Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): What Every Mom Needs to Know

Christina J.
Apr 3
2 min read

Updated: Aug 30

As a mom, I know you're always juggling about a million things from keeping the kids healthy to making sure the house stays somewhat clean. But have you ever thought much about the air you're breathing at home? Honestly, until recently, I hadn't either.

IAQ stands for Indoor Air Quality, and simply put, it’s about how clean and healthy the air inside your house is. It might sound boring at first, but trust me, it's a huge deal especially when it affects your family's health.

Why I Started Caring About Indoor Air Quality

Before my husband moved into my house, I noticed I was always feeling stuffy. It was different than in other homes I'd lived in. Then over the last six years, it felt like my kids were sick literally every other month. Honestly, I blamed COVID and daycare germs, but it was constant and exhausting.

Recently, we decided enough was enough we changed out our entire HVAC system and ductwork just to see if it would help. And oh my gosh, it was eye-opening. Our ducts weren't sealed properly, they were full of mold, dust, and even a bunch of toys (courtesy of my kids!). It explained a lot.

Since replacing everything, I can't even describe the difference. The air feels lighter, fresher, and nobody has gotten sick in months.

Checking Your Home's IAQ

Here are some easy ways you can see if your home might have IAQ issues:

Frequent Illnesses or Allergies: Notice if your kids are constantly sick or struggling with allergies.
Look for Mold: Check bathrooms, basements, or kitchen cabinets.
Excessive Dust: If dust accumulates quickly, your home's air filtering might be weak.
IAQ Monitors: These affordable gadgets can give you quick insights into the air quality at home.

Simple Ways to Improve Your IAQ

Improving IAQ can be pretty easy:

Regular Cleaning: Frequent dusting and vacuuming, especially carpets, couches, and bedding.
Upgrade HVAC Filters: Better filters (like MERV-13) make a huge difference.
Better Ventilation: Open windows, use exhaust fans, or consider installing a fresh-air system.
Manage Humidity: Keep your home's humidity between 30-50%.
Plants: Houseplants like spider plants and peace lilies naturally improve air quality.

Talking About IAQ with Your Family

If you've noticed issues like ours, gently bringing this up with your spouse can make a big difference. It’s not about convincing or selling anything, but about improving your family's health and comfort. Share your concerns honestly and encourage small, easy changes that can help everyone breathe easier.

Final Thoughts: Why IAQ Matters

As moms, we do everything we can to keep our families healthy. Paying attention to indoor air quality might seem minor, but after my experience, I can confidently say it’s incredibly important. Better air really can mean fewer sick days, more energy, and happier kids.

If your family feels constantly sick or you're just tired of feeling stuffy, consider looking into your home's air quality. It’s one decision you’ll never regret.