How to Get Better Indoor Air Quality in Your Home this Fall

Once a haven for asthmatics and allergy suffers, the Phoenix metro area has reached the point where indoor air quality (IAQ) is a pressing concern. Because this is a mild climate, susceptible Valley residents may experience respiratory problems throughout the year, especially during the fall and spring.

• Keep the windows closed. After suffering through the long, hot summer, it’s tempting to open the windows and doors to pull in the fresh air. However, doing so can pull in fall pollen, notably from Bermuda grass and all the maturing weeds. But it’s not the flowering plants that create allergic distress. More often it’s the plants, trees and shrubs that have innocuous flowers you don’t see that are to blame.
• Change the air filter. Fall weather can be unpredictable, ranging from lingering heat waves to early cold fronts. The air filter for your HVAC system is one of the best defenses against poor indoor air quality, especially if you choose one that traps smaller particles. Dust, dust mite waste, pollen, pet dander and mold spores can aggravate breathing year-round. Ask your HVAC pro the best filter to use with your system to better manage IAQ year-round.
• Consider UV lights. Ultraviolet (UV) lights inside your HVAC system will improve air quality by rendering viruses, bacteria, mold spores, some pollen and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) less damaging. The UV lights alter the genetic structure of many visible and microscopic airborne particles, making them less irritating and harmful.
• Use the vacuum. It’s tempting to sweep hard-surface floors, but if you’re trying to cut down on respiratory irritants, opt for the vacuum instead. Sweeping increases the number of particulates in the air, while a vacuum, especially one with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, traps them.

Using your HVAC system to manage fall indoor air quality is an effective way to reduce the discomfort associated with the changing seasons. The experts at Wolff Mechanical can help you discover the best solutions for your home. We’ve provided trusted HVAC and IAQ services for Valley residents for more than 25 years.