Regardless of the season, who doesn’t prefer fresh, clean air inside the home? There’s no shortage of confusing information and techy gadgets that claim to deliver better indoor air quality (IAQ) but frankly, the most effective solutions are more common sense and low-cost than you might expect. Try these tips for improving Indoor Air Quality in your home:

#1 Keep a clean house

A clean house always equates to a healthier house. Good, thorough housekeeping can significantly reduce pet dander, dust and dust mites, or even pollen tracked in or accumulated within your home. Vacuum your furniture, rugs and carpets at least once a week to minimize allergens and contaminants inside your home. Establish a ‘shoe-free home’ and leave your shoes at the front door.

#2 Let in the fresh air!

Open windows periodically, even during the cold months to air out your home’s interior. Use exhaust fans to pull cooking fumes from the kitchen, and moisture from bathrooms.

#3 Change your furnace filter

Replace your furnace’s air filter at least twice per year.

#4 Invest in a high-efficiency air filter

Are you allergic to indoor allergens like dust, mold and pet dander? Consider investing in a multi-stage high efficiency whole house filter to remove particulates as they circulate through your heating and air conditioning system. Set the thermostat to recirculate to make sure the filter is regularly cleaning the air throughout your home.

#5 Plants to the rescue

In 1989, NASA discovered that houseplants can absorb harmful toxins from the air, especially in enclosed spaces with little air flow. This study has been the basis for newer studies about indoor plants and their air cleaning abilities. While plants have less horse power than air purifiers, they’re natural, cost effective, and therapeutic. Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum), dracaenas, golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum), and chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) are a few easy-to-grow varieties to consider. Consult with your local florist or nursery for more options.

#6 Redecorate your space

When the time comes to replace furniture, curtains, and carpets, consider less porous and hard surfaces like tile, hardwood or laminate, as they are easier to clean and harbor less dust and contaminants. Similarly, blinds are great replacements for curtains as they attract less dust.

#7 Keep the humidity low

Dust mites and mold spores can quickly proliferate in hot, humid air, so be mindful of the humidity levels within your home. Opt for shorter warm showers instead of long, hot baths or showers. Hire a professional HVAC contractor to install humidity-controlled exhaust fans in bathrooms or areas of high humidity.

#8 Maintain your appliances & hvac

Hire an HVAC, appliance or plumbing professional to check your appliances and HVAC system to make sure they are functioning at peak efficiency. Gas appliances—like gas ovens, furnaces and boilers—should be serviced twice yearly to avoid issues.