How To Improve The Air Quality Of Your Home

In West Des Moines, Iowa, where seasonal changes are dramatic and indoor living is a central part of the year, maintaining clean air inside the home is critical for both health and comfort. Indoor air quality often goes unnoticed in home maintenance discussions, yet it plays a direct role in respiratory health, sleep quality, and overall wellness. Whether preparing to sell a property or enhancing the livability of a long-term residence, understanding how to improve the air quality of your home is essential for responsible homeownership. Megan Mitchum + CO emphasizes that improving indoor air goes beyond aesthetics—it's about protecting the well-being of those who live within the home.

Indoor air can be significantly more polluted than outdoor air, particularly in modern homes that are tightly sealed for energy efficiency. Pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, pollen, and combustion byproducts tend to accumulate indoors and recirculate through HVAC systems. In West Des Moines, where heating is essential for much of the year and air conditioning is common during summer months, these systems can become conduits for poor air circulation if not maintained properly.

For households with children, pets, or individuals with asthma or allergies, poor air quality can exacerbate health symptoms. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that indoor air pollutants are among the top five environmental risks to public health. Learning how to improve the air quality of your home helps reduce these risks while also preserving the integrity of the home itself, as excess humidity and mold can cause long-term structural damage.

One of the most effective strategies for improving indoor air is ensuring proper ventilation. Homes in West Des Moines built in the last two decades often feature energy-efficient construction, but this can lead to a lack of natural airflow. Without adequate ventilation, stale air and indoor pollutants build up quickly.

Installing a balanced ventilation system, such as an energy recovery ventilator (ERV), introduces filtered fresh air while exhausting stale indoor air. These systems are especially beneficial in colder climates where opening windows is not always practical. Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans should also be used consistently to remove moisture and cooking fumes, both of which are common indoor pollutants.

Additionally, ceiling fans and strategically placed floor fans can help circulate air within rooms, reducing the concentration of airborne contaminants and regulating humidity.

HVAC systems can either improve or harm indoor air quality depending on how they are maintained. Dirty or low-efficiency filters allow particles to circulate freely, decreasing the cleanliness of indoor air. Homeowners should replace filters every 1–3 months, depending on the type of filter used and the level of activity within the home, such as the presence of pets or recent renovations.

For those learning how to improve the air quality of your home, upgrading to a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter or a MERV 13-rated filter can significantly reduce airborne irritants, including smoke, allergens, and fine dust. These filters trap much smaller particles than standard filters and are particularly valuable in homes where family members suffer from allergies or respiratory issues.

It’s also important to have ducts professionally cleaned if there's evidence of mold, pest infestation, or substantial dust buildup. A clean HVAC system ensures that circulated air is as pure and healthy as possible.

Maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% is vital for healthy air. Too much humidity promotes the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites—all of which compromise air quality. Too little, and the air becomes dry and irritating to respiratory passages, particularly during the dry winter months in Iowa.

Dehumidifiers can be useful in basements and bathrooms where moisture tends to accumulate. On the other hand, whole-house humidifiers integrated into the HVAC system are beneficial during winter, when indoor air becomes overly dry due to constant heating. Many West Des Moines homes also benefit from smart thermostats with humidity sensors, allowing for better monitoring and control.

Preventative maintenance, such as fixing leaky pipes, ensuring proper drainage around the foundation, and sealing window frames, also helps reduce excess moisture and avoid mold growth in less visible areas.

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are gases emitted from certain solids and liquids commonly found in household products. Paint, cleaning agents, air fresheners, flooring adhesives, and even some furniture can emit these chemicals, which contribute to poor air quality and can trigger health symptoms with long-term exposure.

Homeowners looking at how to improve the air quality of your home should start by choosing low-VOC or zero-VOC alternatives when repainting, renovating, or replacing furniture. Many newer West Des Moines homes already feature green-certified building materials, but buyers of existing homes may benefit from simple upgrades such as non-toxic paints and unscented cleaning products.

When remodeling, consider using natural hardwoods, untreated fabrics, and cabinetry that is certified for low formaldehyde emissions. Letting new furniture and materials “off-gas” in a well-ventilated area before full indoor use is another useful practice.

While houseplants are not a substitute for proper ventilation and filtration, they can complement other air quality improvements. Certain species—such as snake plants, peace lilies, spider plants, and English ivy—are known to absorb toxins and release oxygen, subtly improving the air over time.

In West Des Moines homes where fresh air is limited during the winter, houseplants also bring moisture and natural beauty indoors. However, overwatering plants or failing to maintain them can introduce mold, so it's essential to choose species appropriate for your lifestyle and care routine.

Keeping a home clean plays a more direct role in indoor air quality than many homeowners realize. Dust, pet hair, and pollen accumulate in carpets, window treatments, and upholstery. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA-filter vacuum, weekly laundering of bedding, and professional carpet cleaning are foundational habits.

In newer homes with open floor plans and high ceilings, dust can settle in unexpected places such as ceiling fan blades, crown molding, and atop cabinetry. Frequent surface cleaning with unscented, non-toxic products reduces chemical residue and airborne irritants.

In addition to cleaning, removing shoes at the entrance and using doormats can reduce the introduction of outdoor pollutants and pesticides that cling to footwear.

If a household experiences persistent symptoms such as headaches, coughing, sinus irritation, or fatigue, professional indoor air quality testing can help pinpoint the cause. These tests evaluate levels of common pollutants, allergens, VOCs, radon, and carbon monoxide. Based on the results, specific remediation or adjustments can be recommended.

In West Des Moines, radon is a particular concern due to Iowa’s naturally high levels. Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels can increase cancer risk, making radon testing a standard safety measure when buying or selling a home.

A healthy home is about more than what meets the eye. Clean, breathable indoor air enhances quality of life, supports long-term wellness, and increases property appeal. Whether you're preparing to list a home or looking to make your environment more livable, understanding how to improve the air quality of your home is a smart investment in comfort and health. For personalized guidance on home improvements or to explore West Des Moines real estate opportunities, contact Megan Mitchum + CO today.