Improving Indoor Air Quality in the Summer

As the temperatures rise in Texas during the summer months, many homeowners focus on keeping their homes cool and comfortable.

However, maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ) is equally important for the health and well-being of you and your family. Poor IAQ can lead to a range of health issues, including allergies, respiratory problems, and exacerbation of existing conditions like asthma.

In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies to improve indoor air quality in your home during the summer.

What Affects Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the cleanliness, freshness, and healthiness of the air inside your home. It’s essential to recognize that poor IAQ can have significant effects on your health and well-being, particularly during the summer months when we spend more time indoors with windows and doors closed to keep out the heat. Here’s a deeper look at the factors that can impact indoor air quality:

Allergens

Pollen
- Pollen is a common allergen that can enter your home through open windows and doors, as well as on clothing and pets. In the summer, pollen levels can be particularly high, leading to allergies and respiratory symptoms for sensitive individuals.
Dust Mites
- Dust mites are microscopic creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments. They feed on dead skin cells and can be found in bedding, upholstery, and carpets. Exposure to dust mites can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms.
Pet Dander
- Pets can shed dander, which consists of tiny flecks of skin, fur, or feathers. These particles can become airborne and accumulate in your home, causing allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
Mold Spores
- Mold spores are present in the air both indoors and outdoors. In the summer, humidity levels can rise, creating ideal conditions for mold growth in damp or poorly ventilated areas of your home, such as basements, bathrooms, and attics.

Indoor Pollutants

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- VOCs are chemicals that can off-gas from household products such as paints, varnishes, cleaning agents, and air fresheners. Prolonged exposure to VOCs can lead to respiratory irritation, headaches, and other health issues.
Tobacco Smoke
- Secondhand smoke from cigarettes and other tobacco products contains a mix of harmful chemicals and particulate matter that can linger in indoor air, posing health risks to nonsmokers, especially children and individuals with respiratory conditions.
Cooking Emissions
- Cooking can release pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter into the air. Poor ventilation in the kitchen can exacerbate indoor air pollution and affect IAQ.

Humidity Levels

High Humidity
- High humidity levels can promote the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites, leading to poor IAQ and potential health issues. Excessive moisture in the air can also make your home feel uncomfortable and stuffy.
Low Humidity
- Low humidity levels can result in dry air, which can cause respiratory discomfort, dry skin, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. In the summer, air conditioning can further reduce indoor humidity levels.

Ventilation

Inadequate Ventilation
- Poor ventilation can trap indoor pollutants and allergens inside your home, leading to stagnant air and reduced IAQ. Without proper ventilation, indoor air can become stale and unhealthy.
Outdoor Air Quality
- The quality of outdoor air can also impact indoor air quality, especially if your home is located in an area with high levels of air pollution, allergens, or wildfire smoke.

Understanding these factors is the first step toward improving indoor air quality in your home. By addressing sources of pollution, controlling humidity levels, and ensuring proper ventilation, you can create a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment for you and your family.

In the following sections, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies for improving IAQ during the summer months.

Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality in the Summer

During the summer months, when windows and doors are often closed to keep out the heat, it’s essential to take proactive steps to maintain good indoor air quality.

Here are some practical tips and strategies to help you improve IAQ in your home:

1. Regularly Change Air Filters

Air filters in your HVAC system trap airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, preventing them from circulating throughout your home. Over time, filters become dirty and less effective, so it’s crucial to replace them regularly.

Check your air filters every 1-3 months and replace them as needed, especially during the summer when pollen levels are higher and HVAC systems are running more frequently.

Consider upgrading to high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which can capture smaller particles and allergens more effectively than standard filters, providing cleaner indoor air.

2. Schedule HVAC Maintenance

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system to ensure it’s functioning properly and efficiently. A well-maintained system can help improve indoor air quality by circulating clean, filtered air throughout your home.

Hire a professional HVAC technician to inspect your system, clean components, and make any necessary repairs or adjustments. This can help optimize performance and reduce the risk of indoor air pollution.

3. Use Exhaust Fans

Use the exhaust fan in your kitchen when cooking to remove moisture, odors, and pollutants generated by cooking activities. Venting cooking emissions outdoors helps maintain indoor air quality and prevents the buildup of indoor pollutants.

Use the exhaust fan in your bathroom during and after showering to remove excess humidity and prevent mold and mildew growth. Proper ventilation can help prevent moisture-related issues and maintain healthy IAQ.

4. Control Humidity Levels

Use a dehumidifier to reduce excess humidity in your home, especially in areas prone to moisture buildup like basements and bathrooms. Aim for indoor humidity levels between 30-50% to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Additionally, consider investing in a hygrometer. These monitor indoor humidity levels and adjust your dehumidifier or HVAC system as needed to maintain optimal conditions for IAQ and comfort.

5. Clean Regularly

Regular cleaning helps remove dust, pet dander, and other allergens from your home’s surfaces and air. Vacuum carpets and upholstery, dust furniture, and mop floors frequently to keep indoor air clean and fresh.

Don’t forget to wash bedding in hot water weekly to remove dust mites and allergens. This includes:

Sheets
Pillowcases
Mattress covers

Use allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses to reduce exposure to dust mites.

6. Minimize Indoor Pollutants

Avoid smoking indoors, as tobacco smoke contains a mix of harmful chemicals and particulate matter that can degrade indoor air quality and pose health risks to occupants.

We also suggest choosing household products with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to minimize indoor air pollution. Look for eco-friendly cleaning supplies, paints, and personal care products labeled as low-VOC or VOC-free.

7. Increase Ventilation

Open windows and doors when weather permits to allow fresh air to circulate throughout your home. Cross-ventilation can help flush out indoor pollutants and refresh stale indoor air.

Install window screens if you don’t have them. They’ll help to keep out insects and pollen while still enjoying natural ventilation. Screens can help reduce outdoor allergens from entering your home and improve IAQ.

8. Consider Air Purifiers

Consider investing in a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove airborne pollutants and allergens from your home’s air. Place purifiers in commonly used areas for maximum effectiveness.

For more comprehensive air purification, consider installing a whole-house air purification system that integrates with your HVAC system. These systems can filter and clean the air throughout your entire home.

9. Address Mold and Mildew

Promptly address any signs of mold or mildew growth in your home, including:

Musty odors
Damp spots
Visible mold growth

Clean affected areas thoroughly and address any underlying moisture issues to prevent further growth.

For severe mold infestations, consider hiring a professional mold remediation company to safely and effectively remove mold from your home. Professional remediation can help ensure that the problem is addressed properly and thoroughly.

10. Monitor and Test

Consider using indoor air quality monitors to track pollutant levels and humidity levels in your home. IAQ monitors can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of your IAQ improvement efforts and help identify areas for improvement.

If you live in an area with elevated radon levels, consider testing your home for radon gas. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep into homes from the ground and pose serious health risks if levels are high.

Don’t Risk Your Indoor Air Quality This Summer

Maintaining good indoor air quality is essential for a healthy and comfortable home environment, especially during the summer months when windows are often closed to keep out the heat.

By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide from Guardian Home Services, you can improve indoor air quality in your home and enjoy cleaner, fresher air all summer long.

For help improving your indoor air quality in Texas, reach out to Guardian Home Services! We offer a variety of solutions to help keep your home’s air quality clean and fresh!