Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors. New research from the EPA indicates that the air in our homes can be 2-5 times more polluted than outside, even in industrialized cities. February is National Care About Your Indoor Air Month, so we're here to offer you some tips on minimizing indoor contaminants.

1. get your ducts cleaned

Air duct cleaning is one maintenance item that gets pushed off by homeowners all too often. Regularly cleaning your ductwork has huge benefits. Dirty air ducts recycle contaminants through the home multiple times per day which can exacerbate asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues. Air duct cleaning also makes your system more energy efficient and can prolong the life of your HVAC.

You can purchase inexpensive tools to perform a DIY job in some parts of the home, or you can contact a professional for a more thorough cleaning of all the ductwork.

2. change your air filter

Make sure your air filters are regularly replaced in order to reduce the spread of debris and allergens through your ductwork. How often your filter needs replaced will depend on its thickness, but most filters should be swapped out every couple months.

3. service your hvac

You should have a professional service your HVAC at least once per year. During their visit, they'll not only make sure your system is running properly, but they'll also clean debris from the furnace cabinet and examine your furnace's blower motor as well as components of the AC that impact air flow.

4. adequate venting

Make sure your home is properly ventilated and terminates outside of the house. Exhaust fans and appliance vents help to eliminate fumes and moisture.

5. chimney inspection

Keeping your chimney in peak condition is vital to the quality of your indoor air. Wood burning fireplaces are generally a bigger culprit of pollutants than gas, but regular maintenance and inspections should be scheduled with either kind of fireplace to ensure good ventilation and eliminate buildup.

6. dehumidifiers

High moisture levels can lead to mold and bacteria growth. Basements, in particular, tend to be more humid than the rest of the house since they're underground and typically have less ventilation. If you notice an area of your home is prone to humidity, use a dehumidifier and try to keep the humidity levels between 30-50%.

7. air purifiers

Air purifiers pull particles out of the air and purify them with a filter before the air is recirculated. These systems can be a bit pricey so if you're not looking for a major investment, try this DIY purifying system.

You can also incorporate air purifying plants such as snake plants, aloe vera, or pothos to improve the air quality in your home.