints, furniture, and flooring to minimize off-gassing.
You can read in more detail about creating the perfect indoor humidity levels here and how to improve your indoor air quality here.
Take Action for a Healthier Home
Indoor air quality isn’t just about comfort—it directly impacts your family’s health. By monitoring pollutants, improving ventilation, using air purifiers, and adopting toxin-free home habits, you can create a safer, cleaner living environment. If you’re ready to dive deeper into building a healthier home, explore my Free Class: Your Home, Your Health, where I provide step-by-step guidance to detox your living space and make informed choices for better indoor air quality.
And don’t forget to join my free community, where you can ask questions and get expert opinions and answers from other community members about creating a healthier home.
Below are even more resources to help you with your indoor air:
- Environmental Testing for Better Indoor Air Quality
- How to Identify Toxic Materials and Avoid Sick Building Syndrome
- VOCs Inside Your Home and How to Reduce Them
We have an air purifier and diffuse oils often. I’ve been adding a few plants in the home, and I always mop since our house is all tile. I’ve never tested the air to see what’s in it though. When we had our house built a few years ago, the builder suggested once a week opening the windows. He said even as short as opening them all and closing in the same order so they are only open as long as it takes to open each for fresh air.
I open my windows in each bedroom while I clean the bathrooms – it’s become such a habit, and I think it really helps with the indoor air quality.
What a coincidence I was thinking about items to look up for improving air quality in the home. It’s something we often overlook as we can’t physically see what’s in the air. A monitor would be handy to make sure I am aware of anything that needs addressing.
I’m so glad this was helpful! Yes, a monitor is an amazing resource to have!!
I’ve been really wanting an air purifier for awhile now. I’m also working on getting more plants in our home, and I use my diffuser daily!
All of it is so beneficial to your indoor air!
I have been looking for ways to improve air quality in my home. A monitor would be very useful!
That’s great, Patricia! Hope this helps!
Wow, I’ve never even thought about the air quality in my home besides, opening up the windows for fresh air. Thanks for the great article filling me in on all the different ways I can improve the air quality. And you’ve reminded me to get a carbon monoxide detector. The Awair sounds like a great option.
You’re welcome, Lauren! I’m so glad this is helpful — yes, the Awair Monitor is amazing for keeping track of what’s going on in your air.
Knowing the air quality of your home is so important! We spend the most time there!
I’ve never seen this product before but I think it’s looks amazing! Air quality is so important and we monitor it so little.
I definitely need to do a wet dust. It’s not something I do often enough. We have a humidifier and a purifier and I am so thankful to have both.
Me too! I absolutely put off dusting WAY too long 🙂
Thanks! I am not scared of toxins in my air. I am afraid for pollen and dust in the air as I can get sick from that.
Ooooo what a neat and handle contraption!!! I would like to think my air quality is ok, but you just never know! So need one of these
I know it’s recommended to open doors and windows to let in fresh air… what about for those of us living in very humid locations (Florida) and very sensitive to mold? I am trying to keep the humidity low in the house & opening windows will quickly increase humidity. Any tips?