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The systems you use to heat or cool the air in your home could also pollute it. A few precautions can reduce harmful emissions.

Heaters, furnaces and air conditioners are great for keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. But they also need regular attention from you.

If you don't take care of your heating and cooling sources, they could pollute your air.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these pollution-fighting tips:

Air conditioner. Clean your water tray often. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for changing the air filter.

Furnace. Have a professional check your heating system each year. Change the filter regularly. Fix any problems with the heating system right away.

Fireplace. Always open the flue. Have the chimney cleaned and checked each year.

Gas space heater. Ventilate the room you're heating. Open doors to other rooms in the house, turn on an exhaust fan and crack a window.

Kerosene heater. Make sure the heater has an outdoor vent, or ventilate the room by opening doors to other rooms and leaving windows cracked. Refill the heater outdoors. Use manufacturer-approved fuel.

Wood stove. Give the stove an outside vent. Make sure your stove meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emission standards. Don't burn damp wood.

Reviewed 5/1/2025