Top Air Quality Improvement Tips for NW Residents

Air quality in the Pacific Northwest has gotten complicated with all the wildfire seasons, pollen counts, and urban gunk floating around. As someone who’s dealt with smoke-filled summers and stuffy winter months in this region, I learned everything there is to know about keeping the air breathable indoors. Today, I will share it all with you.

Get Serious About Your Air Filters

First move: upgrade those HVAC filters. HEPA filters catch the tiny stuff — dust, pollen, even some bacteria. Regular furnace filters let all that right through. Swap them out every three months or whatever the manufacturer recommends. I’ve noticed a real difference since making the switch.

Air Purifiers Actually Help

Your HVAC filter won’t catch everything, especially in high-traffic rooms. A portable air purifier with a HEPA filter in your living room or bedroom makes a noticeable difference. Keep doors and windows closed while it’s running — otherwise you’re just filtering the whole neighborhood.

The Ventilation Balance

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Good ventilation removes indoor pollutants, but you’ve got to be smart about it. Kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans handle humidity and cooking fumes. If you want something more permanent, HRVs and ERVs bring in fresh air while saving energy — they’re worth looking into for this climate.

Humidity: Keep It in the Sweet Spot

Too much humidity and you’re growing mold and feeding dust mites. Keep things between 30% and 50%. Dehumidifiers help during our wetter months. Check for leaks and fix them fast. Run exhaust fans when you’re cooking, showering, or running the dishwasher.

VOCs Are Sneaky

Paints, varnishes, cleaning products — they all release volatile organic compounds. The stuff basically off-gasses into your air. Go for low-VOC or zero-VOC versions when you buy. Store any chemicals in sealed containers and keep them somewhere with decent airflow.

Ditch the Synthetic Fragrances

Those plug-in air fresheners and heavily scented cleaners? They’re adding chemicals to your indoor air. Fragrance-free products work fine. If you like some scent, essential oils are better — just don’t go overboard, since some can irritate sensitive folks.

Cleaning Routines Matter

Dust and pollen settle everywhere. Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth instead of just pushing dust around. Vacuum with a HEPA-filter machine — cheap vacuums just blow particles back into the air. Wash bedding in hot water to kill dust mites.

HVAC Maintenance Isn’t Optional

Schedule regular checkups for your heating and cooling system. Clean ducts distribute dust throughout your whole house if you ignore them. A well-maintained system runs better and keeps your air cleaner.

Natural Cleaning Works

Vinegar, baking soda, lemon — these handle most cleaning jobs without adding chemicals to your air. Commercial products often contain stuff you probably don’t want to breathe. The natural alternatives are cheap and surprisingly effective.

Less Clutter, Less Dust

Clutter collects dust. Store things in sealed containers. Heavy carpets and thick curtains trap particles. Hardwood or tile floors are easier to keep clean if you’re really serious about air quality.

Radon Testing — Do It

Radon is colorless and odorless but causes lung cancer. It seeps up from the ground into homes. Test kits are cheap and easy. If levels are high, mitigation fixes the problem.

No Smoking Indoors

This one’s obvious but worth stating. Cigarette smoke wrecks indoor air quality instantly. Make it an outdoor-only thing, and keep people away from windows and doors when they light up.

Rethink the Wood Stove

Wood smoke contains fine particles that mess with your lungs. Gas or electric alternatives are cleaner. If you’re committed to wood, make sure the stove vents properly and keep up with maintenance.

Check the Air Quality Reports

Sites like airnow.gov tell you what’s happening outside. On bad days, stay indoors and dial back the outdoor exercise. Knowing what you’re dealing with helps you make better decisions.

Houseplants Help (A Little)

Spider plants, snake plants, peace lilies — they do purify air to some degree. Not a replacement for real filtration, but they contribute and look good doing it. Watch out if you have pets, though. Some plants are toxic to animals.

Seal Up Your House

Outdoor pollution finds its way in through gaps in windows, doors, and walls. Caulk and weather-stripping keep that stuff out. Bonus: you’ll save on energy costs too.

Think About What You’re Running Outside

Gas-powered mowers and leaf blowers create pollution right next to your house. Electric or manual alternatives cut that down. Support local air quality initiatives too — community efforts add up.

Wildfire Prep Is Real

That’s what makes air quality endearing to us PNW folks — wildfires are just part of life now. Stay updated on regional fire activity. Set up a clean room with an air purifier. Run your AC on recirculate to keep smoke out.

Follow these tips consistently and you’ll breathe easier. Good air quality benefits your health and makes the whole house feel better.