Summers in Colorado bring warm temperatures, outdoor adventures, and unfortunately, a rise in indoor air quality concerns. With windows closed to keep out the heat and allergens like pollen and wildfire smoke in the air, maintaining a healthy home environment can be a challenge. Poor indoor air quality can lead to allergies, respiratory issues, and overall discomfort. Fortunately, there are several ways to improve the air inside your home and keep it fresh and healthy all summer long.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters in the Summer

Many homeowners assume that staying inside during the hotter months protects them from outdoor pollutants, but indoor air can often be more polluted than outdoor air. Factors such as poor ventilation, excess humidity, and airborne allergens can all contribute to poor indoor air quality, leading to symptoms like:

• Increased allergy and asthma flare-ups
• Dry throat, itchy eyes, and irritated skin
• Fatigue and headaches due to stagnant air
• Lingering odors from cooking, pets, and household products

With a few adjustments to your home’s HVAC system and some smart air quality solutions, you can create a healthier and more comfortable indoor space.

Air Purifiers: A Game-Changer for Home Air Quality

One of the easiest ways to improve indoor air quality is by using an air purifier. These devices help remove dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and even bacteria from the air.

What to Look for in an Air Purifier

• HEPA filters that capture 99.97% of airborne particles, improving overall air quality
• Activated carbon filters to help remove odors, smoke, and chemical pollutants
• UV-C light technology that neutralizes bacteria, mold, and viruses for a cleaner environment

If your home has a central HVAC system, consider installing a whole-home air purification system to provide cleaner air throughout every room.

Humidity Control: Balancing Moisture in Your Home

Colorado’s dry climate can lead to low humidity levels in the summer, which can cause dry skin, irritated sinuses, and static electricity buildup. However, running air conditioning too frequently can create overly dry indoor air, making humidity control an important part of indoor air quality.

How to Maintain Proper Humidity Levels

• Use a whole-home humidifier to keep moisture levels balanced, especially if air conditioning is used frequently
• Keep indoor humidity between 30-50% to prevent mold growth and discomfort
• Add houseplants such as peace lilies and spider plants, which help increase humidity naturally while also filtering the air

Balancing indoor humidity helps prevent airborne irritants while making your home feel more comfortable year-round.

Ventilation: Bringing Fresh Air Indoors

With summer heat trapping stale air inside, proper ventilation is key to removing pollutants and circulating fresh air. Without good airflow, your home can accumulate allergens, odors, and even carbon dioxide buildup.

Ways to Improve Ventilation

• Open windows strategically in the early morning or evening when outdoor air quality is good
• Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove excess moisture and airborne pollutants
• Consider an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) to exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while maintaining energy efficiency

Proper ventilation ensures your home doesn’t feel stuffy or stagnant while reducing airborne contaminants.

HVAC Maintenance: Keeping Your System Clean

Your HVAC system plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality, especially in the summer when it’s running frequently. A neglected system can spread dust, bacteria, and allergens throughout your home.

Essential HVAC Maintenance Tips

• Change air filters regularly, replacing them every one to three months to prevent buildup of dust and allergens
• Schedule an annual tune-up to ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently
• Clean air ducts if needed, as dust and debris accumulate in ductwork over time, impacting airflow and air quality

A well-maintained HVAC system not only improves air quality but also helps your system run more efficiently, saving energy and reducing cooling costs.

Natural Air Quality Boosters

Beyond mechanical solutions, there are simple, natural ways to improve air quality in your home.

Easy Ways to Enhance Air Quality Naturally

• Add air-purifying plants such as snake plants, pothos, and aloe vera to help remove toxins from the air
• Use natural cleaning products to avoid harsh chemicals that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Keep floors clean by vacuuming and mopping regularly to reduce dust, pet dander, and allergens

Making small changes to your daily routine can have a big impact on maintaining a fresh and healthy indoor environment.

Breathe Easier This Summer

With summer in full swing, taking steps to improve indoor air quality can make a noticeable difference in your home’s comfort and health. By using air purifiers, balancing humidity, improving ventilation, and maintaining your HVAC system, you can create a cleaner, fresher indoor space for you and your family.

For professional HVAC maintenance and indoor air quality solutions in Colorado Springs, contact Absolute Comfort at 719-471-2347. Our experts can recommend the best solutions for cleaner air and a healthier home environment.