Clear the Air: Why Indoor Air Quality Should Be a Priority in Your New Home

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is an important health consideration for today’s homebuyers.

A huge benefit of new homes is, of course, that they are safer and healthier than resale homes. Not only are your appliances brand new and (hopefully) devoid of defects, but new homes are up-to-date on today’s codes and regulations and you can rest assured your home is mold-free. Plus, you know no one else has ever lived in the home.

However, tight building envelopes, synthetic materials, and under-ventilated spaces can actually create an environment where pollutants build up, rather than escape.

Making sure your home’s air is as fresh and clean as possible will go a long way to ensuring your health and mood are positive. Here’s our breakdown of what factors impact it and what you can do to keep your home’s air as clean as possible.

Why IAQ in Your Home Deserves Attention

Some construction materials, finishes, and furnishings release volatile organic compounds (VOCs): gases linked to headaches, asthma, and long-term respiratory issues.

“Some health effects may show up shortly after a single exposure or repeated exposures to a pollutant,” according to the EPA’s guidelines for clean indoor air. “These include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.”

Because modern homes are sealed tightly for energy efficiency, those pollutants have nowhere to go.

Moisture trapped during the building process can lead to eventual mold growth in walls or insulation.

Without the right ventilation systems, new homes can become breeding grounds for allergens, dust, and potentially carbon monoxide, particularly if gas appliances aren’t properly vented.

What Affects Indoor Air Quality?

“Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the area,” the EPA’s guidelines state.

1. Building Materials & Finishes

Low-cost and widely used materials like composite wood, carpets, adhesives, and certain paints can release VOCs. Formaldehyde is a common culprit. Selecting low- or no-VOC variants of these products can drastically reduce this impact.

2. Ventilation Systems

Proper mechanical ventilation is crucial for clean air flow. Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) bring in fresh air while conserving energy. Without them, indoor air becomes stale, and pollutants accumulate quickly.

3. HVAC Design & Filtration

Poorly designed or undersized HVAC systems can distribute contaminants rather than remove them. High-efficiency filters (MERV 13 or higher) and correctly sealed ducts are better at capturing airborne particles than their lower efficiency counterparts. Continuous or near-continuous air circulation also helps filter indoor air more effectively.

4. Moisture Control

Wet framing materials and trapped humidity during construction create a perfect storm for mold. Proper vapor barriers, drainage, and ventilation help prevent this, especially in humid climates.

What Builders Are Doing to Prioritize IAQ

It’s important to note that builders are aware of how important IAQ is. There are numerous guidelines and resources available for builders to take advantage of, so that they can ensure their homes are up to code.

The National Association of Homebuilders has a list of recommended practices for builders to apply in their process, and OSHA has a page of resources covering everything from common issues and complaints to manuals and action plans.

Construction management plans are important to ensure that the workers who build the home and its future occupants won’t have to deal with long term IAQ issues, according to Lab Manager.

Source control to reduce VOCs, keeping vents and exhaust clear, and regular maintenance of HVAC systems are some of the most effective ways builders can keep IAQ healthy and the environment of the home clean.

What Homebuyers Can Do

Before Construction:

• Ask builders about low-VOC materials, air sealing, and HVAC specs.

• Look for homes certified under the EPA’s Indoor airPLUS, ENERGY STAR, or LEED programs, which prioritize healthier building practices.

“Prioritize low-VOC building materials and finishes. Discuss moisture control and proper ventilation strategies with your builder,” said Andrew Ip, CEO of Maple Air. “These steps form the foundation of a healthy indoor environment.”

During Construction:

• Ensure proper curing time and ventilation before move-in to flush out VOCs and excess moisture.

• Consider third-party IAQ testing for VOCs, particulates, and formaldehyde.

“This is when IAQ issues can be the greatest,” Ip said. “Open building envelopes and new materials are particularly vulnerable to moisture, which can lead to mold issues.”

Move-In:

• Run your ventilation system (HRV/ERV or whole-house fans) continuously for the first few months.

• Keep windows open when possible.

• Replace or upgrade HVAC filters regularly, ideally using MERV 13 or HEPA-rated filters.

Ongoing Maintenance:

• Maintain indoor humidity between 30–50% using dehumidifiers if needed.

• Clean exhaust fans and vents regularly.

• Use low-VOC cleaning products and natural materials for furniture and decor to avoid spreading additional pollutants.

“Even in new homes, pollutants from furniture, cleaning products, or seasonal humidity can build up,” Ip said. “Long-term air purification solutions, especially those that work 24/7 without maintenance, help maintain fresh, clean air throughout the year.”

The Bottom Line

Indoor air quality is a fundamental health issue, particularly in tightly sealed modern homes. Prioritizing IAQ during the homebuilding process helps prevent allergies, asthma flare-ups, mold growth, and even long-term respiratory risks.

For buyers, this means asking the right questions and choosing builders who take air quality seriously. When it comes to your family’s health, the air you breathe at home matters, starting on day one.

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