Indoor Air Quality FAQs

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of the air inside your home and whether it is helping to keep you and your family healthy and comfortable. Understanding and managing your home’s air quality is essential, as we spend a significant portion of our time indoors. Poor indoor air quality has been directly linked to various health concerns, making it a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy living environment.

The most common causes of poor IAQ are dust, dirt, pollen, mold, tobacco products, and pet dander, but pollutants can come from anywhere. Household cleaners, carpeting, poorly maintained HVAC systems, some appliances, and even cooking can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Pollutants are generally grouped into three main categories: particulates (i.e., dust, dirt, pet dander), biological contaminants (i.e., bacteria, mold, pollen), and chemicals or VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

Signs of poor indoor air quality may include changes in your home environment, as well as your health. 

• Higher humidity levels
• Increased dust buildup
• Unusual odors
• Persistent allergy symptoms
• Respiratory problems
• Headaches

Poor air quality can affect your health in two ways: through immediate effects that occur shortly after exposure and long-term effects that build up over time and may not show until years later. Poor IAQ has been linked to negative health effects, including headaches, persistent allergies, respiratory issues, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. 

There may also be serious long-term effects from prolonged exposure to VOCs that result from improperly stored or maintained household chemicals and appliances. These effects can vary in severity and may include asthma, respiratory disease, heart disease, and cancer.

You can schedule a professional IAQ assessment with an A/C Masters HVAC technician to identify and evaluate contaminants in your home and determine if pollutant levels are safe. Our certified technicians are trained to diagnose any indoor air quality issues, as well as provide the best solutions for your particular needs. 

You should test your indoor air quality annually, or more often if you have health concerns, because indoor air contaminants can change quickly. For example, a malfunctioning HVAC system or clogged air filter can reduce airflow, causing a buildup of dust, allergens, and other pollutants. Additionally, improper humidity levels caused by your HVAC system can contribute to mold and bacteria growth, affecting both your health and comfort. Regular testing ensures your system is functioning optimally and your indoor air remains clean and safe.

A well-maintained HVAC system can help improve your indoor air quality. By keeping your air ducts clean and regularly changing your air filter, you can help trap more airborne pollutants. However, if your HVAC is not properly maintained or not the right size for your home, or if you close your vents, your indoor air quality may be negatively affected.

There are a number of ways to improve and maintain your indoor air quality. First and foremost, we recommend scheduling regular HVAC maintenance, since your HVAC is your primary source for ventilation, moisture and humidity control, and capturing airborne particles. Other natural ways to boost your IAQ include adding indoor plants and salt lamps and vacuuming regularly. 

A/C Masters also offers a variety of additional indoor air quality solutions to help improve your IAQ. Whether it’s installing a new zoning system to help keep your air fresh or a Patriot UV or Carbon Filtration system to help eliminate pollutants before they circulate throughout your home, we’ve got you covered.