6 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

According to the EPA, indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. For Central Kentucky homeowners dealing with seasonal allergens, pet dander, and humidity, indoor air quality is a real health concern — especially for children, seniors, and anyone with asthma or allergies.

1. Change your HVAC filter regularly. This is the simplest and most effective step. A clogged filter can't trap pollutants and forces your system to work harder. Use a MERV 11-13 rated filter and replace it every 30-90 days depending on your household (pets, allergies, etc.).

2. Install a whole-home air purifier. Unlike portable units that clean one room, a whole-home air purification system integrates with your HVAC ductwork to filter every cubic foot of air in your house. These systems capture particles as small as 0.1 microns — including viruses and bacteria.

3. Add UV germicidal lights. UV-C lights installed in your HVAC system kill mold, bacteria, and viruses as air passes through. They're especially effective in Kentucky's humid climate where mold growth in ductwork is common.

4. Control humidity levels. Kentucky humidity can push indoor levels above 60%, creating a breeding ground for mold and dust mites. A whole-home dehumidifier maintains the ideal 30-50% range, improving comfort and air quality simultaneously.

5. Seal and clean your ductwork. Leaky ducts can pull in dust, insulation fibers, and even pest droppings from attics and crawl spaces. Professional duct sealing and cleaning eliminates these contaminant pathways.

6. Ventilate properly. Modern homes are tightly sealed for energy efficiency, but that means pollutants get trapped inside. An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) brings in fresh outdoor air while recovering heating or cooling energy — so you get fresh air without wasting energy.

Trust Heating & Air offers complete indoor air quality assessments and solutions. From air purifiers to humidity control, we'll help you create a healthier home. Call (859) 308-3182 to learn more.