3 Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

February 13, 2023

Setting the temperature on your thermostat is a vital part of home comfort—but so is healthy air. That’s why home service experts take indoor air quality (IAQ) just as seriously as your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.

Indoor airborne pollutants can be up to five times as concentrated as the outside, according to a study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Fortunately, there are many simple ways to improve the air quality at home.

Midwest Air Pros is a network of certified HVAC specialists in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. Need assistance with your ductless system, heat pump or furnace? Find a pro near you today.

Here are three tips to improve your IAQ today!

  1. Ensure proper ventilation when you’re cooking.

Things can get messy in the kitchen—especially with improper ventilation. If the smell of the food you cook lingers long after a meal, this is a pretty good indicator that your kitchen is not properly ventilated.

The fumes produced each time you cook can reduce the air quality, leaving grease and bacteria on nearby surfaces. They can also create moisture buildup, creating a haven for mildew and mold.

If you have a ventilation hood in your kitchen, switch it on whenever you use the stovetop or oven. If you don’t have a ventilation system, you can use a small portable fan or crack open a window.

  1. Remember to change your HVAC filter.

Your HVAC filter does a great job improving IAQ, so long as it’s clean. Made from fiberglass, paper, or cloth, it catches dust, pollen, dander, and other irritants circulating through your ductwork. In addition to making the air healthier, the filter protects your HVAC equipment from becoming dirty or damaged.

Midwest Air Pros recommends changing or cleaning your filter according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Doing so keeps your air fresh and ensures your HVAC system is running at peak efficiency.

3. Incorporate indoor air quality products.

Midwest Air Pros is pleased to offer only the finest products from YORK® that can improve your home air quality. Here are a few solutions we have available:

  • Air Cleaners thoroughly remove harmful contaminants including viruses and bacteria from circulation in your home. The Affinity™ Series Hybrid Electronic Air Cleaners mount conveniently to your existing HVAC system for whole home protection. They use MERV 16 filtration, which is proven to catch 95 percent of virus-sized particles, 98 percent of dust, and 99 percent of allergens and mold.
  • Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers help to balance the humidity in your home. Ideal indoor humidity levels should rest between 30 and 50 percent. A home above 50 percent humidity will likely feel stuffy and uncomfortable. Additionally, it will become a haven for mildew and mold growth. If your home is below 30 percent humidity, you may experience adverse symptoms like a sore throat or dry skin. We’re pleased to offer YORK® humidifiers and dehumidifiers to provide you with year-round protection.
  • Ultraviolet (UV) Lights — Ever seen your dentist or doctor use ultraviolet (UV) lights to sanitize utensils? The same technology can be used to remove harmful bacteria and viruses from your HVAC equipment. UV lights are a cost-effective and simple to install option for improving your IAQ.
  • Energy Recovery Ventilators circulate filtered fresh air from the outside into your home. In addition to boosting IAQ, they lower your energy expenses and reduce the strain on your HVAC system, helping it to last longer.

Need quality home service in your area? Let us get you in touch.

Midwest Air Pros is pleased to offer a directory of only the most certified and reliable HVAC experts in the Midwest. Find a pro near you today.