Improving Your Indoor Air

Steps to Help Improve Your Air Quality and Reduce Health Risks

1. Controlling the sources of pollution: Usually the most effective way to improve indoor air is to eliminate individual sources or reduce their emissions.

2. Ventilating: Increasing the amount of fresh air brought indoors helps reduce pollutants inside. When weather and outdoor air quality permits, open windows and doors, or run an air conditioner with the vent control open. Bathroom and kitchen fans that exhaust to the outdoors also increase ventilation and help remove pollutants. Always ventilate and follow manufacturers’ instructions when you use products or appliances that may release pollutants into the indoor air.

3. Changing filters regularly: Central heaters and air conditioners have filters to trap dust and other pollutants in the air. Make sure to change or clean the filters regularly, following the instructions on the package.

4. Adjusting humidity: The humidity inside can affect the concentration of some indoor air pollutants. For example, high humidity keeps the air moist and increases the likelihood of mold. Keep indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent. Use a moisture or humidity gauge, available at most hardware stores, to see if the humidity in your home is at a good level. To increase humidity, use a vaporizer or humidifier. To decrease humidity, open the windows if it is not humid outdoors. If it is warm, turn on the air conditioner or adjust the humidity setting on the humidifier.

Important Tips That Will Help Control Indoor Pollutants

  • Test for radon and fix if there is a problem. The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment offers free short-term radon test kits to all Weld County residents (one per household, while supplies last).
  • Reduce asthma triggers such as mold and dust mites.
  • Do not let people smoke or vape indoors. Smoke or vape outdoors away from building entrances, patios/balconies, exhaust systems, or windows.
  • Keep all areas clean and dry. Clean up any mold and get rid of excess water or moisture.
  • Always ventilate when using products that can release pollutants into the air; if products must be stored following use, make sure to close tightly.
  • Inspect fuel-burning appliances regularly for leaks, and make repairs when necessary.
  • Consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm/detector.
Back to top