Improve Indoor Air Quality: HVAC Tips for a Healthier Home

While many of us worry about outdoor air pollution, it's easy to overlook the pollutants affecting our indoor air quality. This is especially alarming since the EPA estimates we spend about 90% of our time indoors. 

Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality, making a well-functioning HVAC system crucial. HVAC filters capture pollutants, preventing them from circulating through your home. Additionally, HVAC systems regulate temperature and humidity, reducing the chances of indoor pollutants and improving overall air quality.

What Affects Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air quality standards are affected by factors such as dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from products like paint, cleaning solutions, and furniture finishes. Poor ventilation, high humidity, and the presence of radon or carbon monoxide can also degrade air quality.

Why Is Indoor Air Quality Important?

Indoor air pollution can lead to headaches, eye and throat irritation, dizziness, and fatigue. In severe cases, it may contribute to respiratory issues, heart disease, and even cancer. Radon and carbon monoxide are particularly dangerous and can be fatal.

Aside from enhancing your overall health and comfort, research shows that healthy indoor air quality can improve productivity and concentration. 

How Is Indoor Air Quality Measured?

Indoor air quality is measured using various devices, each with its own system. Some devices use a scale from 1 to 100, while others extend up to 500. Common methods include VOC meters, indoor air quality monitors, and smart thermostats. 

Natural Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

In addition to using high-efficiency HVAC filters and managing indoor humidity, you can:

• Open windows and doors to ventilate when outdoor air quality and weather permit

• Regularly declutter, dust, clean, and vacuum

• Use less toxic cleaning supplies

• Avoid using pesticides in or around your home

• Refrain from smoking or vaping indoors

• Avoid burning candles and artificial flame products indoors

• Incorporate indoor plants to improve air quality in your home

How an HVAC Company Can Help Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Aside from maintaining comfort in your home, HVAC systems also help to improve air quality by maintaining a continuous and balanced flow of exterior air into indoor spaces. To maximize their effectiveness, invest in high quality filters, prioritize regular maintenance, and consider investing in devices that monitor air quality. 

While many companies recommend UV light for improving indoor air quality, we have found limitations with these products. After years of testing, we prefer using a hybrid IAQ system—a whole-home in-duct air purifier that combines ionizing technology with UVC light. Our customers have provided exceptional feedback on this system, and despite the larger investment, it remains our top recommendation for enhancing indoor air quality.

Overall, these measures, combined with professional expertise from Air Prime Solutions, can significantly enhance the air you breathe and contribute to a healthier home environment. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us today.