While heating and cooling systems provide much-needed comfort, they’re not always the best at bringing fresh air into your home. Different air pollutants and allergens are more harmful than others, so it’s essential to recognize the differences between healthy and unhealthy air in your home. Here are some of the most frequent questions about your indoor air quality, including how a professional HVAC contractor can help.

FAQ About Air Quality

What factors contribute to my home’s air quality?

Air quality refers to the measurement of how clean the air is in your immediate area. Factors for determining your air quality include the amount of ventilation your home receives and the prevalence of indoor allergens like dander, dust, and signs of deterioration like mold and lead. Humidity, high temperatures, and unfiltered outdoor pollutants, like pesticides and radon, also affect how well you breathe inside your home.

How does the coronavirus (COVID-19) affect it?

The rise of COVID-19 has affected our air quality more than ever. While the virus mainly spreads through close contact with infected individuals and contaminated items, there’s evidence that it can also remain airborne for long periods of time. Having clean ventilation and purification systems installed in your home considerably cuts down the potential for airborne transmission for you, your family, and houseguests.

How can I test it at home?

You can identify poor air quality by relying on your senses and common appliances you may already have. The easiest deterrent to find is mold, which can be identified by musty odors and the appearance of growing black spots in damp areas of your home. Strategically placed air quality monitors and carbon monoxide detectors, meanwhile, measure factors like allergen levels, humidity, and hazardous gases. If you suspect your health is at risk, you could also hire a qualified specialist to identify problem areas and give informed recommendations.

What products can improve it?

There are many air purifiers on the market that can help improve your home’s air quality. Look for one that comes with a multi-stage filtration system and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter that removes at least 99% of airborne allergens. Other items, like a home-based air scrubber, are designed to fit into your existing air conditioning system and provide constant purification by using UV-based germicidal lights to kill active pollutants. Ask your HVAC contractor to get their insight on other products and brands they trust.

Breathe new life—and air—into your home with some help from Inner City Trades, Inc. Serving clients throughout South Central Kentucky since 1999, the family-owned business specializes in top-quality AC and heating installations, repairs, and maintenance. They also have the Air Scrubber Plus® available to purify your residence easily and effectively. Schedule an appointment with one of their HVAC contractors by visiting their website or calling (606) 678-9663.