Does your home feel stuffy or have lingering odors? Upgrading your HVAC system can greatly improve indoor air quality. Read on to learn how partnering with qualified heating and air contractors on upgrades enhances your home's air.

Consider an Air Purifier

Many modern HVAC systems can accommodate in-duct air purifiers. These use filtration to trap airborne particles like dust, dander, mold spores, bacteria, and smoke that traditional filters miss. This cleans the air being circulated throughout your home. Air purifiers also absorb odors rather than just masking them. Ask your heating and air contractor about integrating a whole-home purification system.

Upgrade Your Filtration

Better filtration equals cleaner indoor air. If your current HVAC filter is only capturing larger particles, upgrade to a MERV 11 or 13 pleated filter. Higher MERV ratings filter out more allergens, smoke particles, bacteria, and lung-irritating contaminants. Your heating and air contractors can advise on the ideal filtration level to balance air quality and system performance. Just remember to change filters on a routine schedule.

Add Ventilation Improvements

Proper ventilation replaces stale indoor air with fresh air from outside. Without it, pollutants accumulate. Have your heating and air contractors evaluate your home's ventilation needs. If your system falls short, a fresh air intake duct, ERV, or HRV system, or duct boost fan can improve ventilation. This exchanges old air for new outdoor air while maintaining energy efficiency.

Consider Humidity Control

Excess moisture in the air breeds mold, bacteria, and dust mites which harm indoor air quality and health. But overly dry air isn't ideal either. The right HVAC system balances humidity levels. Options like whole-home dehumidifiers, variable-speed systems, and humidity-sensing thermostats all provide humidity control. Heating and air contractors determine the best solution for your local climate and home size.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Routine HVAC maintenance also safeguards indoor air quality and prevents bigger problems down the road. Replace filters as recommended, clean ducts, check refrigerant levels, inspect the equipment, and address any small issues before they become major. Well-maintained HVAC systems run more efficiently and keep your air cleaner. According to Today's Homeowner, you should get your heating or HVAC system serviced or maintained once a year.

Great indoor air quality relies on an HVAC system designed and updated for your needs. Partnering with qualified heating and air contractors ensures solutions tailored to your home that filter, ventilate, and control humidity optimally. Breathe easier knowing the air inside your home is clean and healthy for your family. If you're ready to improve your indoor air quality, call our team at Air Connections Inc to get started.