Improve Your Indoor Air Quality: A Guide to Healthier Living

Air quality. 

It’s kind of a funny phrase, isn’t it? 

We all know it’s about how clean or healthy the air is, but when you think about it, it’s so much more. 

The air in your home is what you breathe every second of the day. It’s part of family dinners, bedtime stories, lazy Sundays, and everything in between.

Looking at my Apple Watch the other day I realized it gave me stats on how much time I was spending outside. 

The stats were shocking.  

I had a total of 26 minutes outside. 

I’m almost embarrassed  (but I know I’m not alone). 

Most of us spend about 90% of our time indoors,  that number climbs  high in winter when are really feeling the wet and cold.  

The windows stay shut and fresh air can feel like a distant memory. 

It’s why those days spent on the mountain feel so refreshing—a whole day of crisp, clean mountain air. But back at home? Indoor air isn’t always working in your favor.

You might not always notice good air, but bad air? 

It can quietly take a toll. 

It starts with a smell.  You know what I’m talking about - you walk into the house and it smells ripe.   

And guess what… this ripe air can lead to long-term health issues that you might NEVER tie back to air quality.  Just a slow decline in health. 

What’s in your air matters more than you think. Let’s break it down and share steps to help you create a healthier space for your family.

What’s Lurking in Your Air?

When I step into a place like Walmart, the dollar store, or Canadian Tire, the smell hits me like a truck. 

Give it a minute, and my throat starts to ache. 

Why do these places always have such a distinct odor?!

It’s the VOCs (volatile organic compounds). And they are lurking in the most benign product.  

Even if you don’t feel it the same as I do, those chemicals are still there affecting you. 

They’re not natural.

They’re not healthy.

AND they could be a big player in those sneaky, long-term, no-known-cause illnesses that more and more of us are developing.

The trouble is, VOCs are everywhere. So many of the products we bring into our homes are filled with them, even ones we think are completely harmless. 

Think about all the materials your home was built with: glues, flooring, particle board, and paints—all common culprits. 

Then there are the everyday things: fresh paint, new furniture, cleaning products, and the kids toys.

VOC’s build up in your air, and the compounds they are made from build up in your body. 

And the changes you can make, so you don’t suffer from their effects don’t have to cost a lot.

Small changes can make a big difference.

Small Changes, Big Wins

Air Exchange / Ventilation:

Fresh air is one of the simplest ways to improve indoor air quality.

So open your windows!  

This might not be possible in the dead of winter.  

So here is your PSA to run those kitchen and bathroom fans!

Systems like HRVs (Heat Recovery Ventilators) and ERVs (Energy Recovery Ventilators) actively replace stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while conserving energy. They also help regulate humidity and reduce the buildup of allergens and pollutants, keeping your home fresh and comfortable without relying solely on open windows.

Humidity Control: 

Did you know that goldilocks also cared about the humidity in the air?

Moisture invites mold and bacteria, but  dry air can irritate the skin and lungs. 

Finding that just right zone to keep your home’s humidity balanced is crucial for air quality.  Consider a dehumidifier (or a humidifier) depending on where you are at.  

Remember that an HRV helps here too because it can remove that excess moisture in your home.  This can prevent condensation and mold growth. 

Ours is running all the time… I notice a shart decline in air quality when I turn the air circulation off.

Filtration: 

Don’t underestimate the power of a good vacuuming session.  Dusting and vacuuming are the two most powerful ways to impact those large particles that tend to build up in the home. 

In our home this is a daily battle.  Tundra, our first baby (he’s a dog) sheds a dustpan a day.  It is full on! 

High-quality air filters can also help with those bigger particles, but they actually perform better for the really really small ones to reduce bacterial and viral load in the home.  

And Remember to change them out regularly… they don’t work so well when they are dirty!

Home Envelope: 

The walls, floors, and ceilings of your home affect air quality more than you might think. Gaps, cracks, or poor insulation can allow pollutants like dust, pollen, and outdoor contaminants to seep in, compromising the air you breathe. Sealing leaks and ensuring proper insulation create a barrier against these intrusions while also helping to regulate temperature and humidity.

A well-insulated home not only keeps pollutants out but also stabilizes indoor air conditions, preventing issues like condensation that can lead to mold growth. 

For added protection, consider using low-VOC (volatile organic compound) materials and finishes, which emit fewer harmful chemicals into your living space. 

These upgrades work together to improve both your home’s efficiency and the air you breathe, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment.

It’s Never Just One Thing

When it comes to air quality, there’s no magic fix. It’s not about finding one solution—it’s about layering the right steps to create a healthier space. Every small effort adds up.

That’s why we’re here to work with you to figure out the best choices for your home. Maybe it’s sealing up leaky ducts so stale air doesn’t sneak in. Maybe it’s upgrading your filtration to catch more of the dust, dander, and allergens floating around. Or maybe it’s setting up a ventilation system that keeps fresh air circulating all year round.

Whatever it takes, we’re here to make a plan that fits your needs.

Let’s Make It Happen

Your home’s air impacts every part of your life—how you feel, rest, and connect with loved ones. Improving it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and we’re here to help. Contact us today to create a personalized plan that makes your home healthier and more comfortable. Give us a call to start creating a healthier, more comfortable home for your family. We’re ready when you are.