Indoor Air Quality: Small Changes, Fresher Air
How to Prioritize Your Indoor Air Quality
When the weather cools and we spend more time indoors, we naturally focus on cozy comforts — blankets, candles, maybe even the sound of a kettle warming up. But one thing we often forget about? The air we’re breathing.
Indoor air quality can quietly affect everything from our energy and sleep to how well our lungs function. The good news? You don’t need an expensive air system or a complete home makeover to make a difference. A few small changes can go a long way in helping you breathe easier and feel better in your own space.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Most of us spend about 90% of our time indoors — working, resting, and recharging. That means the air inside our homes has a big impact on our well-being. When the air quality isn’t great, it can lead to symptoms like fatigue, coughing, or that stuffy feeling that never seems to go away.
Common culprits include:
Low humidity or too much moisture (both can irritate your airways)
Dust and poor air filtration
Smoke or woodsmoke
Gas stoves that release nitrogen dioxide
Pet dander and hair
Certain cleaning products or scented candles
Understanding what’s in your air is the first step to improving it.
6 Simple Ways to Refresh Your Air
The goal isn’t perfection — its progress. Here are a few realistic, easy ways to start improving the air you breathe every day:
1. Keep humidity balanced.
Use a hygrometer to check your home’s humidity level — ideally between 30–50%. A small humidifier or dehumidifier can help you find that sweet spot. Learn how to kick mold out of your home in our blog.
2. Let fresh air in (yes, even in cooler weather).
Open your windows for a few minutes each day to allow stale air to escape and fresh air to circulate. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce indoor pollutants.
3. Be mindful of what you burn.
Whether it’s candles, incense, or your wood stove, these can release particles that affect your airways. Try switching to beeswax, soy or flameless electric candles and make sure your space is well-ventilated.
4. Tend to your air filters.
Replace HVAC and air purifier filters regularly. Clean filters = cleaner air.
5. Go green with plants (but wisely).
Houseplants can be both beautiful and helpful but overwatering or too many in one space can increase humidity or mold. A few well-chosen plants are all you need to bring a little freshness inside.
6. Prevent radon build up.
Radon is a naturally occurring colourless, odourless gas that can cause lung cancer. It seeps into basements from the ground and can get trapped indoors. If you find radon, it needs to be given a route out. Learn how to prevent Radon build up in your home.
Breathe Better, Feel Better
Small daily actions really do add up. Improving your air quality can mean fewer irritants for your lungs, more energy during the day, and a calmer space overall. At Poplar, we believe that breathing better isn’t just about your lungs — it’s about your life. It’s about creating an environment that supports your health, comfort, and peace of mind.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a free 15-minute Welcome Session with a Certified Respiratory Educator to learn how small changes can help you breathe easier at home and beyond. Call 236-361-3480 to book your free session today!
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to overhaul your whole home to make a difference — start small. Crack a window, change a filter, or switch to flameless candles. Every little adjustment takes you one step closer to cleaner air. Your lungs will thank you!
Resources
Cincinelli A, Martellini T. Indoor Air Quality and Health. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Oct 25;14(11):1286. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14111286. PMID: 29068361; PMCID: PMC5707925. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5707925/