Improving your home’s air quality might not be at the top of your mind when you think about comfort and well-being, but it should be. After all, your indoor air can carry pollutants, allergens, and moisture that affect everything from your respiratory health to how fresh your home feels.
If you’re wondering how to take control of the air you breathe every day, you’re not alone. You can make a real difference with just a few smart changes. Read on to explore how to create a cleaner, healthier environment inside your San Francisco home.
Understand What Affects Indoor Air Quality
The first step to improving the air quality is understanding the sources of poor air. In San Francisco, you may encounter salty sea air, fog that brings moisture indoors, pollen from local plant life, and seasonal wildfire smoke. On top of that, modern homes are sealed tightly for energy efficiency, which means airborne pollutants often get trapped inside.
Indoor air pollutants can come from everyday items like cleaning supplies, furniture, carpets, and even your cooking routine. Dust, pet dander, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints and building materials can linger in the air. In homes near busy streets or construction zones, particulate matter can enter through windows and doors.
Indoor air pollutants can come from everyday items like cleaning supplies, furniture, carpets, and even your cooking routine. Dust, pet dander, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints and building materials can linger in the air. In homes near busy streets or construction zones, particulate matter can enter through windows and doors.
Prioritize Ventilation
Ventilation is the key to flushing stale, polluted air out of your home and bringing fresh air in. In older San Francisco homes, natural ventilation through gaps and crevices used to suffice, but tighter sealing and weatherproofing can limit airflow. This makes intentional ventilation more important than ever.
Start by opening windows strategically. Use window fans or box fans to improve circulation. If your home has kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans, make sure they vent to the outdoors and are used regularly. These fans help reduce humidity and odors that could otherwise settle into the air and fabrics.
Whole-house ventilation systems, such as energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), are also worth considering if you’re tackling renovations or planning upgrades. They bring in filtered outdoor air while preserving indoor temperatures, making them ideal for foggy or cool San Francisco days.
Start by opening windows strategically. Use window fans or box fans to improve circulation. If your home has kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans, make sure they vent to the outdoors and are used regularly. These fans help reduce humidity and odors that could otherwise settle into the air and fabrics.
Whole-house ventilation systems, such as energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), are also worth considering if you’re tackling renovations or planning upgrades. They bring in filtered outdoor air while preserving indoor temperatures, making them ideal for foggy or cool San Francisco days.
Use Air Purifiers in Key Areas
Air purifiers can be a game-changer, especially in rooms where you spend the most time. Look for purifiers with HEPA filters, which capture particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander.
Place air purifiers in high-traffic areas like the living room, home office, and bedrooms. In smaller San Francisco homes, a portable unit you can move between rooms may offer the best flexibility. Be sure to check and change the filters as recommended, since a clogged filter can no longer effectively clean the air.
Place air purifiers in high-traffic areas like the living room, home office, and bedrooms. In smaller San Francisco homes, a portable unit you can move between rooms may offer the best flexibility. Be sure to check and change the filters as recommended, since a clogged filter can no longer effectively clean the air.
Tackle Humidity and Moisture
San Francisco’s famous fog isn’t just a postcard-perfect backdrop; it’s a source of moisture that can seep into your home and create the perfect environment for mold and mildew. High humidity can also make indoor air feel heavier and less comfortable.
To combat this, invest in a dehumidifier for rooms that tend to stay damp, such as bathrooms or laundry areas. Aim to keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. A hygrometer, which measures humidity, is a small but powerful tool that can help you stay within that range.
Proper ventilation in moisture-prone spaces is also important. Run bathroom fans while showering and for at least 15 minutes afterward. If you dry clothes indoors, open a window or use a vented dryer to let the moisture escape.
To combat this, invest in a dehumidifier for rooms that tend to stay damp, such as bathrooms or laundry areas. Aim to keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. A hygrometer, which measures humidity, is a small but powerful tool that can help you stay within that range.
Proper ventilation in moisture-prone spaces is also important. Run bathroom fans while showering and for at least 15 minutes afterward. If you dry clothes indoors, open a window or use a vented dryer to let the moisture escape.
Replace HVAC and Air Filters Regularly
Your heating and cooling systems play a major role in how clean your air feels. Over time, dust and allergens can accumulate in filters, ducts, and vents. If you haven’t replaced your HVAC filters lately, it’s time to check.
In San Francisco’s mild climate, many homes rely on heat pumps or portable heaters, but if you do have central heating, replace the filter every one to three months. Choose filters rated MERV 8 or higher to capture finer particles without restricting airflow. For ductless mini-splits, clean the internal filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If your ducts haven’t been inspected or cleaned in years, consider having a professional take a look. Built-up dust, pet hair, and even pests can hide inside, circulating dirty air every time the system runs.
In San Francisco’s mild climate, many homes rely on heat pumps or portable heaters, but if you do have central heating, replace the filter every one to three months. Choose filters rated MERV 8 or higher to capture finer particles without restricting airflow. For ductless mini-splits, clean the internal filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If your ducts haven’t been inspected or cleaned in years, consider having a professional take a look. Built-up dust, pet hair, and even pests can hide inside, circulating dirty air every time the system runs.
Clean with Air Quality in Mind
Many household cleaning products release VOCs that linger in the air long after you’ve scrubbed your countertops. To improve air quality, shift to non-toxic or natural cleaning products that use vinegar, baking soda, or plant-based ingredients.
Also, rethink your cleaning routine. Vacuum all carpets and rugs at least once a week using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which helps remove fine dust instead of just stirring it up. If you have pets, brush them regularly and wash bedding to reduce dander. Remember, the goal isn’t just a clean-looking home; it’s a home that smells fresh, feels breathable, and helps you feel more energized and relaxed.
Also, rethink your cleaning routine. Vacuum all carpets and rugs at least once a week using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which helps remove fine dust instead of just stirring it up. If you have pets, brush them regularly and wash bedding to reduce dander. Remember, the goal isn’t just a clean-looking home; it’s a home that smells fresh, feels breathable, and helps you feel more energized and relaxed.
Bring Plants into the Mix
Houseplants are often touted as natural air purifiers, and while they can offer some benefits, don’t expect them to do all the work. That said, a few well-placed plants can help improve humidity, filter out certain toxins, and boost your mindset.
Spider plants, peace lilies, snake plants, and pothos are popular choices that are easy to care for and can contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Just avoid overwatering, which can increase humidity or lead to mold growth in the soil. If allergies are a concern, be selective about plant types and where you place them. Think of plants as a complement to your air quality efforts — not the centerpiece — and pair them with consistent ventilation, air purification, and regular cleaning.
Spider plants, peace lilies, snake plants, and pothos are popular choices that are easy to care for and can contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Just avoid overwatering, which can increase humidity or lead to mold growth in the soil. If allergies are a concern, be selective about plant types and where you place them. Think of plants as a complement to your air quality efforts — not the centerpiece — and pair them with consistent ventilation, air purification, and regular cleaning.
In the end, improving the air quality in your San Francisco home isn’t about one massive overhaul; it’s about smart, consistent choices that add up over time. Small changes can have a major impact on your health, your home, and your everyday life.
If you are considering buying a home in San Francisco, insightful guidance can make all the difference. Connect with Amelia Wyman and Jim Laufenberg today.
