Indoor Air Quality FAQs
Common Indoor Air Quality FAQs in Longmont, CO
Are you concerned about the air you breathe inside your home or business? At Homerun Heating & Air, we understand how important clean, healthy indoor air is for your comfort and well-being. As a trusted HVAC provider serving Longmont, CO, we often receive questions from customers who want to know more about indoor air quality (IAQ) systems, pollutants, and how to improve the air inside their living or working spaces. This page answers the top frequently asked questions about indoor air quality so you can make informed decisions and breathe easier all year long.
1. What is indoor air quality and why is it important?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the cleanliness and health of the air inside buildings and homes. It’s affected by factors such as pollutants, ventilation, humidity, and temperature. According to the EPA, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, which is why maintaining healthy IAQ is essential. Poor indoor air quality can lead to allergies, respiratory issues, and even long-term health effects. At Homerun Heating & Air, we provide advanced solutions like air purifiers, filtration systems, and humidifiers to help homeowners in Longmont, CO improve their indoor air.
2. How do I know if my indoor air quality is poor?
Common signs of poor indoor air quality include frequent allergy symptoms, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or visible dust buildup. You might also notice a musty smell, excessive humidity, or increased asthma attacks. If your home feels stuffy or if you’ve recently done renovations, indoor air pollution could be to blame. Our team can perform an IAQ assessment to identify pollutants and recommend solutions to improve the air you breathe. Don’t ignore the warning signs—your health could be at risk.
3. What causes poor indoor air quality in Colorado homes?
In Longmont and across Colorado, poor indoor air quality is often caused by lack of ventilation, use of household chemicals, pet dander, dust mites, and wildfire smoke. Older HVAC systems and improperly sealed homes can also contribute to indoor air pollution by trapping pollutants inside. Additionally, in colder months, homes are sealed tightly to conserve energy, which can reduce airflow and cause pollutants to build up. Homerun Heating & Air can install and maintain whole-house ventilation systems and air cleaners to combat these issues.
4. What are the best ways to improve indoor air quality?
Improving indoor air quality starts with a combination of proper ventilation, air filtration, and humidity control. Opening windows when weather allows, using exhaust fans, and avoiding tobacco smoke or chemical cleaners can help. However, for long-term solutions, we recommend installing a high-efficiency air filter, a whole-home air purifier, or a UV light system. These systems work within your HVAC unit to remove harmful particles and bacteria from the air. Regular maintenance and duct cleaning also go a long way in ensuring cleaner air in your home or office.
5. Do air purifiers really work?
Yes, air purifiers are highly effective at removing airborne particles such as pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and smoke. Many purifiers, especially those using HEPA filters, can remove up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. At Homerun Heating & Air, we offer professional-grade air purifiers that integrate with your existing HVAC system for whole-home coverage. Some models also include carbon filters to remove odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Choosing the right system for your needs is key, and we can help guide you through that process.
6. Can indoor plants improve air quality?
Most HVAC filters should be replaced every 1 to 3 months, depending on the type of filter and how often your system runs. If you have pets, allergies, or live in a dusty area, you may need to change your filter more frequently. Dirty filters reduce airflow, making your system work harder and potentially circulating dust and allergens. Replacing your filter regularly is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain good indoor air quality. Our team offers routine maintenance plans that include filter replacements to keep your system running smoothly year-round.
7. What types of air filters are best for indoor air quality?
The best air filters for indoor air quality are those with a high MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating—typically between 8 and 13 for residential use. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are even more effective, capturing up to 99.97% of airborne particles. However, not all HVAC systems are compatible with HEPA filters, so it’s important to consult an HVAC professional before upgrading. At Homerun Heating & Air, we’ll evaluate your current system and recommend filters that balance efficiency with airflow to ensure both clean air and system performance.
8. How often should I replace my HVAC filter?
Most HVAC filters should be replaced every 1 to 3 months, depending on the type of filter and how often your system runs. If you have pets, allergies, or live in a dusty area, you may need to change your filter more frequently. Dirty filters reduce airflow, making your system work harder and potentially circulating dust and allergens. Replacing your filter regularly is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain good indoor air quality. Our team offers routine maintenance plans that include filter replacements to keep your system running smoothly year-round.
9. Are UV lights good for improving indoor air quality?
Yes, UV lights can be an excellent addition to your HVAC system for improving indoor air quality. These lights are installed within your system and use ultraviolet radiation to kill bacteria, mold spores, and viruses as air passes through. While they don’t remove particulates like dust or pollen, they’re very effective at neutralizing biological contaminants. At Homerun Heating & Air, we install and maintain HVAC UV light systems that work in tandem with air filters and purifiers to provide comprehensive air cleaning throughout your home or business.
10. What is a whole-home air purifier, and how does it work?
A whole-home air purifier is an air-cleaning device that’s integrated directly into your HVAC system. It treats the air as it moves through your ductwork, removing pollutants like allergens, bacteria, and odors before the air circulates throughout your home. These systems are more effective than portable units because they clean all the air in your home continuously. Homerun Heating & Air offers several whole-home solutions, including systems with HEPA filtration and UV sanitation, giving you peace of mind that every room in your home has clean, healthy air.
11. How does humidity affect indoor air quality?
Humidity plays a big role in indoor air quality. Low humidity can dry out your skin and respiratory tract, while high humidity can encourage mold growth and dust mites. The ideal indoor humidity level is between 30% and 50%. In Longmont, CO, the air can get quite dry, especially during the winter, making a whole-house humidifier a great investment. At Homerun Heating & Air, we install and service humidifiers and dehumidifiers to help keep your indoor environment comfortable and healthy year-round.
12. Is duct cleaning necessary for better air quality?
Duct cleaning can be beneficial, especially if your ducts are clogged with dust, debris, or mold. Over time, contaminants can accumulate in your ductwork and circulate through your home whenever your HVAC system runs. If you notice visible mold, a musty smell, or a significant amount of dust, it may be time to have your ducts inspected and cleaned. Our team offers professional duct cleaning services in Longmont to ensure your HVAC system isn’t spreading allergens or pollutants. Clean ducts mean cleaner air and better system efficiency.
13. How do indoor air quality systems help with allergies?
Indoor air quality systems are designed to reduce the presence of allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores. High-efficiency filters, air purifiers, and humidifiers all work together to trap and neutralize these particles before they affect your breathing. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, improving your IAQ can make a noticeable difference in your symptoms. At Homerun Heating & Air, we customize IAQ solutions based on your specific needs, so you and your family can breathe easier every day.
14. Can indoor air quality affect my HVAC system's performance?
Yes, poor indoor air quality can have a negative impact on your HVAC system’s performance. Dust and debris can clog filters and ducts, reducing airflow and making your system work harder. This extra strain can lead to increased energy bills and premature wear and tear. By maintaining good IAQ with clean filters, sealed ducts, and proper ventilation, you’ll help your system run more efficiently and last longer. Homerun Heating & Air offers maintenance plans that include IAQ checks to help protect both your air and your investment.
15. Who should I call for indoor air quality services in Longmont, CO?
For expert indoor air quality services in Longmont, CO, look no further than Homerun Heating & Air. Our team has been serving the community since 1995 with honest, reliable, and professional HVAC services. We offer free estimates, maintenance plans, and customized IAQ solutions for homes and businesses alike. From air purifiers and humidifiers to duct cleaning and filtration upgrades, we do it all. Call us today at 303-586-7233 to schedule an indoor air assessment and find out how we can help you breathe cleaner, healthier air.
