How to Fight Indoor Air Pollution and Save on Home Insurance at the Same Time

Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, so the air inside our homes has an outsized impact on health. Early in the pandemic, major disruptions — including historic job losses and a rapid shift to remote work — kept more people at home and spotlighted indoor air quality (IAQ). Today, durable guidance emphasizes providing enough “clean air” through ventilation, filtration, and air cleaning to reduce both day‑to‑day pollutants and the spread of respiratory viruses.

Public health agencies now recommend targets and tools rather than generic advice. The CDC recommends aiming for at least 5 air changes per hour (ACH) of clean air in occupied rooms, achieved with any combination of outdoor air ventilation, better filtration (e.g., MERV 13 where systems allow), and portable HEPA air cleaners. ASHRAE Standard 241 formalizes “equivalent clean airflow” (eACH) from ventilation, filtration, and air cleaners as a durable building practice for infectious aerosol control.

Staying at home also means more potential exposure to indoor air pollution. While outdoor air pollution is regulated, indoor concentrations for some pollutants are often 2–5 times higher than outdoors and occasionally far higher during activities like cooking and cleaning (EPA). Two preventable U.S. hazards illustrate why basics matter: radon is linked to about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year and is at or above the action level (4 pCi/L) in an estimated 1 in 15 homes, and accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning causes at least 430 deaths and ~50,000 emergency department visits annually. Fortunately, steps that improve IAQ can also align with savings on your homeowners insurance. For example, California’s wildfire‑hardening measures eligible for premium credits can also reduce smoke intrusion indoors (Safer from Wildfires).

What is Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollution refers to contaminants in the air you breathe inside your home. People in the U.S. spend ~90% of their time indoors, where levels of some pollutants are commonly 2–5× outdoor levels. Short‑term effects include eye and throat irritation, headaches, and fatigue; long‑term exposure is linked to heart disease and cancer. Key U.S. hazards include radon (test every home; EPA action level is 4 pCi/L; mitigation is effective) and carbon monoxide (install CO alarms; accidental exposures cause ≥430 deaths and ~50,000 ED visits per year, per CDC). Tobacco smoke and dampness/mold also drive substantial health burdens; secondhand smoke causes about 41,000 deaths among nonsmoking adults and 400 infant deaths annually, and occupants of damp/moldy homes have 30–50% higher odds of respiratory symptoms and asthma exacerbations (WHO guidance). Globally, air pollution remains a leading health risk: in 2021 it was linked to 8.1 million deaths, and 2.1 billion people lacked access to clean cooking in 2022.

Air Pollutant	Description	Impact on Home
Mold	Mold points to excess moisture indoors (from leaks, condensation, or high humidity). All molds need moisture, so control water to control mold.	Damp/moldy homes are associated with roughly 30–50% higher odds of cough, wheeze, allergy symptoms, and asthma exacerbations (WHO). Keep indoor RH ~30–50% and dry wet materials within 24–48 hours to prevent damage and health impacts (EPA).
Carbon monoxide	CO is an odorless, colorless gas produced by combustion (e.g., faulty gas appliances, fireplaces, generators, cars in attached garages).	Symptoms range from headache and dizziness to fatal poisoning. In the U.S., accidental CO poisoning causes at least 430 deaths and ~50,000 ED visits per year (CDC). Install CO alarms and maintain/vent combustion appliances.
Lead	Lead persists in older housing (pre‑1978 paint, plumbing). Disturbance or deterioration increases exposure risk.	Children and pregnant people are most vulnerable. Risks include developmental and cardiovascular effects; in adults, reproductive problems and reduced kidney function are documented.
Nitrogen dioxide	NO₂ is a respiratory irritant produced by indoor combustion (e.g., gas stoves/heaters) and can infiltrate from outdoors (traffic).	Linked to increased asthma symptoms and respiratory infections in children. Reduce at the source (use a vented range hood or electrify cooking) and improve ventilation and filtration.
Stoves, heaters, fireplaces and chimneys	These are pathways and sources for multiple pollutants (CO, NO₂, fine particles). Maintenance and proper venting are critical.	Upgrade to electric/induction appliances where feasible; use vented hoods; avoid unvented combustion. High‑efficiency filtration (MERV 13+) reduces fine particles that otherwise settle on surfaces and lungs.
Pet dander	Skin flakes from furry/feathered pets are common indoor allergens; reservoirs include carpets, bedding, and upholstery.	Sensitive individuals may experience eye/nasal irritation, cough, or wheeze. Source control (pet grooming), HEPA vacuuming, and filtration can lower exposure.
Tobacco smoke	Tobacco smoke carries hundreds of toxic chemicals and fine particles; it contaminates air and surfaces indoors.	Causes irritation and long‑term disease. In the U.S., secondhand smoke causes about 41,000 deaths among nonsmoking adults and 400 infant deaths annually. The only effective control is no indoor smoking.

Preventing Coronavirus Cases With Better Air Quality

COVID‑19 spreads primarily through inhalation of virus‑laden aerosols in indoor air, especially in crowded, under‑ventilated spaces (WHO). Cleaner indoor air reduces the concentration of these aerosols. The CDC advises aiming for at least 5 ACH of clean air using outdoor air ventilation, upgraded HVAC filtration (MERV 13+ where compatible), and portable HEPA air cleaners. ASHRAE Standard 241 provides a framework to combine these into “equivalent clean airflow.”

“We really do think that being indoors is where most of the transmission is occurring,” Shelly Miller, professor of environmental engineering who studies indoor air quality at the University of Colorado at Boulder, told WBUR. Evidence and standards now converge on ventilation, filtration, and air cleaning as practical controls that lower room‑scale aerosol concentrations.

People without symptoms can transmit the virus indoors. Maintaining clean indoor air is part of a layered risk‑reduction plan: improve ventilation, use high‑efficiency filtration, and add portable HEPA air cleaners sized by CADR; consider upper‑room UVGI in high‑risk or hard‑to‑ventilate rooms (CDC/NIOSH).

How coronavirus could enter your home

Of course, COVID-19 can’t spread in your home unless it finds an entry point. There are several ways in which the virus could enter your home:

• External transmission — Family members who work, attend school, or socialize outside may be exposed and then bring virus‑laden aerosols home on exhaled breath. Concentrations build up in under‑ventilated rooms; manage exposure time and provide clean air (target ~5 ACH of clean air per CDC).

• Hosting get-togethers — Indoor gatherings, particularly with loud talking or singing, increase aerosol generation and risk. Improve ventilation/filtration and consider portable HEPA units sized to the room to dilute and remove aerosols.

• Face coverings and other surfaces — Well‑fitted, high‑filtration masks reduce inhalation exposure in crowded indoor spaces. Although inhalation is the primary route, the virus can live on face coverings, like all surfaces. Handle masks carefully, wash or dispose of them appropriately, and practice hand hygiene.

What if someone tests positive?

If someone in your home does contract the coronavirus despite your best efforts, indoor air quality measures can help reduce (though not eliminate) the risk of in‑home transmission. Note that air measures work best as part of a layered plan. Here are some things you can do:

• Boost natural ventilation — Open windows and doors on opposite sides/floors to create crossflow when outdoor air is healthy. Use fans to move air, avoiding direct airflow from the ill person toward others. When outdoor air is poor (e.g., wildfire smoke), keep windows closed and rely on filtration/recirculation (see below).

• Upgrade your HVAC filters — Use the highest MERV your system can handle (ideally MERV 13+ per EPA) and run the fan continuously during occupancy. Properly seated filters reduce fine aerosols that carry virus.

• Use a portable air purifier — Select true HEPA units sized by clean air delivery rate (CADR). A quick rule is ACH ≈ (total CADR in cfm ÷ room volume in ft³) × 60. Example: a 2,400 ft³ bedroom targeting 5 ACH needs ~200 cfm of CADR. Place units for unobstructed airflow and run them continuously during occupancy (EPA guide; ASHRAE 241). DIY options like well‑built Corsi–Rosenthal boxes can also provide meaningful PM reduction when used safely (EPA clean room).

Other steps to take include isolating the ill person in one room (with a separate bathroom if possible), wearing masks and maintaining distance when you must share space, improving ventilation in shared rooms, and not sharing food or utensils. Disinfect high‑touch surfaces regularly and practice good hand hygiene. In higher‑risk rooms, upper‑room UVGI installed and commissioned to CDC/NIOSH guidance can supplement ventilation/filtration.

Tips for Improving Your Indoor Air While Saving on Your Home Insurance

There are a few things you can do to improve your indoor air quality that may also help you save money on your homeowners insurance. Every insurance company and policy is different, so check with your insurer for details. Direct credits for IAQ devices are uncommon, but two reliable pathways relate to air quality: verified wildfire smoke/ember mitigation (mandated discounts in California’s Safer from Wildfires program; also recognized via IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home) and smart-home protective device discounts (e.g., monitored smoke/CO alarms) per the Insurance Information Institute. Some carriers also offer credits for green/healthy home certifications (e.g., Travelers’ LEED discount). Beyond insurance, modern homes benefit from mechanical ventilation: balanced HRVs/ERVs provide continuous, filtered air at lower energy cost, and minimum residential ventilation rates are set by ASHRAE 62.2.

• Install protective devices for your indoor air like gas leak detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and smoke detectors. These devices can also save lives, since a gas leak or a fire could quickly turn deadly. Many insurers offer credits for centrally monitored smoke/CO alarms as part of connected‑home discounts (III).

• Update your wood or gas stove to an electric stove. Chefs may prefer gas stoves, but both wood and gas can emit harmful chemicals if not carefully maintained. Switching to electric or induction reduces indoor NO₂ and fine particles at the source; any insurance credit depends on your carrier and state.

• Stop smoking or vaping, at least indoors. It’s best, of course, to kick the habit. But if you’re not ready to quit, consider setting up a smoking area in your backyard. This limits secondhand smoke indoors — which is linked to ~41,000 adult nonsmoker deaths and ~400 infant deaths annually in the U.S. (CDC).

• See if your roof needs replacing. An updated roof can prevent excess moisture in the attic (reducing mold risk) and, in wildfire zones, a Class A roof and ember‑resistant vents can reduce loss risk and smoke intrusion and may qualify for credits where recognized (Safer from Wildfires; IBHS WPH).

• Consider investing in a dehumidifier. Toxic black mold is common in humid climates, and insurance carriers may not pay to have it removed if you don’t try to mitigate the situation. Keep indoor relative humidity ~30–50% and fix leaks quickly; dampness/mold are linked to a substantial share of asthma exacerbations and health costs (EPA).

• Replace lead pipes and repaint walls that may have lead paint. Lead is most dangerous when it starts peeling or chalking, but it can still cause problems even in relatively good condition. A good coat of modern latex paint will seal the lead paint underneath.

• It’s true that so-called “aggressive” dog breeds are unfairly maligned, but if you’re looking for a new dog, your insurance company may prefer that you choose a “non-aggressive” breed. Regardless, a short-haired, low dander breed is a better choice for indoor air quality.

What Can I Do Right Now?

Some improvements, such as upgrading your roof, take time. But there are some easy things you can do right now to boost your home’s indoor air quality. Here are a few tips:

• Open windows to promote natural airflow and boost ventilation. If possible, choose windows at opposite ends of the house and use fans to push air back and forth. When outdoor air is unhealthy (e.g., wildfire smoke), instead set HVAC to recirculate with a MERV 13 (or highest compatible) filter, seal gaps, and create a “clean room” running a HEPA or well‑built DIY purifier continuously (EPA wildfire IAQ; EPA clean room).

• Use a doormat to prevent additional biological contaminants from being tracked inside. In addition, there is some evidence that the coronavirus can live on the soles of shoes, so you may want to get in the habit of removing your shoes at the door.

• Dust and vacuum your house. Dust is a prevalent allergen, and dusting and vacuuming will also eliminate pet dander and other common irritants. A vacuum with a HEPA filter helps capture finer particles; run a portable HEPA purifier in bedrooms and living rooms for added reduction (EPA).

• Pick up new filters at your local hardware store — but not just the obvious ones! In addition to upgraded HVAC filters, also grab new filters for your vacuum cleaner and kitchen vent. Thoroughly clean your clothes dryer’s lint filter. Also, make sure you have enough face masks — and filters, if your masks have a filter pocket. For air cleaners, size by CADR: ACH ≈ (CADR ÷ room ft³) × 60. Example: 2,400 ft³ × 5 ACH ÷ 60 ≈ 200 cfm CADR. Consider validated DIY options (Corsi–Rosenthal boxes) where appropriate (EPA guide; ASHRAE 241).

Some bad news for plant lovers: Despite popular wisdom, it turns out that house plants won’t do much to clean your indoor air. Research shows that the number of plants you would need to cleanse the air in an average drafty, cluttered home would be virtually impossible to achieve. There are certainly benefits to fresh plants, but you’ll need to choose other methods to boost your air quality.

Putting It All Together

Indoor air quality is always important, especially because people spend most of their time inside and because risks from respiratory viruses and episodic pollution (such as wildfire smoke) are highest indoors. The most impactful strategies are now well defined: provide enough clean air (aim for ~5 ACH of clean air per CDC), use at least MERV 13 HVAC filters your system can handle, deploy portable HEPA cleaners sized by CADR to reach targets, and control moisture to prevent mold (EPA). In newer, tighter homes, mechanical ventilation using HRVs/ERVs provides continuous, efficient background ventilation; minimum rates are set by ASHRAE 62.2. For wildfire smoke days, seal and recirculate with high‑efficiency filtration and create a clean room (EPA). Test every home for radon (mitigate at ≥4 pCi/L; EPA) and install CO alarms (CDC). Some mitigation steps — particularly wildfire hardening — may also open the door to insurance credits in certain states.

Your goals should be to improve ventilation, boost filtration, and lower the number of contaminants in your home. Quantify your clean air (use CADR and room volume to estimate ACH), choose proven technologies (HEPA, MERV 13+, professionally designed UVGI where appropriate), and maintain systems. These strategies won’t guarantee that your family won’t get sick, but they are research‑backed, practical steps that reduce risk and improve overall indoor air quality.