We rarely pause to think about what we’re breathing at home. Despite Des Moines’ open skies and parks, indoor air often ends up more contaminated thanks to seasonal allergens blowing in, routine dust, and pet fur. Managing indoor air quality matters for protecting your family’s well-being. Improving the air you breathe can be affordable and straightforward, no major overhaul required. Here are five easy, Des Moines-friendly tips on how to improve indoor air quality in your home.
Fresh-Air Flow & Ventilation
Use Windows and Natural Air Flow
Arguably the easiest way to improve air quality is by letting fresh air in. We recommend creating cross-ventilation by opening windows across the home. That moving air flushes out the stuffy buildup inside and reduces indoor pollution, lowering contaminant levels.
Turn On Exhaust Fans and Air Control Systems
Kitchen and bathroom fans are small but mighty tools. Run them while you cook or bathe to vent steam, smoke and fumes outdoors, preventing moisture buildup and removing pollutants before they spread.
Grow Houseplants and Greenery for a Small Boost
While they’re not a primary fix, certain houseplants can offer a slight air-quality bump. Research from the University of Cornell, for instance, notes that English ivy can reduce trace amounts of formaldehyde and ammonia. However, you should treat plants as a complement to core strategies. Options like ventilation, filtration, and humidity control are still the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality.
Good Plants Include:
- Peace Lily
- English Ivy
- Spider Plant
- Boston Fern
- Bamboo Palm
Whole-Home Humidity Control
Humid spring and summer air can feel heavy, and that excess moisture creates ideal conditions for mold, mildew, and bacteria. Humid air also allows particles to linger instead of dispersing, trapping irritants indoors and worsening seasonal allergies. As you might imagine, these factors can reduce the air quality in your home, leading to other health concerns.
Maintaining humidity balance can significantly enhance the air you breathe. A whole-home humidifier system can add or remove moisture according to your preference. Additionally, these systems integrate directly into the HVAC system, allowing the purifier to effectively ventilate pollutants and maintain a consistent, healthy level throughout every season.
What We Suggest
We recommend keeping your home’s humidity in the 30-50% range. Staying within this range helps reduce the transmission of viruses and bacteria while supporting better overall air quality. Additionally, maintaining this humidity range allows moisture to properly ventilate without promoting mold growth and mildew.
Whole-Home Air Purification Systems
For comprehensive and lasting air improvement in Des Moines, consider investing in a whole-house air purifier. Much like a dehumidifier, the air purifier integrates directly into the heating and cooling system. Whole-home air purifiers target common contaminants, such as dust mites, pollen, pet hair and dander, as well as more serious particles like mold spores and bacteria.
In particular, whole-home purifiers constantly pull in air through advanced filters and trap particles. Within several hours, or even up to a day, you’ll notice a healthier indoor environment. Just remember to replace the purifier’s filter regularly, typically every 1-3 months.
Zone Control Systems for Precise Comfort
Circulation Fights Stale Air Pockets
When air sits still, dust and allergens pile up. Zone control systems push filtered air where it’s needed, keeping it moving and preventing pollutant buildup so rooms feel fresher and more comfortable.
Practical Alternatives to Zone Control Systems
You can get many of the same benefits without zoning by trying the options below.
- Try a Smart Thermostat – While not a direct purifier, it optimizes HVAC cycles for steadier circulation and may include limited zoning features on the control panel.
- Ductless Mini-Split Systems for Targeted Control – These systems condition and filter air per room or area, providing a flexible alternative that mirrors several advantages of zone control.
- Add Portable Air Purifiers – Ideal for bedrooms or offices, they offer steady particle removal where you need it most without a big investment.
Routine Filter Changes for Cleaner Air
Regular filter upkeep is an affordable, system-friendly strategy for cleaner indoor air. Windy springs, muggy summers, and blustery falls pack filters with debris in no time, reducing the overall quality of your home’s air.
When a filter is dirty, your HVAC has to work harder and more pollutants slip through. For best results for homes, inspect filters monthly and replace every 1–3 months. Staying on schedule can also trim energy costs by about 5–15% over time.
Adjust for Household Needs
Homes with pets, young children, or allergy sufferers often need more frequent filter changes. This quick task elevates air quality, supports HVAC efficiency, and can reduce energy use for Des Moines households.
How to Pick the Best Filter for Your Home
A good rule of thumb is to choose a higher MERV rating when possible. Higher MERV numbers and ratings are better at capturing finer particles.
- Allergies or Asthma – Opt for MERV 12–16 to capture finer irritants.
- Pets – Choose MERV 11+ to better catch pet dander.
- Odors/VOCs – Consider high-MERV filters with activated carbon to help absorb smells and certain chemicals.
- On a Budget – Higher MERV typically costs more and may need more frequent changes in polluted conditions.
Breathe Better in Des Moines With Aspen Aire
Clean indoor air matters for your family’s health, and learning how to maintain it is worth the effort. While air quality services offer valuable professional insight, you can still take practical, at-home steps each day to support wellness and head off potential issues.
Build a routine focused on good housekeeping and fresh-air circulation. Simple maintenance routines cost little and deliver results. When you’re ready for professional insights, connect with Aspen Aire Heating & Cooling at (515) 257-8370 or contact us online, we’re here to support you