Springtime – that wonderful time of year when the birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, the trees are blossoming, and… people start sneezing! There’s no doubt that spring is beautiful, but if you’re an allergy sufferer, it can mean a stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes. And often, the indoors doesn’t provide much of a reprieve for those with allergies, because those tiny allergen particles, like pollen and spores, can make their way inside. And once they start circulating through your home’s HVAC system, they can cause problems. But fortunately, there is help.

Today, there are many indoor air quality products available that can make allergy season less uncomfortable for homeowners, at least while they’re indoors. They work to make your home’s air cleaner and fresher, and can remove a whole host of particulates, like dust, dander, dirt, pollen, mold, and even some viruses and bacteria. In this article, we’ll talk about the different types of indoor air quality products on the market today, and how they work to keep the air in your home cleaner.

What is indoor air quality?

First and foremost, indoor air quality, or IAQ as it’s frequently called, is exactly that – the quality of the air in your indoor environment. People with poor indoor air quality often complain about problems like respiratory irritation, skin dryness, and sometimes even headaches. Many of today’s homes are made to be airtight, so once contaminants start circulating around your home through your HVAC system, they’re there to stay. But advancements in indoor air quality technology have made it possible for homeowners to get the equipment they need for improved IAQ.

What types of products are available to help me “clear the air” in my home?

There is a wide range of products available that can help you keep the air in your home cleaner and fresher, but one very easy step you can take to ensure better air quality is making sure that the filter in your home’s HVAC system is cleaned or changed whenever it gets dirty. This is a simple step that is often done when your technician performs annual maintenance but is easy for you as a homeowner to do as well. Not sure where to locate your filter or how to change it? Don’t worry – Boelcke Heating & Air Conditioning will be glad to help.

If you are making sure your filter is clean, but still noticing a problem with your indoor air quality, you could likely benefit from more advanced IAQ products. Below, you’ll learn more about the different products that are available and what they do to help.

Learn more about indoor air quality products for your home.

Air Sterilization: Harmful contaminants such as mold, pollen, and bacteria can cause problems with your home’s air quality. Air cleaners provide the air sterilization you need by eliminating these pathogens from your home’s air. An air cleaner is especially beneficial for homes where there are those suffering from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory concerns.

High-Efficiency Air Filters: These go beyond the filtration offered by the typical filter in your HVAC system. High-efficiency filters are permanent and help people who suffer from asthma, allergies, hay fever, or other breathing concerns, as they are the same type of air filters used in hospitals.

Dehumidifiers: An overly damp home becomes the perfect breeding place for mold, mildew, and bacteria. All of these can cause issues with the structure of your home, as well as your health. Home dehumidification systems help by removing excess moisture from the air in your home, thereby inhibiting the growth of pathogens like bacteria and mold.

Humidifiers: Conversely, if the air in your home is too dry, it can also cause problems. Overly dry air can lead to flaky, itchy skin, as well as dry, irritated mucous membranes. It can cause issues with your wooden fixtures and furniture, and promote static cling. A whole-home humidifier can solve the problem of dry air, and works easily with your HVAC system to deliver moisturized air throughout your home.

UV Lights: Spores, mold, bacteria, and other pathogens are unpleasant. They can cause your home’s air to have a bad odor and can make respiratory conditions worse if present. UV lights can destroy those pathogens, helping your indoor air quality improve greatly. Installed directly in your heating and cooling system, they’ll kill mold and bacteria quickly and effectively.

Can Boelcke Heating & Air Conditioning help me get the IAQ products I need?

We sure can! At Boelcke, we’re all about your home comfort, and that goes beyond just making sure you’re cool in the summer and warm in the winter! When you need indoor air quality solutions from a qualified specialist for your home, you can trust us to help meet all your indoor air quality needs. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.