After a long day at work, all you want to do is head home and relax. But do you ever get home and feel like it's hard to breathe? Whether it's allergy season or a random Tuesday where the air feels heavy, it really impacts your health and comfort.

So, your air isn't up to snuff. Even if you know there's an issue, how do you clean the air in your home? Air purification transforms your home's air, giving you fresh, clean breathing space. This is about more than opening a window — air purification means addressing the root causes stopping you from living comfortably. Let's dive in and clear the air.

What Is Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) measures how clean and healthy your home's air is. The air might seem clean on its own, but it's often full of pollutants like dust, pollen, pet dander and mold spores. Breathing in too many pollutants regularly can affect your respiratory health. You might start experiencing mild allergies or more serious problems. When the IAQ gets bad, you could see issues like:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Eye, nose and throat irritation
• Asthma symptoms

Long-term exposure is uncomfortable, making it hard to enjoy being home. If you're dealing with severe enough pollutants and exposure, you could be facing health conditions like heart disease, cancer and respiratory issues. Improving your IAQ creates a healthier home and protects you from long-term issues.

How Can You Improve Indoor Air Quality?

You need to improve your IAQ, but what's the best way to attack all those invisible pollutants in your air? Getting a better IAQ means adopting a comprehensive strategy. You need to tackle pollutants from all angles so you can have the best possible air. Let's break down some effective methods for enhancing IAQ.

1. Air Purifier

Does an air purifier work? You bet. An air purifier is your number one defender against poor air quality. It pulls in air, runs it through a filter and removes all the harmful particles. Then, it releases clean air back into your home. You can choose from different models and ratings, targeting the pollutants you're most concerned with. Air purifiers work hard to deliver cleaner air to your home.

 
You can also look at other filtration options. Choose from:

• HEPA filters: High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are extremely efficient filters. They capture particles as small as three microns, making them effective purifiers.
• Activated carbon filters: Activated carbon filters neutralize odors and remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning supplies or paint.
• UV light purifiers: These purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses and mold spores.
• Use an air purifier for asthma and allergies. Particles in the air, like pollen and dander, can trigger sneezing, congestion and asthma flare-ups. Investing in a HEPA filter with activated carbon is an effective strategy for creating an allergen-free environment.

2. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Your home may be your sanctuary, but it's also a magnet for dust, dander and pollutants. Regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary to keep your home a particulate-free zone.

Ever looked at a shelf you haven't touched in a while? You'll probably see a thin layer of dust. Dust and dander love to settle in nooks and crannies while also floating around in the air constantly. As you go about your day, skin cells, hair, small bugs and pet debris travel through the air. It might hang out on shelves, fall into the carpet or move throughout the space. As particles buildup, they can increase your respiratory irritation.

If you want to improve your IAQ, vacuum and dust regularly. The more you pick up dust, the fewer allergens you'll have in your home. Use these tips to keep your home allergen-free:

• Vacuum regularly: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap fine particles.
• Wash bedding: Your bedding and curtains attract buildup and dust mites. Wash them in hot water to kill tiny, irritating organisms.
• Clean air vents: Use dusters or a damp cloth to clean your air vents. Change your filters whenever they're full.

3. Ventilation

Ventilation is more important than you might think. Keeping your windows closed all the time lets pollutants build up. Good airflow carries them out of the house, reducing irritation. Bringing in outdoor air dilutes these pollutants, making your IAQ higher. As a bonus, you'll get fresher, better-smelling air with a little open window time. Elevate your ventilation game by:

• Opening windows and doors to circulate fresh air.
• Turning on exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathrooms to clear out odors.
• Investing in energy-efficient ventilation systems for continuous airflow.

4. Humidity Control

Humidity is another player on the IAQ field. While moisture isn't usually an indoor issue, too much humidity can create issues. High humidity creates the perfect environment for mold and dust mite growth. When these thrive, it can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues. Conversely, low humidity can dry out your respiratory passages, causing nosebleeds. Keep humidity levels between 30% and 50% to prevent humidity-related problems.

You can control your home's humidity with humidifiers and dehumidifiers. Whole-home humidifiers let you maintain comfortable humidity levels, even during dry winter. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and bathrooms to prevent mold.

5. Avoid Pollutants

What if you do the above and you're still having IAQ problems? If you're still wondering how to improve indoor air quality, you might be using pollutants inside your home. The products you use inside can give off pollutants, impacting your IAQ.

Limit your use of harsh chemical cleaners, which can release VOCs. Try to use natural — but still disinfecting — cleaners where possible. The fewer VOCs you release, the better your air. Smoke can also affect IAQ. Avoid burning candles or smoking inside frequently. Even the best-smelling candle will still put particulates into the air.

Also, if you're working with furniture stains, paints or finishes, always use a mask and choose low-VOC options to reduce emissions and keep your home air healthier.

Take Control of Your Home's Air Quality

Improving IAQ is more than just a luxury — it's necessary for protecting your health. Cleaner air reduces allergies, improves health and makes your home better.

Take the next step in home comfort and health with Ingrams Water & Air. We're your trusted name in home comfort solutions. We have all the indoor air quality supplies you need to breathe clean. With our Price Match Guarantee, you'll always get the best deal on top-rated air purifiers. Plus, our Ingrams Touch Guarantee ensures peace of mind with every purchase. Don't just take our word for it — our award-winning service and customer-first approach speak for themselves.

Browse our indoor air quality products today!