How to Improve the Air Quality of Your Home

Naperville, Ill., is known for its well-kept neighborhoods, attractive home designs, and high livability. The real estate market here includes a mix of newer constructions and updated historic homes, many of which offer features like energy-efficient HVAC systems, open floor plans, and finished basements. As more homebuyers prioritize indoor comfort and wellness-focused living spaces, indoor air quality has become a key factor in property appeal and day-to-day comfort. For current homeowners and those preparing a home for sale, investing in clean indoor air is a meaningful improvement supporting health and long-term value.

Indoor air can contain pollutants that affect everything from how you sleep to how you focus and feel throughout the day. Did you know that the average person spends 90% of their time indoors? This makes the air inside your home a top priority. Whether you live near downtown Naperville, along the Riverwalk, or in one of the surrounding residential communities, knowing how to improve the air quality of your home can make a significant difference in everyday life. The following tips will help you identify and reduce common indoor pollutants, enhance ventilation, and support a cleaner and more comfortable living environment year-round.

• Indoor air can contain pollutant levels up to 70 times higher than outdoor air.
• Approximately one in six allergy sufferers is affected by fungi and bacteria in air duct systems.
• The EPA ranks indoor air quality among its top five environmental health risks.
• On average, Americans inhale around 3,000 gallons of air daily.

Regularly updating your HVAC filters is a straightforward yet effective method to enhance indoor air quality. Filters trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, preventing them from circulating throughout your home. In areas like Naperville, where seasonal changes can introduce various allergens, it's advisable to check and replace filters every 60 to 90 days.

Opting for high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can further improve air purification. These filters are designed to capture finer particles, offering an added layer of protection against pollutants. Incorporating this practice into your routine maintenance can make a noticeable difference in air freshness and quality.

Air ducts serve as the pathways for heated and cooled air in your home. Over time, these ducts can accumulate dust, mold, and other contaminants, which can then be distributed throughout your living spaces. Regular inspections can identify any buildup or damage that may compromise air quality.

Professional cleaning of air ducts can remove these accumulations, ensuring that the air circulating in your home is clean. For residents in Naperville, scheduling a duct inspection every few years can be a proactive step toward maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

Cooking, especially on gas stoves, can release pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide into the air. Using a range hood or exhaust fan while cooking helps to vent these pollutants outside, reducing their concentration indoors.

Ensuring that your kitchen has a functional ventilation system is crucial. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning filters and checking for blockages, ensures optimal performance. Incorporating this practice can significantly reduce indoor air contaminants resulting from cooking activities.

Maintaining appropriate humidity levels in your home prevents mold growth and dust mite proliferation. The ideal indoor humidity range is between 30% and 50%. Dehumidifiers in damp areas, like basements, can help achieve this balance.

In Naperville, where humidity levels can fluctuate, monitoring indoor humidity becomes even more important. Utilizing hygrometers to measure humidity and adjusting with humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed can create a more comfortable and healthier living environment.

Certain indoor plants can improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. Plants like the spider plant, peace lily, and snake plant are known for their air-purifying properties. Incorporating these plants into your home decor enhances aesthetics and promotes a healthier atmosphere.

However, it's important to note that while plants can aid in air purification, they should complement other air quality improvement strategies. Regular care and maintenance of these plants ensure they remain effective.

Common indoor air pollutants include dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, tobacco smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from household products like paints and cleaning agents.

It's recommended to check your air filters monthly and replace them every 60 to 90 days. Homes with pets or allergy sufferers may require more frequent replacements to maintain optimal air quality.

Testing can provide insights into the presence of pollutants like radon, carbon monoxide, and VOCs. If you notice persistent odors, mold growth, or health symptoms like allergies or respiratory issues, conducting an air quality test can help identify underlying problems.

If you're buying or selling a home in Naperville, the Lori Johanneson Team offers the expert guidance and personalized attention that today’s market demands. With over 20 years of experience, Lori combines deep local knowledge, strong negotiation skills, and a commitment to understanding each client’s goals. Whether you're exploring neighborhoods, listing your current home, or relocating within the area, working with the Lori Johanneson Team means partnering with professionals who prioritize your success.

Reach out today to begin your next real estate chapter with confidence.