How to Remove Common Indoor Air Pollutants

Pollution is often perceived as something in the world outside our homes. But what about the kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms inside? Until recently, few people questioned indoor air quality, assuming gases and particulates stayed on the other side of the front door.

However, the places we live in contain several substances that can aggravate respiratory conditions and compromise breathing quality. These pollutants range from dust and pet dander to smoke and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They’re introduced by our appliances, like gas-powered stoves, and our lifestyles, whether that involves smoking indoors or using certain cleaning products. Others cling to our clothes, hair and belongings when we come inside.

Because modern life is largely spent indoors, both at home and work, we’re exposed to these pollutants throughout much of the day. Recognizing the risks is the first step toward improving indoor air quality and understanding how your HVAC system can help manage them.

What Are the Most Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution?

While often invisible, indoor air pollution is sometimes noticeable as a stuffy, stale or unpleasant smell when you walk into a room. Common contributors include:

• Smoke: From cigarettes to fireplaces and burned food, smoke and the chemicals it contains can get trapped in tightly sealed homes designed for energy efficiency. Tobacco smoke has been linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular issues and other long-term health risks.
• Stoves: Combustion gases produced when fuel burns, especially from gas stoves, can remain in the air without proper ventilation. These emissions can contribute to respiratory irritation and other health concerns.
• VOCs: Through evaporation, many common household products release volatile organic compounds. Chemical-based cleaners, furniture, carpeting, paints, building materials and some vehicle emissions can introduce these gases indoors. Exposure may lead to headaches, nausea, breathing difficulties and other symptoms.
• Mold and Rot: Excess moisture allows mold and structural decay to develop in hidden spaces such as behind walls, under flooring or inside ventilation systems. These conditions may trigger allergic reactions, respiratory irritation or asthma flare-ups.
• Pet Dander: Pets naturally shed hair and skin particles that spread throughout the home. These microscopic particulates can aggravate allergies and respiratory issues when inhaled.
• Dust: Household dust is made up of microscopic particles that accumulate in every corner of your home. It can contain mold spores, dust mites, cooking residue, skin cells, outdoor pollutants and other airborne materials that are easily inhaled.
• Carbon Monoxide and Combustion: Combustion-based appliances such as fireplaces, gas stoves, furnaces and vehicles can produce carbon monoxide if they are poorly ventilated or malfunctioning. This odorless gas can be dangerous with prolonged exposure.

The Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

The impact of poor air quality can develop gradually over time. Exposure to pollutants may lead to:

• Health Issues: Persistent coughing, headaches, fatigue or other symptoms that may affect the respiratory or cardiovascular system.
• Respiratory Concerns: Individuals with asthma or other pre-existing respiratory conditions may find breathing indoors more difficult or experience frequent flare-ups.
• Allergies: Pollutants such as dust, pet dander and pollen that accumulate indoors can trigger allergic reactions ranging from runny noses to skin irritation.

What You Can Do

Along with adjusting daily habits, making sure your HVAC is properly configured for your home plays an important role in controlling indoor pollutants. Effective circulation and filtration can significantly reduce the concentration of airborne particles:

Improve Ventilation

Most HVAC systems circulate indoor air but don’t automatically introduce fresh outdoor air. Without proper ventilation, pollutants can accumulate inside the home.

Allowing fresh air to enter can help reduce this buildup:

• Open windows and doors when weather permits
• Consider using a window air conditioning unit for part of the year
• Install exhaust fans that vent outdoors and run them while cooking or showering
• Avoid using VOC-emitting products, such as paint, gasoline or solvents with windows closed
• Make sure your clothes dryer vents outdoors

Change and Upgrade Your HVAC Filters

Medium and high-efficiency filters capture airborne particles before they spread through your home. When maintained properly, they can help remove dust, pollen, pet dander and other allergens from the air.

A few tips include:

• Consider a HEPA filter if someone in your household has allergies or respiratory conditions. HEPA filtration can capture 99.97% of particles measuring 0.3 microns or larger.
• Make sure your HVAC system can support a HEPA or high-MERV filter, as denser filters can restrict airflow if the system is not designed for them.
• HEPA filters can also be used in air purifiers and vacuum systems to supplement your overall indoor air quality strategy.

Install an Air Purification System

Whole-home air purification systems combine particle filtration with activated carbon to help remove VOCs, odors mold spores and other contaminants.

While some air purifiers operate independently, professionals often integrate whole-home purification systems directly into HVAC systems based on the square footage and air flow needs of the home.

Control Moisture

Lowering indoor humidity levels can help reduce the conditions that allow mold to grow. To do this:

• Install dehumidifiers in basements, bathrooms or other humid areas
• Repair plumbing leaks promptly
• Wipe away condensation around windows, pipes and bathroom surfaces
• Make sure water drains away from your home’s foundation
• Avoid leaving wet towels and clothing in piles; hang them up to dry instead
• Periodically empty HVAC drip pans and condensation lines

Reevaluate Your Lifestyle

You can also reduce indoor pollutants through a few everyday changes:

• Switching to green cleaners that use baking soda, vinegar, citrus or other natural ingredients.
• Add indoor plants, which can contribute to a fresher indoor environment when combined with proper ventilation and filtration .
• Choose low-VOC building materials and paints when renovating or redecorating.
• Never operate carbon monoxide-producing devices indoors, including grills and portable generators.
• Consider smart air-quality monitoring systems that use sensors to detect changes in indoor air conditions.
• Maintain your HVAC system, including routine filter changes, duct cleaning when necessary and annual professional maintenance.

Think It’s Time for a Change?

MJ Fahy & Sons can help guide the home improvements you’d like to make, whether you’re interested in installing a whole-home purification system, resizing your HVAC system or scheduling routine service. Contact us today to get started.