If you’re a homeowner in Albuquerque, you’ve probably noticed the dry climate, windy spring seasons, and occasional dust storms. While the desert landscape is beautiful, it also comes with various challenges that can affect the air inside your home. Between pollen and dust, poor indoor air quality can sneak up on you.
Whether you’re working from home or relaxing after a hike in the Sandias, clean air can make a major difference. Improving your air quality isn’t just about comfort; it can help reduce respiratory issues, limit allergens, and keep your home’s environment healthier overall.
Assess for Problem Areas
Before you get started, it helps to know what’s floating around your home. Common indoor pollutants include dust, pollen, pet dander, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold spores, and smoke particles.
A good first step is to use an indoor air quality monitor. These compact devices can tell you which pollutants are present and whether your air feels stale, humid, or overly dry. Once you have a clearer picture of your air quality, you’ll know where to focus your efforts.
A good first step is to use an indoor air quality monitor. These compact devices can tell you which pollutants are present and whether your air feels stale, humid, or overly dry. Once you have a clearer picture of your air quality, you’ll know where to focus your efforts.
Keep Dust Under Control
Albuquerque’s dry desert climate means that dust is always part of the equation, but that doesn’t mean it has to settle all over your home.
Start with regular vacuuming — preferably with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. These filters trap fine particles instead of sending them back into the air. Vacuum all carpets, rugs, upholstery, and even hardwood floors at least once a week.
Microfiber cloths are your best friend for cleaning various surfaces. Unlike feather dusters, microfiber traps the particles instead of spreading them around. Wipe down shelves, baseboards, vents, and ceiling fans often.
Consider minimizing clutter and swapping out heavy drapes and thick rugs for easier-to-clean options. The less fabric and surface area you have to trap dust, the cleaner your air stays.
Start with regular vacuuming — preferably with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. These filters trap fine particles instead of sending them back into the air. Vacuum all carpets, rugs, upholstery, and even hardwood floors at least once a week.
Microfiber cloths are your best friend for cleaning various surfaces. Unlike feather dusters, microfiber traps the particles instead of spreading them around. Wipe down shelves, baseboards, vents, and ceiling fans often.
Consider minimizing clutter and swapping out heavy drapes and thick rugs for easier-to-clean options. The less fabric and surface area you have to trap dust, the cleaner your air stays.
Upgrade Your Air Filters
If you haven’t checked your HVAC filter in a while, you’re not alone. However, a dirty or low-quality filter can circulate more dust and allergens than it catches.
Look for a high-efficiency filter with a MERV rating of at least 8–13. The higher the MERV rating, the more effectively the filter can trap fine particles. Just be sure that your HVAC system can handle the resistance of higher-rated filters; check with your technician if you’re unsure.
Look for a high-efficiency filter with a MERV rating of at least 8–13. The higher the MERV rating, the more effectively the filter can trap fine particles. Just be sure that your HVAC system can handle the resistance of higher-rated filters; check with your technician if you’re unsure.
Change the filters every 1–3 months, depending on usage, household size, and whether you have pets. Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder so that it doesn’t slip through the cracks.
Add an Air Purifier for Extra Help
If you want an extra layer of protection — especially in rooms where you spend a lot of time, like the living room or home office — an air purifier is worth considering.
Look for a purifier with a True HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter. HEPA handles particles like dust, smoke, and pollen, while carbon absorbs gases and odors. Some models even include UV light or ionization features, but make sure they don’t generate ozone, which can be irritating to breathe.
Place the air purifier in the room you use most or wherever the air tends to feel stuffy. Keep all doors and windows closed in that space so the unit can work more efficiently.
Look for a purifier with a True HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter. HEPA handles particles like dust, smoke, and pollen, while carbon absorbs gases and odors. Some models even include UV light or ionization features, but make sure they don’t generate ozone, which can be irritating to breathe.
Place the air purifier in the room you use most or wherever the air tends to feel stuffy. Keep all doors and windows closed in that space so the unit can work more efficiently.
Improve Ventilation Without Wasting Energy
Albuquerque’s temperature swings can make it tempting to keep the windows closed most of the year, but that can trap pollutants inside. Even so, throwing your windows wide open in spring or during a windy day isn’t always the best option, either. So, how do you bring in fresh air without inviting dust storms or raising your energy bill?
Start with spot ventilation. Use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom to pull stale air out. These rooms tend to collect humidity, odors, and particles from cooking or personal care products. Run your fans for at least 15–20 minutes after using those spaces.
You can also invest in an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) or heat recovery ventilator (HRV). These systems exchange indoor and outdoor air efficiently without wasting heating or cooling energy.
Start with spot ventilation. Use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom to pull stale air out. These rooms tend to collect humidity, odors, and particles from cooking or personal care products. Run your fans for at least 15–20 minutes after using those spaces.
You can also invest in an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) or heat recovery ventilator (HRV). These systems exchange indoor and outdoor air efficiently without wasting heating or cooling energy.
Houseplants: Do They Actually Help?
You’ve probably heard that houseplants can clean the air. While it’s true that some plants absorb various toxins, the reality is that you'd need dozens of them to see a measurable impact. That said, plants can still help by increasing humidity slightly and making your space feel more vibrant.
If you enjoy greenery, low-maintenance options like snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies are good choices for Albuquerque’s climate. Just be sure to avoid overwatering, as mold from soggy soil can actually harm your air quality.
If you enjoy greenery, low-maintenance options like snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies are good choices for Albuquerque’s climate. Just be sure to avoid overwatering, as mold from soggy soil can actually harm your air quality.
Tackle Mold and Moisture at the Source
Even in a dry climate like Albuquerque, mold can still be a concern, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, or around windows. Leaks, poor ventilation, and high humidity in enclosed areas can create ideal conditions for mold growth.
Use a dehumidifier in rooms that feel damp, and fix any plumbing issues right away. Keep bathroom fans running after showers and check under sinks for hidden leaks.
If you already see mold, clean small areas with a mix of white vinegar and water. For larger issues, you may need professional remediation to keep spores from spreading through your HVAC system.
Use a dehumidifier in rooms that feel damp, and fix any plumbing issues right away. Keep bathroom fans running after showers and check under sinks for hidden leaks.
If you already see mold, clean small areas with a mix of white vinegar and water. For larger issues, you may need professional remediation to keep spores from spreading through your HVAC system.
Choose Low-VOC Products for Everyday Use
From cleaning sprays to candles, many household products release volatile organic compounds. These can linger in the air and trigger irritation or breathing issues, especially if you're sensitive to smells.
To reduce VOCs, check labels before you buy. Look for “low-VOC” or “zero-VOC” on paints, cleaners, and furniture. Switch to fragrance-free or naturally scented products when possible, and avoid aerosol sprays.
To reduce VOCs, check labels before you buy. Look for “low-VOC” or “zero-VOC” on paints, cleaners, and furniture. Switch to fragrance-free or naturally scented products when possible, and avoid aerosol sprays.
Keep Pets Groomed and Bedding Clean
If you have pets, you know how much fur and dander can end up in the air — and on every surface. Regular grooming can help reduce the amount that circulates through your home.
Brush your pets outside when you can, and bathe them regularly. Use washable covers on pet beds, and vacuum those areas often. Clean their favorite spots frequently and wash your own bedding at least once a week in hot water. If you or someone in your home is sensitive to pet allergens, consider using an air purifier in rooms where pets spend the most time.
Ultimately, the payoff is well worth the effort. Clean air helps you rest easier, breathe better, and enjoy your space more fully — whether you’re lounging with your dog or hosting friends.
If you’re ready to find the perfect home in Albuquerque or achieve a standout sale, team up with Realty One of New Mexico today.
Brush your pets outside when you can, and bathe them regularly. Use washable covers on pet beds, and vacuum those areas often. Clean their favorite spots frequently and wash your own bedding at least once a week in hot water. If you or someone in your home is sensitive to pet allergens, consider using an air purifier in rooms where pets spend the most time.
Ultimately, the payoff is well worth the effort. Clean air helps you rest easier, breathe better, and enjoy your space more fully — whether you’re lounging with your dog or hosting friends.
If you’re ready to find the perfect home in Albuquerque or achieve a standout sale, team up with Realty One of New Mexico today.
