When you think about air quality in San Diego, you probably picture the fresh ocean breezes and bright blue skies. But while the outdoor air might feel clean, the indoor air in your home might tell a different story. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that the air inside their homes can be much more polluted than the air outside. That pollution gets trapped, recirculates, and can impact how you feel every day.
Whether you’re working from home, raising pets, or simply enjoying the coastal lifestyle, your home should be a place where you feel energized, healthy, and comfortable. Improving your indoor air quality is one of the simplest ways to boost your well-being, support respiratory health, and create a living space that feels truly refreshed. Here’s how you can make it happen.
Start With a Home Air Quality Assessment
Before you begin upgrading the filters or bringing in air purifiers, it helps to understand what you’re working with. A home air quality assessment gives you a snapshot of your indoor environment. You can hire a local HVAC professional or opt for a portable indoor air quality monitor that tracks common pollutants like carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), humidity, and particulate matter.
Some telltale signs that your air may not be as clean as it looks include:
Some telltale signs that your air may not be as clean as it looks include:
- Lingering dust on surfaces, no matter how often you clean
- Allergy symptoms, such as sneezing or watery eyes, indoors
- A musty or stale odor in certain rooms
- Mold or mildew growth, especially in bathrooms
Once you have a clear understanding of the issues at hand, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right improvements.
Upgrade to High-Quality Air Filters
Your HVAC system already plays a major role in how air moves through your home. The filter it uses captures pollutants and allergens, but not all filters are created equal. If you’re using a basic fiberglass filter, it may only catch large particles like dust and lint, allowing smaller irritants to circulate freely.
Look for filters with an MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of at least 11 for residential use. These filters are more effective at trapping mold spores, pet dander, pollen, and even some bacteria. If anyone in your home has asthma or allergies, you might want to consider a HEPA filter upgrade. Just make sure that your HVAC system is compatible with higher-efficiency filters to avoid putting strain on the motor.
Change your filters regularly — every 1 to 3 months, depending on your usage and environment. San Diego’s dry, coastal air can carry salt and fine particles that clog filters faster than you’d expect.
Look for filters with an MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of at least 11 for residential use. These filters are more effective at trapping mold spores, pet dander, pollen, and even some bacteria. If anyone in your home has asthma or allergies, you might want to consider a HEPA filter upgrade. Just make sure that your HVAC system is compatible with higher-efficiency filters to avoid putting strain on the motor.
Change your filters regularly — every 1 to 3 months, depending on your usage and environment. San Diego’s dry, coastal air can carry salt and fine particles that clog filters faster than you’d expect.
Use an Air Purifier for Targeted Support
Even with a great HVAC filter, certain rooms can benefit from additional support. Bedrooms, home offices, and pet areas often need an extra boost. That’s where portable air purifiers come in. Choose a purifier that uses a true HEPA filter and is sized appropriately for the room. Bonus points if it also includes activated carbon, which helps absorb odors and VOCs.
Place the purifier in the space where you spend the most time, and keep it running consistently, especially during allergy season. It’s a small investment that can make a major difference in how your home feels and smells.
Place the purifier in the space where you spend the most time, and keep it running consistently, especially during allergy season. It’s a small investment that can make a major difference in how your home feels and smells.
Control Indoor Humidity Levels
While San Diego is known for its low humidity, pockets of your home can still become overly damp, especially in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Excess moisture creates the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and dust mites, all of which contribute to poor air quality.
Aim to keep your indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent. Use a digital hygrometer to measure it throughout your home. If levels are consistently high in certain areas, install a dehumidifier or improve ventilation with exhaust fans.
On the flip side, if the air feels too dry, especially during cooler months or when running the heater, a humidifier can help balance the moisture and make breathing easier. The key is to monitor and adjust as needed — your indoor environment should always feel crisp, not stuffy.
Aim to keep your indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent. Use a digital hygrometer to measure it throughout your home. If levels are consistently high in certain areas, install a dehumidifier or improve ventilation with exhaust fans.
On the flip side, if the air feels too dry, especially during cooler months or when running the heater, a humidifier can help balance the moisture and make breathing easier. The key is to monitor and adjust as needed — your indoor environment should always feel crisp, not stuffy.
Clean More Strategically and Often
No matter how careful you are, dust, allergens, and pollutants find their way into your home every day. Regular cleaning can dramatically reduce the particle load in your indoor air, but it matters how you clean just as much as how often.
Vacuum frequently using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter, especially on carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Mop the hard floors weekly to capture any particles that vacuuming may miss. Avoid dry dusting, which stirs up debris — instead, use a damp microfiber cloth that traps dust on contact.
Don’t forget overlooked areas like ceiling fans, vents, blinds, and the tops of door frames. These places collect airborne particles and redistribute them whenever they’re disturbed. A weekly cleaning routine, paired with monthly deep cleaning, keeps your air fresher and your space more comfortable.
Vacuum frequently using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter, especially on carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Mop the hard floors weekly to capture any particles that vacuuming may miss. Avoid dry dusting, which stirs up debris — instead, use a damp microfiber cloth that traps dust on contact.
Don’t forget overlooked areas like ceiling fans, vents, blinds, and the tops of door frames. These places collect airborne particles and redistribute them whenever they’re disturbed. A weekly cleaning routine, paired with monthly deep cleaning, keeps your air fresher and your space more comfortable.
Avoid Pollutants at the Source
Improving air quality isn’t just about removing pollutants — it’s about preventing them from entering in the first place. Everyday household items can emit VOCs, such as aerosol sprays, scented candles, synthetic cleaning products, and some paints or finishes.
Switch to low-VOC or VOC-free alternatives when shopping for new materials, and opt for natural cleaners made with vinegar, baking soda, or essential oils. If you use candles or incense, do so sparingly and only in well-ventilated areas.
Switch to low-VOC or VOC-free alternatives when shopping for new materials, and opt for natural cleaners made with vinegar, baking soda, or essential oils. If you use candles or incense, do so sparingly and only in well-ventilated areas.
Maximize Natural Ventilation When Conditions Allow
One of the simplest and most effective ways to refresh your home’s air is to open your windows and let the breeze do its work. San Diego’s mild climate makes it possible to ventilate naturally much of the year, but you have to be strategic.
Choose times when outdoor air quality is highest, such as early morning or after light rain. Use cross-ventilation by opening the windows on opposite sides of your home to create a natural draft. You can also use box fans in the windows to help push out stale air and pull in fresh air more efficiently.
Choose times when outdoor air quality is highest, such as early morning or after light rain. Use cross-ventilation by opening the windows on opposite sides of your home to create a natural draft. You can also use box fans in the windows to help push out stale air and pull in fresh air more efficiently.
Maintain Your HVAC System Regularly
Your HVAC system is the backbone of your indoor air quality. Without regular maintenance, it can circulate dust, mold, and other pollutants — even if you’ve upgraded your filters. Schedule professional inspections and tune-ups at least once a year, ideally before peak summer.
Ask your HVAC technician to clean the ducts, check for mold or moisture buildup, and ensure that the system is running efficiently. A well-maintained system not only improves your air quality but also reduces energy consumption, lowers utility bills, and extends the lifespan of your equipment.
Ask your HVAC technician to clean the ducts, check for mold or moisture buildup, and ensure that the system is running efficiently. A well-maintained system not only improves your air quality but also reduces energy consumption, lowers utility bills, and extends the lifespan of your equipment.
Breathe Better and Feel the Difference
Taking control of your indoor air quality isn’t just a technical upgrade — it’s a lifestyle shift. San Diego offers beautiful weather and vibrant outdoor spaces, but your home should be just as refreshing inside. With the right approach, a few small changes, and ongoing attention, you can transform your space into a sanctuary of clean, breathable air.
If you’re ready to achieve all your real estate goals in San Diego, reach out to Tami Fuller & Associates today.
If you’re ready to achieve all your real estate goals in San Diego, reach out to Tami Fuller & Associates today.
