Improving Indoor Air Quality in the High Desert

Living in the Antelope Valley has its perks—beautiful sunsets, open spaces, and warm weather. But it also has its downsides: dust, wind, and pollen. If you feel like your home is constantly dusty no matter how much you clean, or if your allergies flare up the moment you walk inside, your indoor air quality (IAQ) is likely to blame.

The EPA estimates that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. In a windy, dusty desert environment, that number can be even higher. Here is how to fix it.

1. Change Your Filters More Often

The standard advice is "change your filter every 3 months." That does not apply to the High Desert. With the amount of fine dust we have, you should be checking your filter every 30 days and replacing it at least every 60 days. A clogged filter can't trap new dust, so it just circulates it back into your home.

2. Seal Your Ducts

Your ductwork runs through your attic or crawlspace—areas that are full of insulation fibers and dust. If there are leaks or gaps in your ducts (which is common in older homes), your system acts like a vacuum, sucking that dirty attic air in and blowing it into your living room.

3. Consider a Whole-Home Air Purifier

Portable air purifiers are great for a single room, but they can't keep up with a whole house. An integrated air purification system, like the Reme Halo or a specialized media filter cabinet, installs directly into your HVAC system. It treats 100% of the air flowing through your ducts, neutralizing odors, killing bacteria, and capturing ultra-fine dust particles.

4. Manage Humidity

We live in a dry climate, which can dry out your nasal passages and make you more susceptible to illness. However, we don't want too much humidity either. Aim for a balanced indoor humidity level (around 30-50%). A whole-home humidifier can add just enough moisture to make the air comfortable without encouraging mold growth.