Proper ventilation: easy steps to cleaner indoor air

Bad air in your home or workplace doesn’t just feel stale — it can make allergies worse, spread colds and flu, and trap moisture that leads to mold. You don’t need fancy gear to start improving things. Small, practical changes often make the biggest difference.

Quick, everyday ventilation fixes

Open windows for short bursts. Even five to ten minutes of cross-ventilation (windows or doors on opposite sides) replaces a surprising amount of indoor air. In winter, open two rooms briefly rather than leaving a window cracked all day.

Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom every time you cook or shower. These fans remove steam, odors, and fumes at the source. If a room has no fan, a window fan set to blow air out works well.

Place portable HEPA air purifiers in rooms you use most — bedrooms and living rooms. HEPA filters capture fine particles like dust, pollen, and many airborne droplets. Match purifier size to room square footage and run it on a higher speed for faster cleaning.

Ceiling and box fans move air but don’t bring in fresh air. Use them with an open window or door to encourage airflow instead of relying on them alone.

When to upgrade: filters, monitors, and systems

Check your HVAC filters. Aim for MERV 13 if your system supports it — higher-rated filters catch smaller particles. Replace filters on schedule and follow the manufacturer’s airflow limits. If your system struggles with high-MERV filters, choose the highest rating it safely supports.

Consider a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) for colder climates. These systems bring in fresh air while saving most of the heating or cooling energy. They’re an efficient step up for homes that feel consistently stuffy.

Use a CO2 monitor to judge ventilation quality. CO2 is a simple proxy for how much exhaled air is in a room. Readings under ~800 ppm usually mean decent ventilation; above 1,000 ppm you should add fresh air or cut room occupancy.

For high-risk spaces (crowded rooms, healthcare settings), look into UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) for upper-room air disinfection and follow specific ACH (air changes per hour) targets. A professional can advise on proper installation and safety.

Practical habits help: run purifiers while sleeping, vent the dryer outside, avoid strong-smelling cleaners indoors, and don’t block vents or intakes. If outdoor smoke or pollution is high, keep windows closed and rely on filtered ventilation instead.

Try one change this week — open a window daily, run the kitchen fan, or put a HEPA unit in the bedroom. You’ll notice fresher air and fewer odors, and your home will be healthier without major expense or effort.