Apartment Air Quality Checklist

Use this checklist to systematically assess air quality concerns throughout your apartment and identify improvement opportunities.

General Assessment

Observe Your Space

• ☐ Does any room feel stuffy or stale?
• ☐ Are there persistent odors?
• ☐ How quickly does dust accumulate?
• ☐ Any visible mold or mildew?
• ☐ Do you notice symptoms that improve when you leave?

Check Ventilation

• ☐ Do all windows open?
• ☐ Does the bathroom exhaust fan work?
• ☐ Does the kitchen range hood work?
• ☐ Are HVAC vents clear and unblocked?

Kitchen

Cooking Ventilation

• ☐ Range hood present and functional
• ☐ Range hood vents outside (not recirculating)
• ☐ Use range hood every time you cook
• ☐ Window available for ventilation when cooking

Kitchen Maintenance

• ☐ Clean range hood filter regularly
• ☐ Take garbage out regularly
• ☐ Clean refrigerator drip pan
• ☐ Check for forgotten food

Bathroom

Moisture Control

• ☐ Exhaust fan works and is used during/after showers
• ☐ Run fan for 15-30 minutes after showering
• ☐ No visible mold or mildew
• ☐ Check under sink for moisture issues
• ☐ Caulking around tub/shower is intact

Bedroom

Bedding and Dust

• ☐ Wash bedding weekly in hot water
• ☐ Consider allergen-proof mattress cover
• ☐ Consider allergen-proof pillow covers
• ☐ Vacuum or mop regularly
• ☐ Dust surfaces weekly

Air Quality Focus

• ☐ Consider air purifier for bedroom (door closed)
• ☐ Keep pets out of bedroom if allergic
• ☐ Limit fabric clutter that collects dust

Living Areas

Dust and Allergens

• ☐ Vacuum with HEPA filter vacuum
• ☐ Damp dust rather than dry dusting
• ☐ Clean or replace HVAC filter regularly
• ☐ Remove shoes at the door

Humidity

• ☐ Monitor humidity (30-50% is ideal)
• ☐ Address if consistently too high or low
• ☐ Use dehumidifier if above 50%
• ☐ Use humidifier if below 30%

Source Control

Products

• ☐ Choose low-VOC cleaning products when possible
• ☐ Avoid air fresheners and strong fragrances
• ☐ Allow new furniture to off-gas before bringing indoors
• ☐ Store chemicals in sealed containers

If You Have Pets

• ☐ Groom pets regularly
• ☐ Wash pet bedding frequently
• ☐ Clean litter boxes promptly
• ☐ Consider HEPA purifier in pet areas
• ☐ Vacuum frequently in pet areas

Optional: Air Purification

• ☐ Consider HEPA purifier for bedroom
• ☐ Size purifier appropriately (CADR × 0.67 ≥ room sq ft)
• ☐ Replace filters on schedule
• ☐ Run continuously for best results

Ongoing Maintenance

• ☐ Check and replace HVAC filter every 1-3 months
• ☐ Replace air purifier filters per schedule
• ☐ Deep clean bathroom monthly
• ☐ Wash bedding weekly
• ☐ Vacuum/mop weekly or more
• ☐ Monitor for new odors or moisture issues