Creating a Healthier Home: Simple Tips to Help You Breathe Easier

Your home should be a place where you can relax, recharge, and feel your best. But many everyday choices, like the products you use, how often you clean, and the way you heat and cool your space, can affect how comfortable your home feels. With a few small changes to your daily habits, you can make a big difference in your indoor air quality and the overall comfort of your space.

Here are some easy, practical ways to make your home a healthier place.

Start with the Air You Breathe

Healthy air is the foundation of a healthy home. Everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, and even simply lounging around can affect air quality. Try these easy ways to refresh your air:

• Crack open the windows when the weather is nice to bring in fresh air.
• Vacuum and dust regularly, especially under furniture and in corners where allergens collect.
• Turn on exhaust fans to move moisture and odors out of your home.
• Replace your HVAC filters as recommended to keep air moving efficiently.

If you want to go a step further, adding an air purifier to bedrooms or living areas can help reduce allergens and keep them feeling fresh.

Stay on Top of Regular Cleaning Habits

Dust, pollen, and pet dander tend to settle into corners, carpets, and shelves. Staying ahead of the buildup helps to keep your home clean and comfortable. Try incorporating these quick habits:

• Vacuum high-traffic areas a few times a week.
• Use microfiber cloths rather than dry dusters – they trap dust instead of spreading it around.
• Mop regularly, especially if you have pets or hard floors.

Keep Moisture Under Control

Humidity plays a big role in both comfort and air quality. Too much moisture can lead to mold or mildew, while air that’s too dry can be harsh on your skin. Aim for a balanced humidity range of 30-50% by:

• Running exhaust fans during and after showers.
• Using a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements.
• Fixing leaks right away.
• Adding a humidifier if the air feels overly dry.

Balancing your home’s humidity helps it feel fresher and can even support your HVAC system’s efficiency.

Choose Healthier Household Products

Some cleaning products, candles, air fresheners, and even new furniture can introduce extra chemicals or strong scents into your home. When it’s time to restock, look for:

• Products labeled as low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or low chemical.
• Fragrance-free or lightly scented products made with essential oils.
• Gentle, natural cleaners for everyday use.

These small changes can significantly improve air quality and help reduce irritants.

Stay on Schedule with HVAC Filter Changes

Your heating and cooling system plays a major role in indoor air quality. One of the easiest ways to maintain cleaner, more comfortable air is to replace your HVAC filter regularly.

A clean filter improves airflow, reduces allergens, and supports your system’s overall efficiency. Setting a reminder every couple of months can help ensure this quick task stays on your radar.

Add a Touch of Green

Houseplants are an easy, affordable way to brighten your home and create a calming environment. While they’re not a complete air quality solution, they do contribute to a fresher feel and can be an easy way to make your home more inviting.

If you’re looking for low-maintenance options, try pothos varieties, peace lilies, or snake plants.

Fresh Air Starts at Home

Creating a healthier home doesn’t have to mean major changes or big investments. Simple habits like letting in fresh air, adjusting the humidity, or staying on top of your cleaning routine can make a big difference in how your home feels day to day.

If you’re an AEP Energy customer*, you can make these improvements even easier with access to our exclusive AEP Energy Reward Store. You’ll earn Reward Dollars just for being a customer, and you can redeem them on energy-efficient products to help improve air quality, lighting, and more.

Not a customer? Enroll in an AEP Energy price plan today, and one month after your enrollment date, you’ll start earning Rewards Dollars to use toward your purchases in Reward Store!*

*Please note, not all AEP Energy customers or price plans are eligible to earn Reward Dollars. Some exclusions apply.

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