When people think about air pollution in Utah, they often picture winter inversions or summer ozone alerts. But here’s the reality: the air inside your home can be just as important, if not more so, for your health.

We spend up to 90% of our time indoors, which means indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a major role in how we feel every day. From allergens and dust to chemicals and smoke, the air inside our homes can impact our respiratory health, sleep quality, and overall well-being.

What Affects Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air pollution comes from a variety of everyday sources, including:

• • Cooking (especially gas stoves)

• • Cleaning products and air fresheners

• • Pets, dust, and pollen

• • Building materials and furniture (which can emit VOCs)

• • Outdoor pollution that seeps inside

Without proper ventilation or filtration, these pollutants can build up quickly, especially during Utah’s colder months when homes are sealed tight.

Why It Matters

Poor indoor air quality has been linked to:

• • Increased asthma and allergy symptoms

• • Respiratory irritation

• • Headaches and fatigue

• • Long-term health risks with prolonged exposure

The good news? Improving your indoor air doesn’t require a full home renovation. Small, practical changes like upgrading filters, ventilating while cooking, or using portable air cleaners can make a meaningful difference.

Learn How to Improve Your Home’s Air

These free, community-focused events are designed to give you simple, actionable steps to improve your indoor air quality. Attendees will learn practical strategies to create a healthier home environment and reduce exposure to common indoor pollutants.

Upcoming Workshops:

• • West Valley City Library – Thursday, May 7, 2026, 6-7 p.m.

• • Marmalade Library (Salt Lake City) – Saturday, May 9, 2026, 4-5 p.m.

 Register for a Breathe Easier at Home workshop

At these workshops, you’ll learn:

• • How outdoor air pollution affects your indoor air

• • Easy habits to improve air quality at home

• • How to use smart thermostats, air purifiers, and HVAC systems effectively

• • Where to check local, real-time air quality conditions

• • How air quality impacts your health

Thanks to support from Maverik and Big West Oil, attendees from households earning below $98,336 will receive a free ecobee smart thermostat. In addition, participants living in qualifying zip codes that are disproportionately impacted by poor air quality can sign up for a free indoor air purifier for a medium-sized room, along with two filters.

Simple Tips to Start Today

While attending a workshop is a great next step, you can start improving your indoor air right away:

• • Change HVAC filters regularly

• • Use your kitchen exhaust fan when cooking

• • Avoid burning candles or wood indoors on poor air days

• • Vacuum with a HEPA filter

• • Open windows when outdoor air quality is good

A Healthier Home Starts with the Air You Breathe

Improving indoor air quality is one of the simplest ways to protect your health and your family. And with local resources like UCAIR’s free workshops, it’s never been easier to learn how.

Take a small step today and breathe a little easier at home.