In addition to maintaining a comfortable environment, your home’s HVAC system impacts the air you breathe. If you’re experiencing HVAC air quality issues, you’re not alone. Poor indoor air quality can lead to allergy symptoms, respiratory problems, and an overall uncomfortable home. Fortunately, products and simple steps are available that can help you achieve cleaner indoor air and a healthier living environment.
Common Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Your HVAC system continuously circulates air, making it the first line of defense against airborne pollutants. If your home has air quality issues, one or more of these common culprits may be to blame:
- Clogged or inefficient filters – Low-quality or dirty HVAC filters allow dust, pollen, and pet dander to recirculate.
- High or low humidity levels – Excess moisture promotes mold growth, while dry air can irritate skin and respiratory systems.
- Everyday household activities – Cooking, cleaning, and bringing in outdoor dust and pollen can contribute to poor air quality.
- Lack of ventilation – Without proper airflow, stale air and pollutants become trapped indoors.
The good news? You can address these issues with the right HVAC upgrades and a few simple household habits.
Steps to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Upgrade to High-Efficiency HVAC Filters
Standard fiberglass HVAC filters typically feature minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) ratings between 1 and 4. They often only capture large debris and dust, allowing smaller contaminants like pollen, bacteria, and smoke to circulate.
- High-efficiency pleated filters, with typical MERV ratings between 11 and 13, more effectively capture common allergens such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander.
- High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters provide even finer filtration with equivalent MERV ratings of 17 to 20. HEPA filters trap up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns and are ideal for households with allergy sufferers.
Regularly replacing your filter is just as important as selecting the right one. A clean filter ensures your HVAC system effectively removes airborne pollutants. Most filters need changing every one to three months to prevent clogging, which can reduce airflow, decrease efficiency, and allow harmful particles to circulate in your home.
Install a Whole-Home Air Purifier
Air purification devices are another effective solution to reduce allergens, dust, and airborne contaminants for cleaner indoor air.
- Electronic air cleaners use electrostatic attraction to trap dust, smoke, and pollen, capturing fine particulates that filters might miss.
- Activated carbon filters pair well with other filters for comprehensive air cleaning. They are especially beneficial for high-use kitchens or areas with strong smells and are excellent at absorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Control Humidity with a Humidifier or Dehumidifier
Humidity levels play a critical role in HVAC air quality issues. Look out for low-humidity warning signs, such as frequent window condensation, static electricity, respiratory irritation, or dry and itchy skin. High humidity indicators include musty odors, visible mold, and excessive dust mites.
Room-specific or whole-home humidifiers can add moisture to the air during dry seasons, preventing dryness-related issues and improving comfort. Conversely, dehumidifiers help reduce excess moisture and humidity in the air, discouraging mold growth and improving overall air quality.
Indoor humidity levels between 30-50% create the most optimal breathing environments and protect your HVAC system from moisture-related damage.
Use UVGI Cleaners for Germ Protection
UV germicidal irradiation (UVGI) cleaners use ultraviolet light to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and mold spores from the air. A technician can install a UVGI cleaner within your HVAC system to prevent microbial growth on coils and ducts. Reducing airborne contaminants is especially beneficial for households with people living with asthma and families concerned about airborne pathogens.
Easy DIY Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality
While installing high-quality HVAC products makes a significant difference, homeowners can also take practical DIY steps to enhance indoor air quality daily. Regular cleaning and healthy choices are minor chores that significantly impact indoor air quality.
- Vacuum carpets and furniture with a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner to remove allergens and dust mites that accumulate over time.
- Keep surfaces clean and reduce clutter to minimize dust buildup and improve air circulation.
- Use natural cleaning products instead of harsh chemicals to prevent VOC buildup.
- Indoor plants are natural air purifiers that absorb toxins and release oxygen. Species like snake plants, peace lilies, and spider plants help filter pollutants while adding aesthetic appeal.
- Avoid common indoor air contaminants like tobacco smoke, scented candles, and artificial air fresheners that contribute to poor air quality. Opting for fragrance-free and naturally scented products reduces airborne irritants in your home.
How Preventative Maintenance Helps Indoor Air Quality
Even with the best air purification strategies, proper HVAC maintenance is essential to keep your system functioning efficiently with clean indoor air. Routine maintenance ensures optimal system performance, preventing HVAC air quality issues from developing over time.
A professional HVAC tune-up includes inspecting and replacing filters to maintain airflow and filtration efficiency, checking ventilation systems, and assessing humidity control components to optimize moisture levels for comfort and health. Scheduling regular professional maintenance enhances indoor air quality and extends HVAC equipment’s service life, reducing the risk of harmful air quality, costly repairs, and operation inefficiencies.
Breathe Easier with Precision Comfort Systems
If you’re struggling with HVAC air quality issues, Precision Comfort Systems is here to help. Our highly trained and experienced technicians specialize in indoor air quality services, offering expert solutions tailored to your home’s specific needs. From upgrading filters and installing air purifiers to professional HVAC maintenance and comprehensive indoor air quality assessments, we ensure you and your family breathe cleaner, healthier air.
Don’t let poor air quality compromise your comfort and well-being. Call (317) 867-2665 or contact our team online today to schedule professional HVAC maintenance or an indoor air quality assessment for the first step toward cleaner air in your home.