Spring is when we want to throw open the windows on clear, bright days and let the fragrances of fresh flowers and budding trees chase away the staleness of winter. And there’s a reason. Most people don’t realize spring indoor air quality, especially one sealed for energy efficiency, can become more polluted than the air outdoors. Captured carbons, cleaning chemicals, hidden mold, and inefficient appliances – not to mention springtime pollen that sneaks in – can lead to numerous health problems such as allergies, asthma, and recurring illnesses.

It all comes down to indoor air quality (IAQ). We’re here to pull back the curtain, revealing the truth of IAQ and how to keep your home healthy this season.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

The air quality within the home directly impacts the health and comfort of your family. Common pollutants like dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, VOCs from household chemicals, and carbon dioxide buildup can reduce your home’s air cleanliness. If you feel constantly low-energy, have respiratory issues, or indoor allergies, low IAQ is likely the cause.

Your HVAC is responsible for cycling and filtering the air in your home, which is why Capital City Comfort Solutions is an expert on indoor air quality. We can help you enjoy fresh air all year starting right now.

Ways to Improve Spring Indoor Air Quality

This season is the perfect time to improve the cleanliness of the air within the home, whether you throw open the windows or improve your HVAC system to enjoy fresh air without the fresh pollen released by the blossoming flowers and trees outside.

Here’s a quick and expert guide on IAQ improvements, from DIY to major home improvements.

1. Upgrade Your Air Filters

Your HVAC air filters are a key element to maintaining a positive IAQ. The filters are designed to trap airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, mold spores, and even VOCs and bacteria particles. But it’s also easy to forget because it’s out of sight. If you haven’t changed your air filter in over a month, now is the time.

Rotate your air filter every 1-3 months to ensure it efficiently filters the air that cycles through your home. Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or a MERV-rated filter that can capture smaller particles for cleaner air.

2. Install a Whole-Home Air Purifier

Air purification uses advanced methods like UV and electric current to both remove contaminants and neutralize pollutants in your home. Installing a whole-home air purifier integrates air purification into your HVAC system so that every gust of air that comes through your vents has been filtered and purified, providing cleaner and fresher air all year.

3. Maintain Proper Humidity Levels

Humidity makes a big difference to your IAQ in terms of comfort and safety. This time of the year often causes a sudden increase in local humidity with spring rains and cloudy days. High humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth, while low humidity can impact your health.

Use a whole-home humidifier/dehumidifier system to keep your home’s humidity between 30 and 50 percent for comfort without mold.

4. Improve Ventilation

Proper ventilation is a key element to ensuring fresh air in your home. You can open your windows on a pleasant day for natural airflow. You can also use a mechanical ventilation system, like energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), to exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while maintaining energy efficiency (and pollen filtration).

5. Schedule an HVAC Inspection & Duct Cleaning

Keep your HVAC running smoothly and your ducts clean. If the inside of your HVAC units, ducts, or vents get dusty, that dust (among other things) will continue to re-circulate throughout your home.

Regular maintenance ensures your system is operating efficiently and effectively. It’s also a good idea to have your ducts and vents cleaned once every 3-5 years to prevent buildup that could impact spring indoor air quality or have a duct leakage test performed to see how much dirty air is getting into the duct system and how much conditioned air is being lost from the duct system.

6. Consider a Smart Thermostat

Last but not least, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats don’t just control temperature. Many are designed to monitor IAQ, providing alerts and suggestions to help keep your home’s air fresh, clear, and in suitable humidity.

They also allow you to automate air circulation and humidity control, simultaneously optimizing comfort and air quality.

Breathe Easier This Spring

This season should provide you and your family with fresh air and good health. Investing in your home’s spring indoor air quality can help you enjoy clean air without pollen and better health all year. This is where good IAQ results in a more comfortable living environment all year. Small changes can make a big difference, from upgrading your HVAC system to improving ventilation.

Want to improve your home’s air quality? Capital City Comfort Solutions can help! Contact us today to learn more about air purification solutions, HVAC maintenance, and smart thermostat upgrades!