We often blame vehicles and industries for polluting the air while forgetting the importance of clean air at home.

Did you know Americans spend 87% of their daily time indoors? That means having good indoor air quality in your home is of utmost importance since you're spending most of your time inside. 

Here are 12 ways to improve indoor air quality. 

How to improve indoor air quality in your home?

Improving the air quality at home can help you avoid allergies and asthma flare-ups.

Plus, it lets you breathe easily. Using chemical air fresheners defeats the whole purpose of purifying the air naturally. Use these no-chemical, no-fuss methods instead: 

Change the AC filter

Air conditioners are a great way to keep your home cool during summer, but they can also be a source of impurities and dirt. Since they circulate air around the whole, they take in some air pollutants too. 

AC units have filters to remove these pollutants. Over time, the filters reach their capacity and can no longer clean the air moving through them. The AC then starts blowing unclean air. You should clean the AC filter timely to prevent this. 

Check the air ducts

If the air feels dusty or has a particular smell, check the air ducts. If they are not correctly installed, they can let in contaminants and impurities. You may even have mold growing in the ducts. Get a professional to look at the air ducts every few months. 

Smoke outside 

If you're a smoker, never smoke inside the house. Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemicals that can linger in the air for 1.5 to two hours. 

Smoke outside to prevent exposing other members of your family to these chemicals. 

Use vacuums with HEPA filters

Vacuums with HEPA filters can effectively remove harmful chemicals. HEPA filters also remove pet dander, pollen, mold spores, and dust mites, keeping you safe from allergies. 

Clean the bedding and drapes

Drapes, beddings, and curtains attract allergens, especially if you have pets at home. It would be best if you washed them in warm water. If possible, get dust mite-proof covers for your pillows and mattresses. 

Watch your indoor plants 

Indoor plants can quickly amp up the appearance of any home. But they also attract dust. Clean your indoor plants with a wet cloth every day. You can also wash them in the sink every few days. 

Alternatively, keep them outside the house if a family member has allergies. 

Use an air purifier 

Put an air purifier in the area of the house that gets the most foot traffic. For example, if you spend most of your day in the living room, keep the air purifier there. It may not remove all allergens and impurities from the air, but it will remove their concentration in the air. 

Table-top air cleaners are not recommended for lowering radon concentration in indoor air. They can only remove smaller particles partially. 

Remove clutter 

Cluttered homes become magnets for dust. Things scattered around your home become traps for dust and hold it inside the house even after you have vacuumed the floors. 

Turn on the kitchen vents 

If you use a gas stove, it could be a source of harmful contaminants in the house. Some of the gases, such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, are serious threats to health. 

Although electric burners produce fewer pollutants, they still release gases that can seep into your home's air. When you breathe in this air, these chemicals can go into your blood. 

Turn on the kitchen vents when you're cooking. If your kitchen does not have a vent, open the window. Don't let kids go inside the kitchen after you have cooked. 

Keep carpets clean 

Just like clutter, carpets also gather a lot of dust and pollen particles. Clean your rugs and carpets every week. If possible, vacuum them daily to improve the air quality in your home. 

Take off the shoes outside 

Don't bring your shoes inside the house since they have countless dirt particles and chemicals that you may have picked up walking on the street. 

Put your shoe rack outside the house or take your shoes off near the door before entering the house. 

Improve ventilation 

Ventilation helps reduce the number of contaminants in indoor air and improves air quality. There are different ways to improve ventilation: 

Open your doors and windows. 

Use mechanical methods, such as HVAC and heating systems. 

Outdoor air can also infiltrate into your home through cracks in walls and from around doors and windows. Keeping indoor air clean requires contribution from the whole family. Develop healthy habits at home to maintain the air quality in your home.