New Year, Fresh Air: 5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Home’s Air Quality in 2026

A new year means new goals—and while you might be focused on eating healthier or getting more organized, here’s one resolution that’s just as important: improving your home’s air quality.

Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA. Between dust, allergens, pet dander, and everyday household products, the air you breathe at home can impact everything from your sleep quality to your energy levels.

The good news? You don’t need a full home renovation to make a big difference. Here are five simple ways to help your household breathe happy all year long.

1. Replace Your Air Filters Regularly

This one’s first for a reason—it’s the simplest and most effective way to instantly improve your indoor air.

Air filters trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other particles that circulate through your HVAC system. When filters get clogged, airflow slows down and dirty air keeps circulating. That means your system works harder, your energy bills climb higher, and your air gets dirtier.

The fix: Change your filters every 1–3 months, depending on your household. Want to take the guesswork out of it? FilterTime delivers the exact size you need on the right schedule, automatically—so your home stays fresh without the “Did I change the filter?” moment.

2. Keep Dust Under Control

Dust doesn’t just make surfaces look dull—it can also clog vents and circulate allergens. Regular cleaning, especially of vents, curtains, rugs, and furniture, can go a long way toward improving your air quality.

Pro tip: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and dust with a damp microfiber cloth to trap particles instead of spreading them around.

3. Monitor Humidity Levels

Dry winter air or humid summer air can both affect your comfort—and your air quality. Low humidity can lead to dry skin and irritated sinuses, while excess humidity encourages mold and dust mites.

The fix: Aim for indoor humidity between 30–50%. A humidifier or dehumidifier can help balance things out depending on your local climate.

4. Let Fresh Air In (Even in the Winter)

It might sound counterintuitive, but cracking a window for 10–15 minutes a few times a week can make a huge difference in air circulation—especially during months when your home is sealed tight.

Fresh air helps flush out stale indoor air, odors, and pollutants that build up over time. Just avoid opening windows near heavy traffic or pollen sources if you have allergies.

5. Be Mindful of What You Burn or Spray

Candles, air fresheners, cleaning sprays, and even cooking can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your home’s air. Over time, these can contribute to poor air quality and respiratory irritation.

The fix: Choose soy or beeswax candles, switch to fragrance-free or natural cleaners, and use exhaust fans while cooking to keep indoor air fresh and healthy.

Fresh Filters. Cleaner Air. Happier Homes.

Improving your home’s air quality doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes a few simple habits and the right filter routine.

At FilterTime, we make clean air effortless with high-quality filters delivered right when you need them. No forgetting, no store trips, no worries—just fresher air and a happier home.

Use code SAVE15NOW to get $15 off your first air filter order when you sign up today at FilterTime.com.

Start the new year off fresh—your lungs will thank you.