5 Ways to Spring Clean Your Air for a Healthier Home

Top Hat Chimney Sweeps
March 15, 2025

Spring is in the air—and while that means blooming flowers and fresh breezes, it also brings pollen, dust, and humidity that can negatively impact your indoor air quality. If you’re looking to breathe easier this season, here are five essential ways to spring clean your air and create a healthier home environment.

1. Be Smart About Opening Your Windows

There’s nothing like fresh air to brighten up your home, but opening windows on humid or high-pollen days can do more harm than good.

Pollen & Allergens – Letting outdoor air in can invite pollen inside, triggering allergies and respiratory issues.
Moisture & Mold – In humid climates, warm, damp air can condense on cool surfaces, leading to mold growth on HVAC vents, drywall, and furniture.
How to Monitor Indoor Humidity – Use a humidity monitor to keep levels between 35% and 50%. If it reaches 60% or higher, you may need a dehumidifier or HVAC adjustment.

While that cool Spring air may be tantalizing and fresh air certainly can do the soul good, be cautious about having the windows open on humid days. You’ll be inviting not only pollen inside, but also moisture from outside air in humid areas of the country. When warm, damp air hits cool surfaces in your house, the water in it condenses, which leads to mold growth on furniture, HVAC grilles, and drywall. Pollen and mold growth can lead to allergy and health issues.

While Top Hat Chimney Sweeps are HVAC air duct cleaning experts, we do not service HVAC units. Protect your home and Spring clean your air by keeping those windows closed on humid days.

Pro Tip: Check your attic, insulation, and rafters for signs of moisture or mold. If you spot wet spots or mildew, contact a professional immediately—this is not a DIY fix!

2. Seal Air Leaks to Keep Pollutants Out

A leaky home can allow dust, pollen, and chemicals from your crawlspace, garage, or outdoors to enter your living space. Spend a spring Saturday sealing air leaks around:

✔️ Windows & Door Frames – Use caulk or weather stripping to seal cracks.
✔️ Recessed Lighting & Outlets – Small gaps around electrical fixtures can allow air to escape or enter. Foam sealant works well here.
✔️ Attic & Basement Gaps – Seal any visible openings to prevent air from pulling in mold spores or pollutants.

By tightening your building envelope, you can improve air quality and reduce energy costs at the same time!

3. Upgrade Your Air Filtration

A good air purifier and vacuum can make a huge difference in your indoor air quality—but not all filters are created equal!

Choose a True HEPA Filter – A True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, and mold spores.
Avoid “HEPA-Type” Filters – These are less effective and do not meet the same standard. Always check labels carefully!
Use a HEPA Vacuum – Regular vacuuming with a True HEPA vacuum reduces allergens trapped in carpets and upholstery.

Pro Tip: Stay away from air purifiers that produce ozone, as they can irritate your lungs and worsen respiratory issues.

4. Deep Clean Your Home With Healthier Products

Spring cleaning isn’t just about what you clean—it’s also about how you clean. Some conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can linger in the air and trigger allergies.

Eco-Friendly Cleaners – Look for low-toxicity, fragrance-free options or make your own with vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.
Wash Bedding Weekly – Dust mites, pollen, and pet dander collect on sheets and pillowcases. Wash in hot water with fragrance-free detergent.
Ditch Scented Candles & Air Fresheners – Many contain synthetic fragrances and VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can worsen asthma, allergies, and headaches.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to paint this spring, opt for low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints to avoid indoor air pollution.

5. Clean Your Air Ducts for a Fresher Home

Your HVAC system and air ducts play a huge role in your indoor air quality. Over time, dust, pet dander, and even mold can accumulate in your ducts, circulating pollutants throughout your home.

Schedule a Professional Air Duct Cleaning – Removing built-up debris from your ductwork and vents helps improve air circulation and reduces allergens in your home.
Change Your HVAC Filters Regularly – Swap out filters every 1-3 months for the best air quality.
Check for Mold Growth – If you notice musty odors or visible mold near vents, a professional cleaning is essential.

At Top Hat Chimney Sweeps, we specialize in air duct cleaning to help keep your home’s air clean and fresh all year round.

Here are some more tips from HGTV about HOW TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR INDOOR AIR SPRING CLEAN YOUR AIR.

Spring brings the urge to clean your house, tackle long-deferred maintenance tasks and freshen your decor, but it’s also a good time to focus on the quality of your indoor air. Jennifer Schwab of Sierra Club Green Home offers these tips for breathing easier this season.

And because plants can’t reach deep into those dirty air ducts, call on us at 512-352-0313 Mon.-Fri. 8AM-5PM or contact us 24/7 online

Schedule Top Hat Services to Invest in your home and health!

Households in the Austin – Taylor, TX metroplex area can call Top Hat for professional cleaning. Call on us with your questions or concerns, or to reserve your appointment, at 512-352-0313, Mon.-Fri., 8AM-5PM.

Your home isn’t clean till it’s TOP HAT clean!

Oh, yeah, we would LOVE to have you LIKE us on Facebook, too!