Indoor Air Quality Solutions in St. Louis, MO | Breathe Easy

Indoor Air Quality Solutions in St. Louis, MO. What we breathe on a daily basis is at the core of living a healthy life. It’s our goal at SmartHouse to make sure your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is not only safe but also conducive to a healthy living environment. Poor IAQ can lead to fatigue, sinus irritation, shortness of breath, headaches, and other issues. Fortunately, most of these side-effects of poor IAQ are avoidable with the right equipment and care of your home. You can contact our HVAC specialists today for a quote and to learn more about whole-home performance, indoor air quality, and other services we provide St. Louis homeowners.

Fortunately, there are several different ways for you to take control of IAQ and make your home a healthier place to live. In this article, we’re going to discuss:

• Preventable measures to avoid poor indoor air quality.
• Common risks and side effects of bad air quality in your home.

Factors That Influence Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is affected by multiple factors that include ventilation, humidity, airborne pollutants, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Understanding these elements can help you create a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment.

A few things to consider include:

1. Ventilation

Proper ventilation ensures fresh air circulation, reduces pollutant buildup, and helps regulate indoor temperatures. There are two primary types: natural ventilation, which relies on open windows and doors to bring in outside air, and mechanical ventilation, such as exhaust fans, air exchange systems, and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), which actively move air.

While opening windows can improve airflow, it may introduce outdoor pollutants like pollen or vehicle emissions, making mechanical ventilation a better option in areas with poor outdoor air quality.

2. Humidity Levels

Balanced humidity (40-60%) prevents mold growth and reduces airborne irritants like dust mites, which thrive in high humidity. Excess humidity can lead to condensation on windows, musty odors, and long-term damage to walls and furniture. On the other hand, low humidity can cause dry skin, irritated sinuses, and increased static electricity. It can also dry out wood furniture and flooring (cracks, warping, etc.) over time. Maintaining proper humidity levels helps create a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment.

3. Airborne Pollutants

Everyday activities introduce a wide range of airborne contaminants, including dust, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, and VOCs from cleaning supplies, furniture, and building materials. Gas stoves and fireplaces can also release combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.

4. HVAC System Maintenance

Your HVAC system plays a critical role in circulating and filtering air throughout your home. Regular maintenance—including replacing air filters every 1-3 months, scheduling professional tune-ups, etc.—ensures efficient operation and cleaner air. If your system is outdated, investing in energy-efficient HVAC systems with advanced air filtration can significantly enhance indoor air quality and comfort.

IAQ Concerns For Homeowners

There are a variety of reasons you might suffer from poor indoor air quality. Get in touch with our team at SmartHouse today to learn more about handling indoor air and other HVAC needs.

Poor indoor air quality in St. Louis homes can have several negative effects on the health and well-being of the occupants.

5 Signs Your Home Needs Purification
Common Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Immediate effects include:

Poor Sleep Quality

• Uncontrolled humidity, pollutants, or allergens in the air can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to snoring, asthma attacks, or general discomfort while sleeping.

Eye, Throat, and Skin Irritation

• Pollutants, dust, and chemicals can cause irritation in the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. This can result in dry eyes, sore throat, and itchy skin.

Fatigue and Headaches

• High concentrations of VOCs from household cleaners, paints, or furniture can lead to headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. These can cause long-term neurological issues.

Increased Risk of Illness

• Poor IAQ can contribute to the spread of viruses and bacteria in the home in spaces that lack proper ventilation. This can result in colds, flu, or other contagious illnesses that spread easily among family members.

Longer term effects include:

Respiratory Issues

• Increased exposure to allergens (e.g., dust mites, mold, pet dander, pollen) can lead to asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems. This can be especially alarming for children, the elderly, or those with pre-existing conditions.

Heart Disease

• Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is common in polluted indoor environments. Microscopic particles can enter your bloodstream and increase the risk of arterial damage that can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular conditions.

Cancer

• Poor indoor air quality is known to increase the risk of cancer due to prolonged exposure to harmful pollutants like radon, VOCs, and fine particulate matter. Exposure to these toxins can damage cells and DNA over time.

Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Enhancing IAQ doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are easy and effective steps to ensure cleaner indoor air that can prevent more than 99% of any mold and bacteria that pass through your HVAC system.

What should I do to improve air quality?

• Keep Your Home Clean: Vacuum regularly, dust frequently, and wash bedding to minimize allergens. Pay attention to vents, baseboards, and carpets where dust and debris easily accumulates. Decluttering also reduces dust-trapping surfaces while improving airflow
• Reduce Chemical Pollutants: Choose eco-friendly cleaning products and avoid VOC-emitting materials like aerosol sprays, scented candles, and harsh chemicals.
• Add Air-Filtering Plants: Certain houseplants, such as snake plants and peace lilies, naturally filter toxins from the air.
• Improve Airflow Naturally: Open windows whenever outdoor air quality (and temperature) allow for natural air exchange.
• Schedule HVAC Maintenance: Schedule professional HVAC maintenance twice a year to ensure your system is running efficiently.
• Replace Air Filters Regularly: Check your HVAC filters monthly and change as needed. Air filters trap and collect dust, pet dander, pollen, and other particulate matter.
• Upgrade Air Filtration: Upgrade to advanced high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and high-efficiency MERV-rated filters that trap particulate matter.
• Optimize Humidity Levels: Maintain indoor humidity levels between 40% and 60% to prevent mold growth and reduce allergens. Use a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier as needed to keep moisture balanced.
• Use Smart Thermostats / IAQ Sensors: Use smart thermostats and IAQ sensors to monitor air quality and adjust temperature and humidity for optimal comfort. These devices can alert you to fluctuations in air quality and help you maintain a healthier indoor environment.
• Utilize Mechanical Ventilation (ERV): Energy Recovery Ventilators automatically exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air that has been filtered and conditioned.
• Purify Your Air: Whole-home air purifiers clean and sterilize the air throughout your home. Recommended solutions include the Daikin AMHP-250 and Aerus Air Scrubbers.

By making these simple changes, you can significantly improve indoor air quality and create a healthier home or workplace.

Why SmartHouse for Indoor Air Quality Solutions in St. Louis?

With full-service HVAC capabilities and in-depth knowledge of air quality control, SmartHouse is your go-to solution for indoor air quality solutions in St. Louis.

Our team is easy to get a hold of. You can give us a call, text us, or schedule an appointment online.

• Call us at 314-370-1816
• Text us at 314-310-2242
• Schedule An Appointment Online

With efficient, eco-friendly HVAC and St. Louis Air Quality Control Solutions, our pros are here to help.