In Houston, knowing how to improve air quality in homes should be left to the professionals. However, there are ways of reducing the number of air pollutants that collect in your home, especially with professional air duct cleaning.
So, this guide will cover everything you need to know about how to improve air quality in homes. We’ll also cover why air quality matters within your home, symptoms you can expect from poor indoor air quality, and what you can do to reduce pollutants.
Why Home Air Quality Matters
Poor air quality can lead to various health issues, especially for those with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. In Houston, where outdoor air pollution from traffic and industrial activity can be a concern, indoor air can easily become compromised.
Furthermore, simple activities performed within the home, such as cooking and cleaning, contribute to indoor air pollutants. For these reasons, investing in professional air duct cleaning can help you breathe cleaner air. There are things you can do to reduce pollutants in your home as well, so you continue breathing cleaner air between professional cleanings.
What Are the Symptoms of Poor Air Quality in a House?
Poor indoor air quality isn’t easy to identify, but there are health symptoms and other signs that could be a giveaway.
If you experience any of the following while in your home, you may want to contact Top Star Air Pros for Houston air duct cleaning.
- Dust keeps returning: If you’re constantly wiping down furniture or noticing dust buildup shortly after cleaning, your HVAC system may be circulating particles from dirty ducts.
- Allergy/respiratory symptom triggers: Frequent sneezing, coughing, headaches, itchy eyes, and other allergy-like symptoms while inside your home could be indicator of poor indoor air quality.
- Bad odors: Strong, musty smells or bad odors could indicate mold growth or accumulated debris in your ductwork.
- Visible mold: If you see mold on or near your air vents, registers, or inside the HVAC unit, it’s a clear sign that the system may be spreading spores throughout your home.
- Worsening asthma: For anyone with asthma or other respiratory conditions, poor indoor air quality can trigger symptoms more often, especially in Houston’s humid environement.
- Inconsistent airflow/temperatures: Poor airflow throughout the home or inconsistent temperatures in areas can indicate debris restricting airflow.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to call Top Star Air Pros for Houston air duct cleaning.
How to Improve Air Quality in Home Between Cleanings
While professional air duct cleaning plays a major role in keeping your home’s air quality healthy, what you do in between appointments matters just as much. Houston’s climate — with its humidity, pollen, and other pollutants — can lead to a steady buildup of indoor air pollutants if you’re not proactive.
1. Keep Air Filters Clean and Effective
Your HVAC system’s air filter is the first line of defense against airborne contaminants. To improve air quality in your home, choose a HEPA or MERV-rated filter that can trap finer particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander.
In Houston, where spring and summer bring increased allergens and dust, check your filters monthly and replace them at least every 60 to 90 days, or more often if you have pets or allergies.
2. Seal and Weatherproof Your Home
Outdoor pollutants can easily enter your home through poorly sealed doors, windows, or gaps in insulation. Sealing these entry points helps reduce the amount of pollutants that get pulled into your HVAC system. Weatherstripping, caulking, and ensuring proper attic insulation not only help you maintain clean air but can also improve your home’s energy efficiency.
3. Reduce Indoor Sources of Pollution
Everyday household habits can quietly worsen indoor air quality. For example, cooking without ventilation, burning candles, using harsh cleaning chemicals, or smoking indoors. All of these actions release particles and gases that your HVAC system may circulate.
To improve air quality in home environments:
- Use vent hoods while cooking
- Switch to natural or low-VOC cleaning products
- Avoid aerosol sprays and synthetic air fresheners
- Never smoke indoors
Even small adjustments can reduce the overall pollutant load on your air ducts.
4. Control Humidity Levels
Excess humidity promotes mold growth and dust mite activity. Both are major contributors to poor air quality. Aim to keep your home’s humidity between 30% and 50% using a whole-home dehumidifier or strategically placed smaller units.
Also, be mindful of areas prone to moisture buildup, like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Proper ventilation in these spaces helps protect both your indoor air and your ductwork from mold spores.
5. Keep Floors and Surfaces Clean
When dust particles are disturbed, they re-enter the air and can be pulled into your ducts. Regular vacuuming (with a HEPA filter), mopping, and dusting help prevent this buildup. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas and entryways, and consider using doormats and removing shoes indoors to cut down on what gets tracked in.
6. Add Air-Purifying Houseplants
Certain houseplants, like snake plants, peace lilies, and spider plants, can help absorb some airborne toxins and add a natural layer of air purification. While they won’t replace the need for clean ducts or high-quality filters, they can complement your efforts to maintain healthier indoor air.
Pro Tip for Houston Homeowners: Consider scheduling duct cleanings before or after peak allergy seasons, early spring or late fall. That way, you’re minimizing buildup at times when your home’s indoor air quality is most likely to be affected by outdoor changes.
Trust Top Star Air Pros for Healthier Indoor Air Quality
Top Star Air Pros makes it easy to maintain healthy indoor air quality. With the right steps, you can maintain clean and healthy indoor air.
We understand the unique air quality challenges that come with living in Houston. That’s why we offer reliable, high-quality air duct cleaning services in Houston. Give us a call today to reduce air pollutants in your home.