5 Tips to Keep Your Home Air Clean During Flu Season

As holiday gatherings pick up and families spend more time indoors, clean air becomes essential—especially during flu season. The EPA reports that indoor air can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air, making simple home habits more important than ever. Here are five science-backed ways to improve your air quality this season.

1. Change Your Air Filter Every 30–60 Days

Your HVAC filter captures dust, dander, pollen, and even viral particles. When clogged, it can reduce airflow by up to 20% and sharply lower filtration efficiency. During flu season—especially with pets or guests—filters fill faster. Replacing yours every 30–60 days ensures cleaner air and a healthier system.

2. Keep Your Fan on “Auto,” Not “On”

Running your fan continuously sounds helpful but often creates more airborne particles. ASHRAE notes that leaving the fan “on” can redistribute settled dust, raising particulate levels. By switching to “auto,” your system only moves air through the filter during active cycles, improving filtration efficiency by up to 15%.

3. Clean Around Return Vents Weekly

Dust piles around return vents get pulled directly into your HVAC system. Studies show this buildup can increase indoor particle levels by 30% or more. A weekly wipe-down or quick vacuum around the vents drastically reduces what your system has to filter out.

4. Vacuum Floors Weekly & Consider a HEPA Air Purifier

Carpet fibers and floors trap viruses, dander, and fine dust. Vacuuming weekly with a machine that has a sealed HEPA filter can trap 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns—the size range of many bacteria and viruses. Pairing this with a standalone HEPA air purifier can reduce airborne contaminants by up to 80% in high-traffic rooms.

5. Schedule Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Nearly 90% of HVAC performance issues stem from dirt or neglected maintenance. Dirty coils, restricted airflow, and internal buildup all affect your home’s air quality. A maintenance plan keeps your system clean, safe, and circulating healthier air—especially during flu season.

Our maintenance plans start at only $22 a month and keep your system performing year-round—so even on mild Florida “winters,” you’re circulating clean, healthy air through your home instead of dust, allergens, and bacteria. Learn more about Comfort Pros maintenance plans here.