Top Indoor Air Quality Tips for Families in Ohio

Indoor air quality plays a critical role in the health, comfort, and overall well-being of your family, especially in a state like Ohio, where seasonal weather changes can greatly influence the air inside your home. From dry winters to humid summers, families face a wide range of environmental factors that affect what they breathe every day.

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The good news? With a few smart habits and upgrades, you can drastically improve the air quality in your home and reduce exposure to allergens, pollutants, and airborne irritants. Here are some of the top indoor air quality tips tailored specifically for families in Ohio.

1. Understand Seasonal Air Quality Challenges

Ohio’s diverse climate means your home faces different air quality challenges throughout the year:

• Winter: Homes are sealed tight to keep out the cold, reducing ventilation and increasing the concentration of indoor pollutants.
• Spring: Pollen counts rise, and opening windows can introduce allergens into the home.
• Summer: High humidity promotes mold and dust mite activity.
• Fall: Ragweed and decaying leaves can contribute to outdoor-to-indoor allergen migration.
  

Understanding these seasonal patterns helps you take targeted steps year-round.

2. Maintain Proper Humidity Levels

Humidity control is one of the most important aspects of indoor air quality in Ohio homes. In the winter, the air becomes dry, while summer can bring excessive moisture.

• Aim for 30%–50% indoor humidity.
• Use a humidifier in winter to ease dry skin, throat irritation, and static electricity.
• Run a dehumidifier in basements or humid rooms during warmer months to prevent mold growth.
  

Balanced humidity supports respiratory health and helps prevent the spread of airborne contaminants.

3. Ventilate Your Home

With Ohio's long winters and hot summers, it's tempting to keep your home sealed. But without proper airflow, pollutants accumulate quickly.

• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture and fumes.
• Open windows for a few minutes daily when outdoor air quality allows.
• Consider installing a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) for year-round air exchange with minimal energy loss. (Learn practical airflow tips here: Improve Indoor Air Circulation.)
  

Proper ventilation helps flush out stale indoor air and bring in fresh, oxygen-rich air.

4. Change HVAC Filters Regularly

Your home’s heating and cooling systems play a huge role in circulating air. A clogged or dirty filter can reduce airflow and allow dust, pet dander, and allergens to build up.

• Check filters monthly and replace them at least every 90 days or more often if you have pets, allergies, or recent construction work.
• Use high-efficiency pleated filters (MERV 8 or higher) for better dust and allergen capture.
  

Clean filters mean cleaner air, and more efficient HVAC performance.

5. Reduce Indoor Pollutants

Everyday household items contribute more to indoor air pollution than many people realize.

• Avoid aerosol sprays, strong chemical cleaners, and synthetic air fresheners.
• Use natural or low-VOC products for cleaning and painting.
• Limit smoking indoors or better yet, eliminate it entirely.
• Consider houseplants like snake plants or peace lilies, which can help filter air naturally (just be cautious with pets).
  

Even small changes in the products you use can have a big impact on indoor air quality.‍

6. Clean Strategically, Not Just Often

Cleaning helps reduce airborne particles, but how you clean matters.

• Use HEPA-filter vacuums to trap dust, pet hair, and pollen.
• Wet-dust surfaces rather than dry-dusting to prevent particles from becoming airborne.
• Wash bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites.
  

Targeted cleaning routines keep allergen levels low and breathing easier for the whole family.

7. Test for Radon and Carbon Monoxide

Many homes in Ohio are at risk for radon: a naturally occurring, odorless radioactive gas that can seep in through foundations and pose serious health risks.

• Test your home for radon with a kit or hire a professional. Mitigation systems are effective if high levels are found.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas and test them regularly.
  

These silent threats can go undetected without proper monitoring.

8. Schedule an Indoor Air Quality Assessment

Sometimes, the best step is bringing in a professional to assess your home. Specialists can test for:

• Mold and moisture issues
• Allergens and irritants
• HVAC system performance
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  

A tailored action plan ensures you’re not guessing when it comes to your family’s air quality.

Final Thoughts

Indoor air quality affects everything from how well your children sleep to how often your family catches colds. In Ohio’s ever-changing climate, paying attention to ventilation, humidity, and pollutant control is essential to creating a healthy home environment.

By following these practical tips and making a few key upgrades, you can make your home safer and more comfortable year-round, no matter what the weather looks like outside. Contact us today!