How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

According to a study by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on average, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. So, it’s vital that we all work to improve the quality of the indoor air we breathe. At Aire Serv®, we’re dedicated to helping home and business owners achieve healthy, clean indoor air.

Wondering how you can improve the indoor air quality at your home or business? Read on to learn about the professional services from your local Aire Serv that can help you take control of the air you breathe and improve your indoor air quality (IAQ).

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Our Professional Indoor Air Quality Services

Indoor air quality improvement and remediation begins with IAQ testing. Depending on the results of the air quality tests for your home, office, or commercial building—your local Aire Serv technician will provide recommendations for indoor air quality services designed to clean and purify the air you breathe.

Recommended indoor air quality services may include:

  • Air Filter Replacement

Changing air filters regularly—at least once every two to three months for typical filters—improves air quality inside your home, cuts down on energy use, and prevents damage while prolonging the life of your heating and cooling system by reducing resistance.

Higher efficiency filters (HEPA, polarized-media air cleaners and media filters) can even reduce irritants such as mold spores, pollen, and bacteria—but they may not be compatible with your current HVAC system.

Be sure to check with an Aire Serv professional or in your owner’s manual before installing specialty filters. Installing an incompatible filter may cause damage to the HVAC system. Get the most out of your air filter with these tips.

  • Air Duct Cleaning

Your home may look pristine throughout; but your heater or air conditioner could be distributing mold, bacteria, and dust hidden within your air ducts into your indoor air. The professional technicians at Aire Serv can inspect your ductwork and clean and repair it as necessary to prevent the contamination of your home. Learn more about Aire Serv’s professional air duct cleaning service.

  • Whole-House Air Purifiers & Electronic Air Cleaner Installation

Air cleaners improve air quality by removing harmful pollutants such as smoke, mold, viruses, pet dander and allergens. Whole-house air purifiers are more effective than portable varieties and can be added to your heating or cooling system to trap and filter pollutants. They often include features such as HEPA technology for improved filtration of the smallest particles; carbon filtration for gaseous pollutants; and UV light for disinfection.

  • UVC & UVV

UVC and UVV are ultraviolet lights that kill and sanitize indoor air contaminants and pollution. Your local Aire Serv technician may recommend that UVC and or UVV germicidal lights are installed in an HVAC system to further clean the air being circulated in a space.

  • 4"-5" Media Filtration Installation

A media filter is an HVAC filter installed between the main HVAC return duct and the blower. These filters are pleated, dense, and much more efficient than standard filters at filtering the air being circulated throughout a space.

  • Humidity Control
    • Dehumidifiers

High temperature and humidity can increase the levels of indoor pollutants. Controlling mold with a whole-house dehumidifier can help reduce allergy-causing mold and mildew. Used in conjunction with your central heating and air, whole-house dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air in your home, improving indoor air quality. Learn more about dehumidifiers on our blog.

  • Humidifiers

Air that is too dry may be dangerous to your health and can cause damage to building materials and furniture. If you’re suffering from health problems related to low humidity levels or if you notice shifts in doorframes, cracks in floor, or the separation of furniture joints. It’s time to consider installing a humidifier.

  • Mechanical Ventilation

Bringing fresh air into a home or business can help to freshen the air and remove indoor contaminants. Mechanical ventilation via window fans, attic fans, energy-efficient heat recovery, and whole-house ventilators not only boosts indoor air quality, they keep your home more comfortable.

How Can You Improve Indoor Air Quality on Your Own?

In additional to the HVAC solutions listed above, additional steps you can take to improve the indoor air quality of your home or business include:

  • Using portable HEPA filters
  • Vacuuming and cleaning – Daily vacuuming and dusting can control larger particles. However, the smallest particles—the cause of the most irritation—can only be removed with filtering devices.
  • Choosing low-VOC paints, varnishes and finishes
  • Avoiding chemical-laden cleaning products, insecticides, incense and artificial candles. Consider switching your gas stove to an electric or induction cooktop model.

Trees Clean Air, So Do We.

There’s nothing more important than the health and safety of your family, friends, and colleagues. Do everything you can to reduce their exposure to dangerous indoor air pollution with IAQ services from Aire Serv. Our local technicians will work with you to find the solution, or combination of solutions, that are right for you space.

Schedule an appointment online or call us to get started today.

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 Services FAQs

We’ve seen a lot during our 30-plus years in the HVAC business, so we’re happy to share our knowledge and experience to answer questions you have about HVAC service. Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about indoor air quality (IAQ) services.

Many things can impact the quality of the air you breathe indoors. Common culprits include dust, pollen, and pet dander, which can all build up without regular cleaning. Everyday products, such as paint, cleaners, and even certain furniture, can emit gases called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). High humidity can lead to mold and mildew, and dirty air ducts can recirculate pollutants throughout your home or business.

If you’re experiencing symptoms like sneezing, coughing, headaches, fatigue, or other health issues, consider professional indoor air quality services—starting with IAQ testing from a reputable HVAC company. Once your test results are examined, your HVAC service professional can recommend steps to reduce indoor pollutants and boost the air quality in your space.

We recommend replacing typical filters every three months on average. If you’re using a high-performance filter, such as a HEPA or polarized-media air cleaner, it may capture even more particles and may need to be replaced sooner, but always make sure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. Some filters can cause issues if they aren’t designed to work with your unit. A knowledgeable HVAC expert can guide you on how to improve indoor air quality at home or at your business and will help you choose and install the right filter. Get the most out of your air filter with these tips.

Wondering how you can improve indoor air quality for your entire home at once? Whole-house air purifiers are connected directly to your HVAC system and purify the air throughout your home. Unlike portable purifiers, whole-house systems typically use advanced features like HEPA filtration, carbon filters, oxidation systems, and UV lights to remove pollutants like pet dander, smoke, bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and VOCs from the air in every room. These efficient, low-maintenance home indoor air quality solutions work seamlessly with your heating and cooling system. With a whole-house purifier, you’ll get a consistent level of clean air, which portable units simply can’t match.

Interested in whole-space air purifiers for your business? Learn more about indoor air quality services for commercial facilities.

UV light is a powerful tool for improving air quality. Installed in your HVAC system, UV lamps (specifically UVC and UVV types) can neutralize bacteria, mold, and viruses, preventing these airborne pathogens from circulating throughout your home or business. Installed in the evaporator coil or ductwork, this additional layer of protection is particularly effective for reducing allergy and asthma flare-ups as well as disease prevention, as they disinfect the air while the HVAC system is running.

HVAC professionals like those at your local Aire Serv can recommend the best UV solutions for your needs and install them properly to ensure you’re breathing healthier air every day.

Definitely! High humidity creates the perfect environment for mold and dust mites to thrive, while very low humidity can cause dry skin, irritated respiratory passages, and damage to furniture and wood floors. Humidity control solutions such as whole-space humidifiers and dehumidifiers help balance the moisture levels in the air, creating a healthier, balanced, and more comfortable environment. Ideal humidity levels fall between 30% - 50%, as this range discourages mold growth and makes it easier to breathe.

Dust, allergens, germs, and mold often accumulate in ductwork, and the HVAC system then distributes them in every room. Professional air duct cleaning services help remove this buildup, resulting in cleaner, healthier air and a more efficient HVAC system.

Many of our customers want to know how to improve indoor air quality naturally. Regularly vacuuming, dusting, and keeping surfaces clean will help reduce the number of allergens and particles in the air. Adding plants to your space, like snake plants or aloe vera, can also help filter certain pollutants. Avoiding harsh chemicals like those in detergents and home fragrances, choosing low-VOC paints, and using unscented, eco-friendly cleaning products can all minimize indoor pollutants. Plus, using indoor air quality products like portable HEPA filters and opening windows when the weather allows can further freshen your indoor environment. Learn more about natural ways to improve your indoor air quality.

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