Key takeaways
- Control the source first: cleaning, humidity and venting come before gadgets.
- Your system filter protects the equipment and catches part of the dust. Pick one your system is designed to handle.
- Ventilation brings in fresh air, and tight houses often need more of it.
- Avoid ozone-producing air cleaners.
- Anything involving combustion, gas appliances or carbon monoxide is a job for a pro.
Where household dust and allergens come from
Indoor air carries a mix of dust, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, skin flakes and fine particles from cooking. Some of it comes in from outside on shoes and through open windows. Some comes from inside, including bedding, carpet, pets and cooking. Moisture is a factor too, because dust mites and mold thrive when humidity runs high.
In the Ohio Valley, spring and fall bring heavy pollen and mold outdoors, and many homes also have damp basements, which adds to mold risk. Older homes can have leaky ducts that pull dusty air from basements, crawl spaces and attics into the system and spread it through the house.
The first steps cost little. Vacuum often, wash bedding, keep pets out of bedrooms if allergies are a problem, keep humidity in a healthy range, and fix leaks quickly.
Ventilation and fresh air
Dilution helps. Bringing in outdoor air carries off pollutants from cooking, cleaning products and normal living. Older leaky houses get a lot of accidental ventilation, though it also brings in cold, dry air and dust. Newer and recently air-sealed homes are tighter, so they may need planned ventilation.
You can help by running the kitchen range hood while cooking, ideally one that vents outdoors, and running bath fans during and after showers. Make sure the dryer vents outdoors, not into the basement.
A contractor can add mechanical ventilation, such as an energy recovery ventilator or a fresh-air connection to the system, if the house is tight enough to need it. Sealing and repairing leaky ducts also keeps attic and basement air out of your supply. See ductwork.
Filters and filtration options
The filter in your furnace or air handler is the main filtration you have. Rated by MERV, a higher number catches smaller particles. But a dense filter slows airflow, and a system not designed for it can lose comfort, freeze up a coil or strain the blower. Ask a contractor which filter your system handles well.
A thicker media filter in a dedicated cabinet gives more filter area with less resistance, so it can catch more without choking the system. Whatever type you use, change it on schedule and check it more often during pollen season or if you have pets.
Portable HEPA units can work well in one room, such as a bedroom, and they do not depend on the HVAC system. Choose a unit sized for the room.
A filter only works on air that passes through it. Gaps around the filter and leaky return ducts let air bypass it, so a good fit matters.
Air cleaners and UV lights
Electronic air cleaners and some whole-home purifiers can capture or neutralize particles. Some produce ozone as a byproduct, and ozone irritates the lungs, so avoid any device that intentionally creates it. Look for independent testing and ask a contractor what a given unit does and does not do.
UV lights installed in the air handler are usually used to keep the indoor coil and drain pan cleaner. They act on what passes directly in front of them, so they are not a substitute for a good filter and they do not remove dust or pollen. Results vary by product, so ask for specifics before buying.
A useful rule: if a product promises to fix everything, be skeptical. Humidity control, filtration and ventilation do most of the work. See indoor air quality for options we can install.
Combustion safety and when to call a pro
Carbon monoxide is the one air quality hazard you cannot see or smell. Gas furnaces, boilers, water heaters and fireplaces can all produce it if they are poorly vented or damaged. Install carbon monoxide alarms on each level and near sleeping areas, and test them. If an alarm sounds, get everyone outside and call emergency services.
Have gas heating equipment inspected every year, and call a professional for cracked heat exchangers, blocked flues, soot near appliances or a pilot that keeps going out. Persistent musty smells, visible mold, or dust that returns right after cleaning can point to a duct or moisture problem worth having looked at. Contact us if you want a technician to take a look.
Frequently asked questions
What is the single best thing I can do for indoor air quality?
Control sources and keep a properly sized, regularly changed filter in your system. Add ventilation and humidity control as needed, before you buy additional equipment.
Are UV lights worth it?
They can help keep the indoor coil cleaner, but they do not replace filtration and do not remove dust or pollen. Ask a contractor whether your specific situation would benefit.
Should I use an ozone air purifier?
No. Ozone irritates the lungs, and there are safer ways to improve air quality. If you want a purifier, choose one that does not intentionally produce ozone.
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