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3 Ways to Address Poor Indoor Air Quality

Jun 17, 2025 by ABS Heating & Air

Indoor air quality has a big impact on your comfort, health, and even the performance of your HVAC system. Many homeowners don’t realize that the air inside their home can sometimes be more polluted than the air outside. Dust, pollen, pet dander, biological growth, and even cleaning products can all affect the air you breathe every day.

woman sneezing from indoor quality issues

At ABS Heating & Air, we believe every home should be a place where you can breathe easy. If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, frequent colds, or unexplained headaches, poor indoor air quality could be to blame.

What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality?

There are several reasons the air in your home may not be as clean as it should be.

Some of the most common causes include:

  • Dirty or clogged air filters
  • Dust buildup in ductwork or vents
  • Excess moisture and humidity
  • Biological and mildew growth
  • Use of chemical-based cleaning products
  • Poor ventilation or lack of fresh air circulation
  • Smoke from cooking or tobacco
  • Pet dander and fur

Homes that are tightly sealed for energy efficiency can trap pollutants inside. Without proper filtration or ventilation, those particles build up and affect the air you breathe every day.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Poor air quality can lead to a variety of health issues and comfort problems. You may not notice them right away, but over time they can affect your well-being.

Some common signs include:

  • Frequent headaches or fatigue
  • Sneezing, coughing, or itchy throat
  • Allergies that seem worse indoors
  • Stuffy or stale air
  • Moldy or musty smells
  • Dry skin or irritated eyes
  • Increased dust on furniture and vents

If several people in your home have the same symptoms, especially when the HVAC system is running, indoor air quality may be the issue.

1. Upgrade Your Air Filters

Your HVAC system’s air filter plays a major role in trapping harmful particles like dust, pet hair, and pollen. Over time, those filters can become clogged, making it harder for your system to move air and clean it properly. If you’re using a standard one-inch filter, you may not be getting the best protection.

What you can do:

  • Check your filter every month and change it at least every three months
  • Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency filter that can trap smaller particles
  • Ask about options like HEPA filters or media filters that offer better filtration without restricting airflow

A better filter means cleaner air and a system that doesn’t have to work as hard.

2. Add an Air Purification or UV System

While filters catch particles, they don’t destroy germs, bacteria, or biological. That’s where air purification systems come in. These systems clean the air as it moves through your HVAC system and can reduce odors, bacteria, and airborne viruses.

UV lights are another option. These are installed in your system and use ultraviolet light to kill biological growth and bacteria growing on coils or in the air handler.

Benefits of using UV or air purification systems include:

  • Less biological growth inside your system
  • Cleaner air throughout your home
  • Fewer odors and allergens

These systems are especially helpful for homes with allergy sufferers, pets, or high humidity.

3. Control Humidity Levels

Florida is known for its humidity, and that extra moisture can create a perfect environment for biological growth, mildew, and dust mites. Too much humidity can also make your home feel sticky and uncomfortable.

Your HVAC system helps control humidity, but sometimes it needs help. A whole-home dehumidifier can reduce moisture levels and improve both comfort and air quality.

Signs your home may have high humidity:

  • Windows fog up inside
  • A musty smell in certain rooms
  • Sticky or damp feeling in the air

Keeping humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent is ideal for comfort and health. A professional can help you measure your levels and recommend the right solution.

Final Thoughts

Improving your indoor air quality doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple changes like better filters, air purification systems, and humidity control can make a big difference. Clean air helps you feel better, sleep better, and keeps your HVAC system running more efficiently.

If you’re not sure where to start, our team at ABS Heating & Air is happy to help. We can inspect your system and recommend the best ways to make your indoor air cleaner and healthier. Contact us.

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