When we think about living a healthy lifestyle, we usually focus on eating well, exercising, or getting enough sleep. But one of the most overlooked contributors to health — especially in Ontario Canada — is the quality of the air inside our homes.
Most Canadians, particularly during colder months, spend nearly 90% of their time indoors. Whether you live in a suburban house in Mississauga or a Toronto, the air you breathe every day may be filled with invisible pollutants that can affect your health.
So what exactly is indoor air quality (IAQ), and how can you improve it? Let’s break it down.
What Affects Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality refers to the condition of the air inside your home, particularly how it relates to your health and comfort. The most common indoor pollutants include:
- Dust and allergens
- Pet dander
- Mold and mildew
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from household cleaners and paints
- Smoke from cooking, candles, or tobacco
- Outdoor pollutants that enter through open doors or poorly sealed windows
Many of these pollutants are invisible and odorless — and over time, they can cause or aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma, allergies, chronic cough, and fatigue. Children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home
Fortunately, there are practical steps every Ontario homeowner can take to improve indoor air quality. Here are some of the most effective methods:
1. Keep Your Home Clean and Dust-Free
Vacuum carpets and upholstery at least once a week using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which can trap tiny airborne particles. Mop hard floors and wipe surfaces regularly to prevent dust and allergens from building up.
2. Maintain Proper Ventilation
Open windows when weather permits to let fresh air circulate. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture, smoke, and fumes. In winter, when windows remain closed, consider using a mechanical ventilation system like an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) to bring in fresh air without losing heat.
3. Control Humidity Levels
Mold thrives in damp environments. Keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50% using a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed. Bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms should be monitored closely.
4. Use Air Purifiers
Invest in a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter for areas where you spend the most time, such as bedrooms and living rooms. Air purifiers help reduce dust, pet dander, smoke particles, and even some viruses and bacteria.
5. Avoid VOC-Heavy Products
Switch to low-VOC or no-VOC paints, adhesives, and cleaners. Store chemicals and paint cans in a well-ventilated area — preferably outside the main living space.
6. Replace HVAC Filters Regularly
Your furnace and air conditioning system recirculate the air throughout your home. If the filter is clogged, it will blow dust and contaminants back into your living space. In Ontario’s climate, filters should typically be replaced every 2–3 months, or more frequently if you have pets or allergies.
7. Schedule Professional Duct Cleaning
Over time, dust, pollen, mold spores, and even pests can accumulate inside your ductwork. A professional air duct cleaning service can remove these pollutants, improve air circulation and reduce allergens. This is especially important after renovations or if your home is more than 10 years old.
8. Add Indoor Plants (Selectively)
Certain houseplants like spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies can help filter air naturally. However, be mindful — overwatering plants can contribute to mould growth, and some plants may trigger allergies for sensitive individuals.
Conclusion: Breathe Better, Live Better
Improving your indoor air quality doesn’t require a massive renovation — just a series of mindful, consistent steps. In a province like Ontario, where weather keeps us indoors for much of the year, it’s especially important to make sure that the air we’re breathing is clean, fresh, and safe.
Remember: When thinking about duct cleaning or HVAC maintenance, always choose a NADCA-certified company with commercial-grade equipment and a professional team, like Unique Providers in Mississauga.
By cleaning regularly, maintaining your HVAC system, and investing in proper ventilation and purification, you can drastically improve the air in your home — and with it, the health and comfort of your entire family.
