These Indoor Air Quality FAQs Help Create a Healthier Home

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside your home can be two to five times more polluted than outdoors. The most common culprits are dust and dirt, though even things like household cleaners and carpet fibers contribute to the problem.

The answer depends on what you’re trying to accomplish:

• To reduce the number of airborne contaminants in your home, an air purifier might be best. These systems capture and kill pollutants as they pass through the machine.
• For solving humidity problems, adding whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers can help.
• Simple air filters work alongside your furnace and air conditioner to prevent contaminants from circulating through your home.

To avoid it clogging with contaminants and blocking airflow, you should change out your filter once every one to three months. If you have a high-efficiency (HEPA) filter, you can replace them once every six to 12 months.

Ideally, moisture levels in your home should stay between 30 and 50 percent. Too humid and your home will feel damp and sticky—too dry and you could have problems with itchy skin or nose bleeds.