It’s National Clean Air Month! So, today is the perfect opportunity to talk all about indoor air quality, or IAQ as we know it. Did you know the quality of air in your home is a big deal for comfort and health? It is said that indoor air is about five times more polluted than outdoor air, which makes sense when you stop to think about it. The air inside our homes gets recirculated over and over, so unless you are taking the right steps to boost your home’s IAQ, the air you’re breathing inside your home can really take a toll for the worse. Luckily, in this guide, your go-to Middletown Heating & Cooling experts will break down the common slip-ups that can seriously mess with your indoor air quality (IAQ). 

Don’t Skip Changing Your Air Filters!  

Okay, changing your air filters might not seem that exciting, but trust us, it’s super important for keeping your indoor air quality (IAQ) up to par (and maintaining your HVAC system). Air filters are basically the MVPs when it comes to blocking out stuff like dust, pollen, pet hair, and allergens. But when they get all clogged up, not only does your airflow take a hit, but all that trapped gunk can end up back in your living space and affect the air you breathe. 

Here’s what you can do:  

• Stick to the manufacturer’s advice – usually, filters need a swap every 1 to 2 months, give or take, depending on the type of filter, whether you have pets, allergies, or how often you’re running your system.  
• Make it a habit – try checking your filter every month. A easy hack to not forget your air filter changes is setting a calendar reminder so you won’t forget. By staying on top of your filter changes, you’ll keep the air flowing smoothly and breathe easier at home. 

Don’t Ignore Moisture at Home!  

Utilize a Whole-Home Dehumidifier: Too much of moisture inside your home can lead to mold and respiratory problems. Typical signs of high humidity levels in your home are water stains on your ceilings or walls or consistent condensation on your windows. If your place often feels more like a jungle than a home, it might be time to get a whole-home dehumidifier. Remember, too much moisture isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s not great for your health too. Not sure where to start? Just give us a shout, and we’ll help you figure it out!  

Don’t Let Odors Take Over Your Home!

Odors inside your home are a natural part of everyday life. From cooking to pets to everyday household chores, odors are going to happen. There’s no need to be embarrassed about it. However, it’s still wise to be conscious that accumulated odors will stuff up your home and affect your overall indoor air quality. Here’s how you can fight back against these smells and the pollutants behind them: 

Get a Whole-Home Air Purifier: Whole-home air purifiers are made to team up with your HVAC system to snatch and kick out pollutants and other airborne contaminants from your home. Take the iWave-R for example. It uses positive and negative ions to tackle allergens and bacteria effectively. The best part? The iWave-R cleans itself, so there’s nothing you need to do after it’s set up. Super simple! 

Install UV Lights: You can also install UV lights to work alongside your HVAC system. They can be either installed inside your air ducts or directly in your air handler to zap and fry airborne germs and pollutants as air flows past, making sure cleaner air spreads around your house. The plus side is they are also pretty low on the maintenance scale since their bulbs only need a swap every 2-3 years, something your HVAC tech can handle during your annual check-ups. 

Your home is your sanctuary, where you should feel safe and comfy. Making sure the air you breathe is as clean as possible is key to creating this vibe. Paying attention to the details and taking proactive steps can really boost your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ). Just remember, it’s the little things you do regularly that make a big difference over time. 

Let us direct you as you embark on your air quality journey! Call Middletown Heating & Cooling today at (513) 268-3789, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!