Indoor air quality has become an increasingly important concern for homeowners, particularly in urban centers like Los Angeles, where seasonal wildfires, vehicle emissions, and outdoor pollutants can impact the comfort and health of residential spaces. Whether someone is living in a luxury condominium in Downtown LA or a single-family home in Beverly Hills, the question of how to improve the air quality of your home is one many are now asking. In a city where outdoor air conditions fluctuate, taking control of the indoor environment is essential to creating a safe, clean, and enjoyable living space.
Improving indoor air quality isn’t just about comfort—it’s about long-term health and property value. Poor air quality can contribute to respiratory issues, allergies, fatigue, and even reduced cognitive function. For homeowners, addressing these issues proactively ensures the property is not only livable but also attractive to future buyers. Fortunately, there are several proven strategies to enhance air quality and create a more breathable, healthier environment.
Start With a Thorough Cleaning Routine
One of the most fundamental steps in understanding how to improve the air quality of your home is establishing a consistent cleaning routine. Dust, pet dander, and household allergens often accumulate on surfaces, in carpets, and within upholstery. Regular vacuuming using a HEPA-filter vacuum, wiping down hard surfaces, and washing linens can significantly reduce indoor allergens.
In Los Angeles, where outdoor air can carry fine particulate matter from traffic and wildfires, it’s also important to clean entryways and use high-quality doormats to minimize dirt brought indoors. Keeping windows and window treatments clean also ensures that dust and pollen buildup don’t contribute to the air quality inside the home. Regular deep cleaning of hard-to-reach areas—behind appliances, under beds, and in HVAC vents—can prevent the circulation of harmful particles throughout the property
In Los Angeles, where outdoor air can carry fine particulate matter from traffic and wildfires, it’s also important to clean entryways and use high-quality doormats to minimize dirt brought indoors. Keeping windows and window treatments clean also ensures that dust and pollen buildup don’t contribute to the air quality inside the home. Regular deep cleaning of hard-to-reach areas—behind appliances, under beds, and in HVAC vents—can prevent the circulation of harmful particles throughout the property
Invest in Proper Ventilation Systems
Proper ventilation plays a key role in reducing indoor air pollutants. Homes that are tightly sealed for energy efficiency often suffer from poor ventilation, which can trap indoor contaminants like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products or furniture finishes. Understanding how to improve the air quality of your home involves balancing energy efficiency with proper airflow.
Mechanical ventilation systems such as energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) or heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) exchange stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air while maintaining temperature balance. These systems are particularly effective in modern homes or renovated properties where insulation is tight.
Additionally, kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans should be used consistently to remove moisture and contaminants. Moisture control is particularly important in Los Angeles homes that are close to the ocean or have older plumbing systems, where the risk of mold growth may be elevated due to humidity.
Mechanical ventilation systems such as energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) or heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) exchange stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air while maintaining temperature balance. These systems are particularly effective in modern homes or renovated properties where insulation is tight.
Additionally, kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans should be used consistently to remove moisture and contaminants. Moisture control is particularly important in Los Angeles homes that are close to the ocean or have older plumbing systems, where the risk of mold growth may be elevated due to humidity.
Use High-Efficiency Air Filters and Purifiers
For many homeowners exploring how to improve the air quality of your home, air purification is a practical solution that delivers noticeable benefits. Central HVAC systems should be outfitted with high-efficiency filters—preferably those rated MERV 13 or higher—which can capture smaller airborne particles, including allergens, bacteria, and some viruses.
Standalone air purifiers with true HEPA filters can also be placed strategically throughout the home, especially in bedrooms or living spaces where people spend the most time. Many of today’s purifiers also come with carbon filters that reduce odors and chemical pollutants.
In areas of Los Angeles where wildfire smoke is a seasonal issue, air purifiers are especially important. During high-smoke days, keeping windows closed and relying on internal filtration can make a significant difference in air quality. This type of investment not only improves daily comfort but also becomes a desirable feature when marketing the home in the future.
Standalone air purifiers with true HEPA filters can also be placed strategically throughout the home, especially in bedrooms or living spaces where people spend the most time. Many of today’s purifiers also come with carbon filters that reduce odors and chemical pollutants.
In areas of Los Angeles where wildfire smoke is a seasonal issue, air purifiers are especially important. During high-smoke days, keeping windows closed and relying on internal filtration can make a significant difference in air quality. This type of investment not only improves daily comfort but also becomes a desirable feature when marketing the home in the future.
Eliminate Sources of Indoor Pollution
Another key element in the discussion around how to improve the air quality of your home is source control. Many common household items and materials can contribute to poor air quality without homeowners even realizing it. Synthetic furniture, carpets, and certain types of paint can off-gas harmful chemicals known as VOCs.
Switching to low- or no-VOC paints, natural fiber rugs, and solid-wood furniture with non-toxic finishes can drastically reduce chemical exposure. Additionally, homeowners should be cautious about air fresheners, cleaning sprays, and scented candles, many of which release artificial fragrances and chemical particulates into the air.
In the kitchen, using a properly vented range hood while cooking helps remove smoke, grease, and airborne particles that can linger long after food is prepared. Induction cooktops are also gaining popularity as a cleaner alternative to gas stoves, which can release nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide into the home.
Switching to low- or no-VOC paints, natural fiber rugs, and solid-wood furniture with non-toxic finishes can drastically reduce chemical exposure. Additionally, homeowners should be cautious about air fresheners, cleaning sprays, and scented candles, many of which release artificial fragrances and chemical particulates into the air.
In the kitchen, using a properly vented range hood while cooking helps remove smoke, grease, and airborne particles that can linger long after food is prepared. Induction cooktops are also gaining popularity as a cleaner alternative to gas stoves, which can release nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide into the home.
Incorporate Indoor Plants Wisely
Houseplants have long been celebrated for their aesthetic value, but they can also support cleaner indoor air when used thoughtfully. While no plant can replace a high-efficiency filter, certain species—such as snake plants, peace lilies, and spider plants—can help absorb some toxins and provide oxygen.
It’s important to note, however, that overwatering and poor plant care can lead to mold growth and increase humidity levels, especially in smaller homes or apartments. Choosing low-maintenance, non-toxic plants and maintaining proper drainage and care routines can help support indoor air quality without adding risk.
It’s important to note, however, that overwatering and poor plant care can lead to mold growth and increase humidity levels, especially in smaller homes or apartments. Choosing low-maintenance, non-toxic plants and maintaining proper drainage and care routines can help support indoor air quality without adding risk.
Maintain HVAC Systems and Ductwork
HVAC maintenance is often overlooked, but it is vital to sustaining good air quality throughout the year. Dirty ducts, clogged filters, and neglected mechanical systems can distribute dust, mold spores, and allergens throughout the home.
Homeowners should schedule regular professional inspections and cleanings of their HVAC systems, ideally at the start of summer and winter seasons. This ensures systems run efficiently while also minimizing the circulation of airborne pollutants. Duct cleaning, while not always necessary, can be beneficial in older homes or properties that have undergone renovations.
In Los Angeles, where air conditioning is often used year-round, maintaining HVAC systems is not just about comfort—it’s about preserving a healthy indoor environment and protecting long-term investment in the property.
Homeowners should schedule regular professional inspections and cleanings of their HVAC systems, ideally at the start of summer and winter seasons. This ensures systems run efficiently while also minimizing the circulation of airborne pollutants. Duct cleaning, while not always necessary, can be beneficial in older homes or properties that have undergone renovations.
In Los Angeles, where air conditioning is often used year-round, maintaining HVAC systems is not just about comfort—it’s about preserving a healthy indoor environment and protecting long-term investment in the property.
Create a Healthier Home Environment With Expert Insight
Improving the air quality of a home is not a one-time fix—it requires a thoughtful, ongoing commitment to lifestyle, maintenance, and design decisions. For homeowners, understanding how to improve the air quality of your home is about investing in well-being, enhancing livability, and increasing long-term property value.
From installing the right filters to selecting eco-friendly finishes, every choice contributes to a healthier space. In a market like Los Angeles, where wellness and environmental consciousness are top priorities for many buyers, clean air is more than just a personal benefit—it’s a smart real estate strategy.
From installing the right filters to selecting eco-friendly finishes, every choice contributes to a healthier space. In a market like Los Angeles, where wellness and environmental consciousness are top priorities for many buyers, clean air is more than just a personal benefit—it’s a smart real estate strategy.
Learn How to Improve the Air Quality of Your Home With Hameline Global
For personalized guidance on optimizing your property’s indoor environment or preparing your home for sale, contact Hameline Global today. With deep knowledge of the Los Angeles market and a client-focused approach, Hameline Global provides expert insight into how to improve the air quality of your home, and how these upgrades can enhance value, appeal, and overall quality of life.
