As families gear up for a new school year—buying backpacks, organizing lunchboxes, and syncing schedules—there’s another essential item that should be on every parent’s checklist: healthy indoor air.

While often overlooked, the quality of the air in our homes, schools, and after-school spaces plays a major role in our children’s health, development, and ability to thrive in the classroom.

Why Healthy Air Deserves a Spot on Your Back-to-School List

1. Children Are More Vulnerable to Poor Air Quality

Kids breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults, making them especially sensitive to pollutants like dust, mold, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exposure can trigger asthma, allergies, and respiratory issues.

2. Clean Air Supports Better Focus and Performance

Studies have shown that poor air quality can lead to difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and lower test scores. Ensuring that children breathe Healthy Air helps support cognitive function and sets them up for success—both academically and emotionally.

3. Back-to-School = Germ Season

When children return to school, germs come home with them. While handwashing and hygiene are key defenses, maintaining optimal indoor humidity for overall health and wellness (between 40–60%) can also help. Balanced humidity reduces the spread of airborne viruses and keeps nasal passages moist—our body’s first defense against infection.

Tips for Creating a Healthier Air Environment at Home

• Rely on a whole-home air purifier for cleaner air
• Change your air filters regularly to keep pollutants from circulating
• Open windows when weather permits to increase ventilation
• Keep humidity in check with a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier as needed
• Choose low-VOC school supplies and cleaning products whenever possible

Healthy Air Helps Everyone—Not Just Kids

Parents benefit too. Cleaner air can improve sleep quality, reduce allergy symptoms, and boost overall wellness. As routines ramp back up and the pace of life picks up speed, Healthy Air becomes a foundational part of keeping your household running smoothly.

This Back-to-School Season, Don’t Just Prepare Their Backpack—Prepare Their Air

Creating a Healthy Home environment is one of the most powerful things parents can do for their children’s long-term success and well-being. So as you check off school supply lists and prepare for the year ahead, take a moment to breathe deep—and make sure the air your family depends on is clean, balanced, and truly healthy.

If you’re ready to commit to bettering your Indoor Air Quality all year round, check out the all-in-one AprilAire Healthy Air System®. Find a local Healthy Air Pro to customize your system today!