{"id":353378,"date":"2025-11-07T12:06:02","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T17:06:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/?p=353378"},"modified":"2025-11-07T12:06:02","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T17:06:02","slug":"indoor-air-pollution-and-home-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/insurance\/homeowners\/indoor-air-pollution-and-home-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Fight Indoor Air Pollution and Save on Home Insurance at the Same Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Americans spend about <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/iaq-schools\/why-indoor-air-quality-important-schools\" target=\"_blank\">90% of their time indoors<\/a>, so the air inside our homes has an outsized impact on health. Early in the pandemic, major disruptions \u2014 including <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/abcnews.go.com\/Business\/us-economy-lost-205-million-jobs-april-unemployment\/story?id=70558779\" target=\"_blank\">historic job losses<\/a> and a rapid shift to remote work \u2014 kept more people at home and spotlighted indoor air quality (IAQ). Today, durable guidance emphasizes providing enough \u201cclean air\u201d through ventilation, filtration, and air cleaning to reduce both day\u2011to\u2011day pollutants and the spread of respiratory viruses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Public health agencies now recommend targets and tools rather than generic advice. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/community\/ventilation.html\">CDC<\/a> recommends aiming for at least 5 air changes per hour (ACH) of clean air in occupied rooms, achieved with any combination of outdoor air ventilation, better filtration (e.g., MERV 13 where systems allow), and portable HEPA air cleaners. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashrae.org\">ASHRAE Standard 241<\/a> formalizes \u201cequivalent clean airflow\u201d (eACH) from ventilation, filtration, and air cleaners as a durable building practice for infectious aerosol control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Staying at home also means more potential exposure to indoor air pollution. While <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/regulatory-information-topic\/regulatory-information-topic-air\" target=\"_blank\">outdoor air pollution<\/a> is regulated, indoor concentrations for some pollutants are often 2\u20135 times higher than outdoors and occasionally far higher during activities like cooking and cleaning (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/introduction-indoor-air-quality\">EPA<\/a>). Two preventable U.S. hazards illustrate why basics matter: radon is linked to about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/radon\/health-risk-radon\">21,000 lung cancer deaths per year<\/a> and is at or above the action level (4 pCi\/L) in an estimated 1 in 15 homes, and accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning causes at least <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">430 deaths and ~50,000 emergency department visits annually<\/a>. Fortunately, steps that improve IAQ can also align with savings on your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/insurance\/homeowners\/best\/\">homeowners insurance.<\/a> For example, California\u2019s wildfire\u2011hardening measures eligible for premium credits can also reduce smoke intrusion indoors (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insurance.ca.gov\/01-consumers\/200-wildfire-primer\/safer-from-wildfires.cfm\">Safer from Wildfires<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this article:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"#air\">What is Indoor Air Pollution? <\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#air2\">Preventing Coronavirus Cases With Better Air Quality<\/a> <\/li><li><a href=\"#air3\">Tips for Improving Your Indoor Air While Saving on Your Home Insurance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#air4\">What Can I Do Right Now?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#air5\">Putting It All Together<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"air\"><strong>What is Indoor Air Pollution?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/introduction-indoor-air-quality\" target=\"_blank\">Indoor air pollution<\/a> refers to contaminants in the air you breathe inside your home. People in the U.S. spend ~90% of their time indoors, where levels of some pollutants are commonly 2\u20135\u00d7 outdoor levels. Short\u2011term effects include eye and throat irritation, headaches, and fatigue; long\u2011term exposure is linked to heart disease and cancer. Key U.S. hazards include radon (test every home; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/radon\">EPA action level is 4 pCi\/L<\/a>; mitigation is effective) and carbon monoxide (install CO alarms; accidental exposures cause \u2265430 deaths and ~50,000 ED visits per year, per <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC<\/a>). Tobacco smoke and dampness\/mold also drive substantial health burdens; secondhand smoke causes about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">41,000 deaths among nonsmoking adults and 400 infant deaths annually<\/a>, and occupants of damp\/moldy homes have 30\u201350% higher odds of respiratory symptoms and asthma exacerbations (WHO guidance). Globally, air pollution remains a leading health risk: in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stateofglobalair.org\/\">2021 it was linked to 8.1 million deaths<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldbank.org\">2.1 billion people lacked access to clean cooking in 2022<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table table table-striped table-bordered table--bordered-top\"><table class=\"\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Air Pollutant<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Description<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Impact on Home<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/mold\/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Mold<\/strong><\/a><\/td><td>Mold points to excess moisture indoors (from leaks, condensation, or high humidity). All molds need moisture, so control water to control mold.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Damp\/moldy homes are associated with roughly 30\u201350% higher odds of cough, wheeze, allergy symptoms, and asthma exacerbations (WHO). Keep indoor RH ~30\u201350% and dry wet materials within 24\u201348 hours to prevent damage and health impacts (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/mold\/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home\">EPA<\/a>).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/what-carbon-monoxide-0\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Carbon monoxide<\/strong><\/a><\/td><td>CO is an odorless, colorless gas produced by combustion (e.g., faulty gas appliances, fireplaces, generators, cars in attached garages).<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Symptoms range from headache and dizziness to fatal poisoning. In the U.S., accidental CO poisoning causes at least 430 deaths and ~50,000 ED visits per year (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC<\/a>). Install CO alarms and maintain\/vent combustion appliances.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/leads-impact-indoor-air-quality\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Lead<\/strong><\/a><\/td><td>Lead persists in older housing (pre\u20111978 paint, plumbing). Disturbance or deterioration increases exposure risk.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Children and pregnant people are most vulnerable. Risks include developmental and cardiovascular effects; in adults, reproductive problems and reduced kidney function are documented.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/nitrogen-dioxides-impact-indoor-air-quality\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Nitrogen dioxide<\/strong><\/a><\/td><td>NO<sub>2<\/sub> is a respiratory irritant produced by indoor combustion (e.g., gas stoves\/heaters) and can infiltrate from outdoors (traffic).<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Linked to increased asthma symptoms and respiratory infections in children. Reduce at the source (use a vented range hood or electrify cooking) and improve ventilation and filtration.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Stoves, heaters, fireplaces and chimneys<\/strong><\/td><td>These are pathways and sources for multiple pollutants (CO, NO<sub>2<\/sub>, fine particles). Maintenance and proper venting are critical.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Upgrade to electric\/induction appliances where feasible; use vented hoods; avoid unvented combustion. High\u2011efficiency filtration (MERV 13+) reduces fine particles that otherwise settle on surfaces and lungs.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/clean-air\/at-home\/indoor-air-pollutants\/pet-dander\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\"><strong>Pet dander<\/strong><\/a><\/td><td>Skin flakes from furry\/feathered pets are common indoor allergens; reservoirs include carpets, bedding, and upholstery.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Sensitive individuals may experience eye\/nasal irritation, cough, or wheeze. Source control (pet grooming), HEPA vacuuming, and filtration can lower exposure.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/quit-smoking\/smoking-facts\/health-effects\/secondhand-smoke\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\"><strong>Tobacco smoke<\/strong><\/a><\/td><td>Tobacco smoke carries hundreds of toxic chemicals and fine particles; it contaminates air and surfaces indoors.<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Causes irritation and long\u2011term disease. In the U.S., secondhand smoke causes about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">41,000 deaths among nonsmoking adults and 400 infant deaths annually<\/a>. The only effective control is no indoor smoking.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"air2\"><strong>Preventing Coronavirus Cases With Better Air Quality<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>COVID\u201119 spreads primarily through inhalation of virus\u2011laden aerosols in indoor air, especially in crowded, under\u2011ventilated spaces (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/questions-and-answers\/item\/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-how-is-it-transmitted\">WHO<\/a>). Cleaner indoor air reduces the concentration of these aerosols. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/community\/ventilation.html\">CDC<\/a> advises aiming for at least 5 ACH of clean air using outdoor air ventilation, upgraded HVAC filtration (MERV 13+ where compatible), and portable HEPA air cleaners. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashrae.org\">ASHRAE Standard 241<\/a> provides a framework to combine these into \u201cequivalent clean airflow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe really do think that being indoors is where most of the transmission is occurring,\u201d Shelly Miller, professor of environmental engineering who studies indoor air quality at the University of Colorado at Boulder, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wbur.org\/hereandnow\/2020\/07\/15\/coronavirus-indoor-air-conditioning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">told WBUR<\/a>. Evidence and standards now converge on ventilation, filtration, and air cleaning as practical controls that lower room\u2011scale aerosol concentrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People without symptoms can transmit the virus indoors. Maintaining clean indoor air is part of a layered risk\u2011reduction plan: improve ventilation, use high\u2011efficiency filtration, and add portable HEPA air cleaners sized by CADR; consider upper\u2011room UVGI in high\u2011risk or hard\u2011to\u2011ventilate rooms (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC\/NIOSH<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"air3\"><strong>How coronavirus could enter your home<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, COVID-19 can\u2019t spread in your home unless it finds an entry point. There are several ways in which the virus could enter your home:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>External transmission<\/strong> \u2014 Family members who work, attend school, or socialize outside may be exposed and then bring virus\u2011laden aerosols home on exhaled breath. Concentrations build up in under\u2011ventilated rooms; manage exposure time and provide clean air (target ~5 ACH of clean air per <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/community\/ventilation.html\">CDC<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Hosting get-togethers<\/strong> \u2014 Indoor gatherings, particularly with loud talking or singing, increase aerosol generation and risk. Improve ventilation\/filtration and consider portable HEPA units sized to the room to dilute and remove aerosols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Face coverings and other surfaces<\/strong> \u2014 Well\u2011fitted, high\u2011filtration masks reduce inhalation exposure in crowded indoor spaces. Although inhalation is the primary route, the virus can live on face coverings, like <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/lung\/how-long-covid-19-lives-on-surfaces\" target=\"_blank\">all surfaces<\/a>. Handle masks carefully, wash or dispose of them appropriately, and practice hand hygiene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"air4\"><strong>What if someone tests positive?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If someone in your home does contract the coronavirus despite your best efforts, indoor air quality measures can help reduce (though not eliminate) the risk of in\u2011home transmission. Note that air measures work best as part of a layered plan. Here are some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/coronavirus\/indoor-air-homes-and-coronavirus-covid-19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">things you can do<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Boost natural ventilation <\/strong>\u2014<strong> <\/strong>Open windows and doors on opposite sides\/floors to create crossflow when outdoor air is healthy. Use fans to move air, avoiding direct airflow from the ill person toward others. When outdoor air is poor (e.g., wildfire smoke), keep windows closed and rely on filtration\/recirculation (see below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Upgrade your HVAC filters <\/strong>\u2014 Use the highest MERV your system can handle (ideally MERV 13+ per <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\">EPA<\/a>) and run the fan continuously during occupancy. Properly seated filters reduce fine aerosols that carry virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Use a portable air purifier <\/strong>\u2014 Select true HEPA units sized by clean air delivery rate (CADR). A quick rule is ACH \u2248 (total CADR in cfm \u00f7 room volume in ft\u00b3) \u00d7 60. Example: a 2,400 ft\u00b3 bedroom targeting 5 ACH needs ~200 cfm of CADR. Place units for unobstructed airflow and run them continuously during occupancy (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/guide-air-cleaners-home\">EPA guide<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashrae.org\">ASHRAE 241<\/a>). DIY options like well\u2011built Corsi\u2013Rosenthal boxes can also provide meaningful PM reduction when used safely (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\">EPA clean room<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/coronavirus\/in-depth\/treating-covid-19-at-home\/art-20483273\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Other steps<\/a> to take include isolating the ill person in one room (with a separate bathroom if possible), wearing masks and maintaining distance when you must share space, improving ventilation in shared rooms, and not sharing food or utensils. Disinfect high\u2011touch surfaces regularly and practice good hand hygiene. In higher\u2011risk rooms, upper\u2011room UVGI installed and commissioned to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC\/NIOSH guidance<\/a> can supplement ventilation\/filtration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"air3\"><strong>Tips for Improving Your Indoor Air While Saving on Your Home Insurance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a few things you can do to improve your indoor air quality that may also help you save money on your homeowners insurance. Every insurance company and policy is different, so check with your insurer for details. Direct credits for IAQ devices are uncommon, but two reliable pathways relate to air quality: verified wildfire smoke\/ember mitigation (mandated discounts in California\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insurance.ca.gov\/01-consumers\/200-wildfire-primer\/safer-from-wildfires.cfm\">Safer from Wildfires<\/a> program; also recognized via <a href=\"https:\/\/wildfireprepared.org\/\">IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home<\/a>) and smart-home protective device discounts (e.g., monitored smoke\/CO alarms) per the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iii.org\/article\/smart-home-technology-and-home-insurance\">Insurance Information Institute<\/a>. Some carriers also offer credits for green\/healthy home certifications (e.g., <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelers.com\">Travelers\u2019 LEED discount<\/a>). Beyond insurance, modern homes benefit from mechanical ventilation: balanced <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/energysaver\/whole-house-ventilation\">HRVs\/ERVs<\/a> provide continuous, filtered air at lower energy cost, and minimum residential ventilation rates are set by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashrae.org\">ASHRAE 62.2<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Install protective devices for your indoor air like gas leak detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and smoke detectors. These devices can also save lives, since a gas leak or a fire could quickly turn deadly. Many insurers offer credits for centrally monitored smoke\/CO alarms as part of connected\u2011home discounts (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iii.org\/article\/smart-home-technology-and-home-insurance\">III<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Update your wood or gas stove to an electric stove. Chefs may prefer gas stoves, but both wood and gas can emit harmful chemicals if not carefully maintained. Switching to electric or induction reduces indoor NO<sub>2<\/sub> and fine particles at the source; any insurance credit depends on your carrier and state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Stop smoking or vaping, at least indoors. It\u2019s best, of course, to kick the habit. But if you\u2019re not ready to quit, consider setting up a smoking area in your backyard. This limits secondhand smoke indoors \u2014 which is linked to ~41,000 adult nonsmoker deaths and ~400 infant deaths annually in the U.S. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 See if your roof needs replacing. An updated roof can prevent excess moisture in the attic (reducing mold risk) and, in wildfire zones, a Class A roof and ember\u2011resistant vents can reduce loss risk and smoke intrusion and may qualify for credits where recognized (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insurance.ca.gov\/01-consumers\/200-wildfire-primer\/safer-from-wildfires.cfm\">Safer from Wildfires<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/wildfireprepared.org\/\">IBHS WPH<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Consider investing in a dehumidifier. Toxic black mold is common in humid climates, and insurance carriers may not pay to have it removed if you don\u2019t try to mitigate the situation. Keep indoor relative humidity ~30\u201350% and fix leaks quickly; dampness\/mold are linked to a substantial share of asthma exacerbations and health costs (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/mold\/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home\">EPA<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Replace lead pipes and repaint walls that may have lead paint. Lead is most dangerous when it starts peeling or chalking, but it can still cause problems even in relatively good condition. A good coat of modern latex paint will seal the lead paint underneath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 It\u2019s true that so-called \u201caggressive\u201d dog breeds are unfairly maligned, but if you\u2019re looking for a new dog, your insurance company may prefer that you choose a \u201cnon-aggressive\u201d breed. Regardless, a short-haired, low dander breed is a better choice for indoor air quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"air4\"><strong>What Can I Do Right Now?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some improvements, such as upgrading your roof, take time. But there are some easy things you can do right now to boost your home\u2019s indoor air quality. Here are a few tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Open windows to promote natural airflow and boost ventilation. If possible, choose windows at opposite ends of the house and use fans to push air back and forth. When outdoor air is unhealthy (e.g., wildfire smoke), instead set HVAC to recirculate with a MERV 13 (or highest compatible) filter, seal gaps, and create a \u201cclean room\u201d running a HEPA or well\u2011built DIY purifier continuously (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/wildfires-and-indoor-air-quality-iaq\">EPA wildfire IAQ<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\">EPA clean room<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Use a doormat to prevent additional biological contaminants from being tracked inside. In addition, <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwnc.cdc.gov\/eid\/article\/26\/7\/20-0885_article\">there is some evidence<\/a> that the coronavirus can live on the soles of shoes, so you may want to get in the habit of removing your shoes at the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Dust and vacuum your house. Dust is a prevalent allergen, and dusting and vacuuming will also eliminate pet dander and other common irritants. A vacuum with a HEPA filter helps capture finer particles; run a portable HEPA purifier in bedrooms and living rooms for added reduction (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/guide-air-cleaners-home\">EPA<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022  Pick up new filters at your local hardware store \u2014 but not just the obvious ones! In addition to upgraded HVAC filters, also grab new filters for your vacuum cleaner and kitchen vent. Thoroughly clean your clothes dryer\u2019s lint filter. Also, make sure you have enough face masks \u2014 and filters, if your masks have a filter pocket. For air cleaners, size by CADR: ACH \u2248 (CADR \u00f7 room ft\u00b3) \u00d7 60. Example: 2,400 ft\u00b3 \u00d7 5 ACH \u00f7 60 \u2248 200 cfm CADR. Consider validated DIY options (Corsi\u2013Rosenthal boxes) where appropriate (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/guide-air-cleaners-home\">EPA guide<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashrae.org\">ASHRAE 241<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some bad news for plant lovers: Despite popular wisdom, it turns out that house plants <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theatlantic.com\/science\/archive\/2019\/03\/indoor-plants-clean-air-best-none-them\/584509\/\">won\u2019t do much<\/a> to clean your indoor air. Research shows that the number of plants you would need to cleanse the air in an average drafty, cluttered home would be virtually impossible to achieve. There are certainly benefits to fresh plants, but you\u2019ll need to choose other methods to boost your air quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"air5\"><strong>Putting It All Together<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Indoor air quality is always important, especially because people spend most of their time inside and because risks from respiratory viruses and episodic pollution (such as wildfire smoke) are highest indoors. The most impactful strategies are now well defined: provide enough clean air (aim for ~5 ACH of clean air per <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/community\/ventilation.html\">CDC<\/a>), use at least MERV 13 HVAC filters your system can handle, deploy portable HEPA cleaners sized by CADR to reach targets, and control moisture to prevent mold (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/mold\/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home\">EPA<\/a>). In newer, tighter homes, mechanical ventilation using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/energysaver\/whole-house-ventilation\">HRVs\/ERVs<\/a> provides continuous, efficient background ventilation; minimum rates are set by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashrae.org\">ASHRAE 62.2<\/a>. For wildfire smoke days, seal and recirculate with high\u2011efficiency filtration and create a clean room (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/indoor-air-quality-iaq\/wildfires-and-indoor-air-quality-iaq\">EPA<\/a>). Test every home for radon (mitigate at \u22654 pCi\/L; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/radon\">EPA<\/a>) and install CO alarms (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC<\/a>). Some mitigation steps \u2014 particularly wildfire hardening \u2014 may also open the door to insurance credits in certain states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your goals should be to improve ventilation, boost filtration, and lower the number of contaminants in your home. Quantify your clean air (use CADR and room volume to estimate ACH), choose proven technologies (HEPA, MERV 13+, professionally designed UVGI where appropriate), and maintain systems. These strategies won\u2019t guarantee that your family won\u2019t get sick, but they are research\u2011backed, practical steps that reduce risk and improve overall indoor air quality.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, so the air inside our homes has an outsized impact on health. Early in the pandemic, major disruptions \u2014 including historic job losses and a rapid shift to remote work \u2014 kept more people at home and spotlighted indoor air quality (IAQ). Today, durable guidance emphasizes providing [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":345,"featured_media":353678,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1268],"tags":[],"post_author":[21806],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Fight Indoor Air Pollution and Save on Home Insurance at the Same Time | Reviews.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"It&#039;s up to you to make sure the air your family is breathing is as healthy as possible. 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