8 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality During Holiday Cooking and Gatherings

Have you ever thought about how all the cooking, cleaning, and increased indoor activity during holidays can take a toll on your home’s air quality? With ovens working overtime, candles burning, and more guests in your home, airborne particles can build up quickly—leading to stale air, lingering odors, and potential health concerns. Here are some simple and effective ways to improve your indoor air quality this holiday season and keep your home feeling fresh and healthy.

1. Use Your Kitchen Ventilation Fan

While cooking, especially when frying or roasting, your stove can release smoke, grease, and strong odors into the air. Turn on your range hood or ventilation fan to pull out cooking byproducts and circulate cleaner air into the space. If you don’t have a vented range hood, opening a nearby window can help reduce smoke and smells.

Pro Tip: Leave the fan running for at least 15 minutes after you finish cooking to ensure lingering particles are removed.

2. Check and Replace Air Filters

Your HVAC system works hard year-round to keep your home comfortable, but dirty or clogged filters can prevent it from maintaining clean air. Before the holidays, check your air filters and replace them if necessary. A clean filter ensures your HVAC system captures dust, allergens, and odors more efficiently, keeping the air fresh for your guests.

Bonus Tip: Consider upgrading to HEPA filters or filters with a higher MERV rating for maximum filtration of indoor air contaminants.

3. Use an Air Scrubber or Air Purification System

For homes hosting large gatherings, an air purification system or air scrubber can make a big difference. These systems work alongside your HVAC to eliminate airborne pollutants like smoke, odors, pet dander, and bacteria. They’re especially useful during high-traffic times when doors are constantly opening, and allergens can be brought inside.

Why It Works: Advanced air purifiers can remove up to 99% of airborne contaminants, creating a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.

4. Keep Humidity Levels in Check

Cooking, cleaning, and hosting guests can all contribute to increased humidity in your home. High humidity levels can make the air feel heavy and promote mold and mildew growth, which can negatively impact air quality. Use a dehumidifier or run your HVAC system to keep humidity between 30-50%, which is ideal for comfort and health.

Quick Fix: If you’re cooking or boiling water, keep lids on pots and pans to reduce moisture in the air.

5. Ventilate Your Home Naturally

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. If weather permits, open a few windows or doors to let fresh air flow through your home. This can quickly flush out cooking odors, carbon dioxide buildup, and other indoor pollutants.

When to Ventilate: Try ventilating during and after cooking, and periodically when hosting a large crowd.

6. Avoid Artificial Scents

While candles, air fresheners, and holiday sprays might smell festive, they can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your home. These chemicals can irritate allergies and contribute to poor air quality.

Better Alternatives: Opt for natural solutions like simmering a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and citrus slices. This will fill your home with a pleasant scent without compromising air quality.

7. Clean Regularly

Dust, pet hair, and cooking particles can settle on surfaces and in carpets, affecting air quality. During the holidays, make it a habit to:

Vacuum frequently with a HEPA-filter vacuum.
Dust surfaces with a damp cloth to trap particles.
Wipe down kitchen surfaces after cooking to prevent grease buildup.

Regular cleaning keeps particles out of the air and ensures your home stays fresh for guests.

8. Consider a Duct Cleaning Service

If you haven’t had your HVAC ducts cleaned in a while, now may be the perfect time. Over time, dust, dirt, and allergens can accumulate in your ducts and circulate throughout your home. Professional duct cleaning can dramatically improve your indoor air quality and help your HVAC system run more efficiently.

Breathe Easy This Holiday Season

With all the hustle and bustle of holiday gatherings, ensuring clean, healthy air in your home can make a world of difference. By taking a few simple steps—like using ventilation fans, changing filters, and cleaning regularly—you can improve your indoor air quality and create a comfortable space for your family and friends.

Need help with your HVAC system or interested in air quality solutions like air scrubbers or duct cleaning? Contact ECI Comfort today! We’re here to help you breathe easier this holiday season.

If you live in the Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia area and would like to find comfort within your home, visit our website or give us a call at 215 - 245 - 3200 to learn more.

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