A new year is the perfect time to refresh your home—and that includes the air you breathe every day. Indoor air quality (IAQ) impacts your comfort, energy levels, and overall health, especially if anyone in your household struggles with allergies, asthma, or frequent congestion. The good news is that improving IAQ doesn’t have to be complicated.
With a few simple changes and the right support from HVAC professionals, you can reduce airborne pollutants and enjoy cleaner, healthier air all year long. Here are seven indoor air quality resolutions to start the year off right.
Schedule a Professional Air Quality Assessment
If you’re serious about cleaner air, start with expert insight. A professional HVAC technician can evaluate your system, inspect ductwork, check ventilation, and identify potential sources of pollutants like mold, dust buildup, or humidity problems. An IAQ assessment helps you understand what’s affecting your home and what solutions will make the biggest impact.
Upgrade Your HVAC Air Filter
Your HVAC filter is your home’s first line of defense against dust, pollen, pet dander, and other particles. If you’re using a basic filter, consider upgrading to a higher-efficiency option (such as a MERV-rated filter recommended for your system). Just remember: higher filtration only works when filters are changed regularly, so set a reminder to replace yours every 30–90 days, depending on your home and lifestyle.
Invest in an Air Purifier
Air purifiers help capture smaller particles that can slip past standard filters and continue circulating in your living space. For the best results, look for systems with UV light systems that can irradiate biological contaminants like mold, mildew, viruses, and bacteria.
Control Humidity Levels
Humidity plays a major role in air quality. Too much moisture encourages mold growth, dust mites, and musty odors. Too little humidity can dry out your skin, eyes, and throat. Aim for indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. If your home feels damp in winter or summer, a whole-home dehumidifier can help. If it feels overly dry, a humidifier may be the better solution.
Clean Your Vents and Keep Airflow Unblocked
Blocked or dirty vents can reduce airflow and recirculate dust throughout your home. Make it a resolution to vacuum vent covers and keep supply and return vents free of furniture, rugs, or curtains. Good airflow helps your HVAC system run efficiently and prevents stale, dusty air from lingering indoors.
Reduce VOCs From Household Products
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases released from everyday items like paint, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, adhesives, and even some furniture. VOCs can contribute to headaches, irritation, and poor indoor air quality. Choose low-VOC or fragrance-free products when possible, and keep your home well ventilated when using strong chemicals.
Consider Duct Cleaning or Sealing if Needed
Leaky or dirty ducts can spread dust, allergens, and contaminants into every room. If you notice excessive dust, inconsistent airflow, or musty smells, ask an HVAC professional if duct cleaning or sealing could help. Sealed ducts also improve efficiency by ensuring conditioned air reaches your living spaces without being lost in attics or crawl spaces.
Call Touchstone Heating and Air 24/7 for exceptional customer service! Serving the communities of North Central Florida since 1998.