Air quality in homes and other buildings typically is more difficult to maintain during this season. Here are some tips to help make your air cleaner for your home:

• Don’t idle cars and other vehicles in the garage. The gas can get inside your home and taint the air with carbon monoxide and other harmful chemicals.
• Use low VOC-paints when painting your home. VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, and paints emit trace amounts of these gases for months. When painting, leave windows open and run the fans in your home to reduce the amount of fume buildup while you work.
•  Clean and utilize your dehumidifier. Excess moisture in your home encourages mold, mildew, and dust mites to thrive. This will also help cut down asthma triggers for a more comfortable living space.
• Fix leaks in your home, including your heating and cooling systems. Leaks can lead to moisture and dampness, which can be unhealthy.
• Look into air filtering house plants as an inexpensive and green method to cleaning your air. Plants such as the English ivy, aloe, spider plant, and snake plant are very effective at cleaning your air. There are many other kinds of house plants that can help purify your air of different allergens and chemicals, so make sure you take the time to research which plants are the best suited for your home.
• Keeping your house clean can go a long way for clean air. It reduces the buildup of allergens and dirt. It also makes it less likely that insects and other pests will invade your home, which reduces chemical use inside your home.