Indoor Air Quality Cleaning Checklist

It’s easy to overlook the finer details of HVAC systems. However, caring for your HVAC system’s health—and, more specifically, your home’s or business’s indoor air quality (IAQ)—offers significant benefits. From extending the lifespan of your HVAC system to improving the quality of life for your home or business’s occupants, taking steps to improve your indoor air quality has numerous advantages.

Aire Serv® proudly offers comprehensive residential and commercial indoor air quality services. If you’ve noticed new respiratory issues, musty smells, stale air, or more dust —or simply want to prevent these irritating effects of poor indoor air quality from occurring—contact your local Aire Serv today to schedule indoor air quality testing.

Four large outdoor HVAC units on individual concrete pads.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

The American Lung Association reports indoor air quality can be 2-5 times more polluted than outside air and even up to 100 times more polluted in some instances. What’s more, many Americans spend upwards of 90% of their time indoors, meaning they’re exposed to low-quality air for the vast majority of their days.

Poor indoor air quality can be caused by numerous factors, ranging from construction materials—like chemicals in paint—to combustive pollutants that are a by-product of gas stoves, water heaters, and oil furnaces. Beyond that, moisture and mold in your home, dust mites, pet dander, pests, and other organic materials can lead to worsened air quality. So can chemicals in cleaning supplies and other household items.

Regardless of the source, these pollutants can get trapped in your home, leading to a range of health concerns. These can include:

  • Allergies and respiratory problems
  • Eye, nose, and throat irritation
  • Worsened asthma
  • Headaches and fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Some cancers and other chronic conditions

Fortunately, there are ways to resolve indoor air quality problems and restore your home or business’s IAQ, like duct cleaning, using dehumidifiers or humidifiers, fresh air ventilation, and air purification systems. If you’re concerned about indoor air quality, Aire Serv is here to help.

Why Choose Aire Serv for Indoor Air Quality Services?

Aire Serv is proud to be a leading provider of HVAC and indoor air quality services for homes and businesses. From air quality testing to the installation of whole-space air quality solutions like dehumidifiers and air purifiers, your local Aire Serv can do it all. Plus, we back our work with the Neighborly Done Right Promise to ensure your satisfaction.

Detailed Benefits for Cleaner Indoor Air

The expert service professionals at your local Aire Serv know the importance of high-quality indoor air. We offer comprehensive indoor air quality testing, remediation, and maintenance services. Our process includes:

  1. Indoor air quality testing: Your Aire Serv service professional will test your indoor air for biological, chemical, and combustive contaminants.
  2. HVAC system cleaning: After testing, our team will thoroughly clean your HVAC system, including the interior and exterior components. We’ll also test humidity levels and clean your air ducts to reduce the amount of contaminants circulating into your home or business.
  3. Indoor air quality improvement recommendations: We can install a number of advanced systems to improve your indoor air quality, ranging from high-performance HEPA filters to air purifiers and UV lamps. We may also recommend dehumidifiers, humidifiers or a fresh air ventilation system to help with moisture control and improving ventilation—critical areas that impact indoor air quality.
  4. Testing: We’ll retest your air after cleaning and installing purification methods to ensure the system is performing perfectly and your indoor air meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) indoor air quality standards.
  5. Maintenance: Like any critical HVAC component, your indoor air quality system should be regularly maintained for optimal performance. During your maintenance appointment, which we recommend at least annually, we’ll inspect your system, make necessary repairs, and perform a tune-up, as needed.

Tips & Advice for Maintaining Optimal Indoor Air Quality

If you’re looking for ways to maintain indoor air quality between service visits, check out these helpful guides:

Experience the difference of professional indoor air quality services. Request an appointment online or call to get started today.

The Air Serv Indoor Air Quality Checklist

There are many factors that can affect your home or business’s overall indoor air quality. Use this checklist to assess and improve your indoor air quality between service visits.

ASV OUW IAQ Diagnostic Checklist

All Aire Serv franchises are locally owned and operated and may offer fewer or more services than those listed here. To learn more about the indoor air quality services offered in your area, contact the Aire Serv nearest you for details or a customized on-site assessment.

Indoor Air Quality FAQs

As an industry leader and a brand that is trusted by homeowners and businesses nationwide for our knowledge and experience, we’re happy to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about indoor air quality.

Indoor air pollutants are everywhere. In fact, many of the household products you use (think cleaners and aerosol sprays) may contribute to the degradation of the air quality in your home. Below, we’ve listed some of the top sources of indoor air pollution and steps you can take to prevent contaminating your home's air.

  • Test for radon: Has your home ever been tested for radon? Radon is a naturally occurring gas that has been proven to cause cancer in some individuals.
  • Inspect for asbestos: Was your home built or remodeled with materials made from asbestos? Asbestos is a mineral fiber known for its strength and heat resistance properties. Because of this, it was used widely in things like fire retardants and building materials. Unfortunately, like radon, asbestos has been linked to health problems, including lung disease.
  • Choose low-VOC or no-VOC products: Volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs, are a group of organic compounds added to household products for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, we now know that many of these compounds, like formaldehyde, contribute to adverse health conditions. VOCs can be found in a wide variety of household goods, including detergents, aerosol sprays, paint and paint strippers, dry-cleaned clothing, and more. Whenever possible, choose products labeled as low or no VOC.
  • Avoid pesticides: Nearly anything you spray outside your home can make its way inside. Therefore, it's best to avoid using pesticides if possible. If you must use pesticides in your yard or garden, be sure to follow the instructions and keep your home’s doors and windows closed while applying the product.
  • Don’t smoke indoors: It should come as no surprise that smoke of any kind may contribute to adverse health conditions. Furthermore, the nicotine, tar, and odors associated with smoke may permanently stain your walls, ceilings and furnishings. Make sure your chimney flue works properly, and never smoke indoors.

There are a few ways you can improve indoor air quality in your home:

  • uncheckedMonitor your HVAC returns and supply vents for dust.
  • uncheckedClean ceiling fan blades.
  • uncheckedKeep your dryer vent clean and dust-free.
  • uncheckedClean doorways and windows.
  • uncheckedMonitor for leaky air ducts.
  • uncheckedWash bedding and other linens regularly.
  • uncheckedKeep your home clean. Dust, dirt, pet hair, and dander are all detrimental to indoor air quality.
  • uncheckedKeep humidity levels consistent. Aim for a humidity level of 45% year-round.
  • uncheckedWork with an HVAC professional to make sure your home is well-ventilated.
  • uncheckedKeep mold and mildew at bay. If you notice mold growth in any part of your home, contact a professional remediation provider immediately.
  • uncheckedHave your air ducts cleaned regularly.
  • uncheckedChange or clean your HVAC filter at least every three months.
  • uncheckedInstall a whole-house or portable air purifier in your home.

Ventilating your home by opening doors and windows, investing in high-quality air filters and air purifiers, and having UV lamps or other advanced air purification technologies installed are a few ways to clean indoor air. However, prevention is often the best maintenance, so avoid smoking in your home, keep your carpets and upholstery clean, and try to minimize indoor combustion (like fireplaces, boilers, or gas stove usage).

In addition, using a dehumidifier, humidifier, or fresh air ventilation system helps combat two major contributors to poor indoor air quality—lack of moisture control and inadequate ventilation.

Some signs of poor indoor air quality include:

  • Increased allergies or respiratory irritation
  • Skin irritation
  • Stuffy atmosphere
  • Excessive dust
  • Mold or mildew growth
  • Lingering odors

Yes! Air purifiers neutralize pollutants, allergens, and contaminants, leading to improved air quality.

help icon
Call for 24/7 emergency service or schedule an appointment online.