Optimize Ventilation and Change HVAC Filters
A sealed house traps humidity, chemical off-gassing from furniture, and cooking smells inside, creating a heavy, stale atmosphere. Improving your home’s air circulation pushes those lingering smells out and pulls fresh air in. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can frequently be more polluted than outdoor air, making active ventilation and source control vital components of a healthy living environment.
Whenever the weather permits, open windows on opposite sides of your house for ten to fifteen minutes. This creates a cross-breeze that quickly flushes out stagnant air. However, when temperatures drop or humidity spikes, you must rely on your home’s mechanical systems to clean the air.
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system plays a massive role in how your home smells. The Department of Energy advises inspecting and replacing your HVAC filters every month or two during heavy use seasons to trap airborne particulates effectively. A severely clogged filter not only forces your system to consume up to fifteen percent more energy; it also actively blows accumulated dust and old odors back into your rooms.
Make filter replacement a non-negotiable habit by following these straightforward steps:
- Locate your return air grille or the filter slot directly on your main air handler unit.
- Turn off your heating or cooling system at the thermostat to prevent loose dust from being sucked into the blower motor while the slot remains open.
- Carefully slide the old filter out and immediately place it into a plastic trash bag to trap the loose debris.
- Select a new pleated filter with a MERV rating between 8 and 11, which captures pollen, pet dander, and dust without straining residential equipment.
- Slide the new filter into the tracks, double-checking that the printed airflow arrows point toward the internal fan.
- Turn your system back on and write the date on the edge of the filter as a reminder.
29 Responses
I enjoyed this very helpful tip on how to avoid and get rid of odors.
Article is trash it gives no information a bunch of click bait
Hi Karen do you have any other tips? I’m from the Boston area where are you located?
Kevin
These are very helpful tips for keeping you home smelling odor and gem free.
Very helpful tips. Thank you.
Hi Nellie do you have any other tips? I’m from the Boston area where are you located?
Kevin
Thanks for all the information, some i new and some i didn’t. Great information especially about the shower curtain and leave the vent on for 40 minutes after you step out the shower.
Hi Alice do you have any other tips? I’m from the Boston area where are you located?
Kevin
Good info Will use for sure!
Hi Norma do you have any other tips? I’m from the Boston area where are you located?
Kevin
great recommendations
Thanks, some of these I currently practice, but it is encouraging to know it’s working, and a few new one helps
Hi Charlotte do you have any other tips? I’m from the Boston area where are you located?
Kevin
Great need more tricks.
Hi Lora do you have any other tips? I’m from the Boston area where are you located?
Kevin
Some very good suggestions….thank you
Awesome 👌 good to know
Thanks
Thanks this really works. TRY IT.
Baking Soda has a multitude of uses. Deoderizing is a great one. Thanks for the info.
All Good advice, Thanks.
In order to properly Clean Garbage Disposal best to wear gloves and wet Paper Towels saturated with liquid dish soap..
Then proceed to Wipe inside Interior Walls of Garbage Disposal and Underside of top rubber cover (CLEAN both underside and topside of rubber cover). The Last Step to Completely Clean Interior Garbage Disposal is to place 1/2 Cup of Baking Soda and Add White Vinegar to the Baking Soda to Mix before Pouring Mixture into Garbage Disposal . Leave Mixture at bottom of Garbage Disposal for (5) minutes and then turn on tap water & flip switch to Turn Garbage Disposal “ON” for about (2) minutes.. The Cleaning Process above will Eradicate mold, bacteria Odors, All Germs from the Inside of Garbage Disposal..
I as thinking, can you put baking soda in litter box under litter to help with odor?
Thank you
A few things that I hadn’t thought about. Thanks!
Hi, your ideas are very helpful. I already take measure in practicing two of your 8 ideas. First is the kitchen sink idea, & second is the Carpet idea. They both work incredibly well!!
I’ll definitely give your other ideas a try.
Thank you so much , for taking time out to help with your household ideas for ” one of the most important spaces of our lives.. ” Our Homes shared with Family & Friends “.
Blessings to you & All in Abundance!!. ☺️❤️
Very good tips, some of them I already do. Will incorporate the new ones. Thanks for the tips.
Great ways to keep garbage can refreshers.
Almost all of these should be regular cleaning routine if you keep a clean house. Common sense
I would like to attempt your service to clean my home. I’ll see you on Facebook. I have a two story Home.