There are three key strategies to improving indoor air quality: Eliminating the source, Ventilation and Filtration. It is important to note that all three strategies must be employed to achieve the best indoor air quality possible. Using only one or two methods is generally insufficient.

Eliminate the Sources— With the exception of off-gassing of new building materials, sources of indoor air contaminants can usually be controlled or managed by the homeowner.
These include proper use of bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, discontinuing indoor tobacco smoking, proper ventilation of gas stoves and furnaces, proper storage of cleaning supplies, fuels and chemicals, and adequate cleaning procedures including the indoor air conditioning coil and duct system.

Ventilate the Space— - With the exception of off-gassing of new building materials, most sources of indoor air contaminants can be controlled or managed by the homeowner. These include proper use of bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, discontinuing indoor tobacco smoking, proper ventilation of gas stoves and furnaces, proper storage of cleaning supplies, fuels and chemicals, and adequate cleaning procedures including the indoo air conditioning coil and duct system.

Filter the Air— Proper filtration using high efficiency filters (unlike the common, inexpensive filters found in hardware stores) is a key strategy to improve air quality. Forced air heating and cooling systems move air within the home constantly during operation. Homeowners who neglect to change or clean the system’s filter subject themselves to higher levels of indoor airborne particles, along with higher heating and cooling costs.