10 Air Quality Solutions to Prepare Your Home for School Season

As the school season kicks off in Alabama, families are swapping summer routines for school schedules, homework, and busy mornings. But with more time spent indoors, it is essential to focus on the air quality solutions that keep your home healthy. Poor indoor air can impact everything from allergy symptoms to concentration and energy levels—especially for children adjusting to a new academic year.

At Childress Heating & Cooling, we are dedicated to helping Alabama families create clean, safe, and comfortable environments. Below are ten effective air quality solutions that will improve your home’s indoor environment and ensure your family breathes easier throughout the school season.

1. Change Your Air Filters Regularly

One of the easiest and most effective air quality solutions is to replace your HVAC filters. Dirty filters trap dust, allergens, and mold, pushing them back into your air supply. During the school season, when kids spend more time indoors, clean filters are essential.

Check filters every 30 days and replace them every 60–90 days. Cleaner filters mean better air quality, improved energy efficiency, and fewer respiratory issues for your family.

2. Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

An HVAC tune-up is a powerful air quality solution that prepares your system for cooler weather. Professional maintenance helps your system run cleanly and efficiently, ensuring you have reliable heating and clean air all season long.

This is especially important as routines shift during school season, with more time spent inside doing homework or resting after long school days.

3. Install a Whole-Home Air Purifier

Whole-home purifiers are one of the top air quality solutions for homes with children, allergies, or asthma. These systems connect directly to your HVAC and remove particles like pollen, bacteria, pet dander, and smoke ,common irritants during the school year.

Some models feature UV light technology, which is ideal for the school season when viruses and germs are more likely to circulate.

4. Add a Dehumidifier to Control Moisture

In Alabama’s humid climate, excess moisture contributes to mold and dust mites. A dehumidifier is a simple air quality solution that helps maintain ideal indoor humidity (40–60%).

This not only improves comfort but also helps prevent the spread of allergens that can affect your child’s health during back-to-school months.

5. Seal Leaks and Improve Insulation

Leaky doors and windows allow pollutants into your home. One of the most overlooked air quality solutions is sealing these gaps to keep outdoor allergens out and indoor air cleaner.

This is especially helpful in older homes, ensuring your HVAC system is more efficient just in time for the back-to-school rush.

6. Keep Vents and Registers Clean

Clean vents mean cleaner air. Make it a habit to wipe and vacuum around air vents every month. This quick task supports your other air quality solutions and helps remove allergens that build up during school season when foot traffic increases.

7. Use a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner

Standard vacuums often release tiny particles back into the air. A HEPA vacuum traps these particles, making it a powerful air quality solution.

Use it in high-traffic areas, bedrooms, and especially play or study areas where your children spend time after school activities.

8. Ventilate Your Home Properly

Fresh air is one of the most natural air quality solutions. Open windows when weather allows or use energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for filtered airflow.

Ventilation is especially important when cleaning, cooking, or during high-occupancy hours common during the back-to-school evening routine.

9. Switch to Low-VOC Household Products

Many household cleaners and air fresheners release VOCs that linger in the air. Switching to low-VOC products is an effective air quality solution to protect your family—especially during the school season when children are exposed to indoor air for longer stretches.

Look for non-toxic, eco-friendly options with clear ingredient lists.

10. Add Air-Purifying Houseplants

Some houseplants naturally absorb toxins and carbon dioxide. Adding plants like peace lilies or spider plants is a small but impactful air quality solution for your living spaces.

Just be mindful of watering, as overwatering can cause mold—something you want to avoid, especially during school season when immune systems are adjusting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Quality Solutions

What is the ideal humidity level for indoor air?
Aim for 40–60%. Balanced humidity is a key air quality solution to reduce mold and improve comfort.

How often should I clean my air ducts?
Every 3–5 years, or sooner if you notice dust buildup, mold, or musty odors.

Are air purifiers really worth it?
Yes, especially those with HEPA filters and UV lights. They are essential air quality solutions for removing allergens and bacteria.

Can plants improve indoor air?
To a small degree. While helpful, they should complement other air quality solutions like proper HVAC maintenance and ventilation.

Is poor air quality dangerous for children?
Absolutely. Kids are more vulnerable to pollutants, making air quality solutions critical during school season.

Contact Us for Professional Summer HVAC Maintenance

Childress Heating & Cooling is your local American Standard Customer Care dealer, proudly serving Southside, Gadsden, and the Etowah County communities for over 20 years. We understand the importance of a comfortable environment for every family member, including your pets to cool your home in Alabama heat and reduce your monthly utility bills. If you’re concerned about your home’s cooling efficiency or need maintenance services, we’re here to help, please contact us at 256-312-1893 or visit our website. We’re honored to be our community’s #1 choice for heating and cooling solutions.

Facebook: Childress HVAC
Instagram: @childresshvac