Indoor Air Quality Solutions in Affton, MO | Breathe Easy

Indoor Air Quality Solutions in Affton, MO. Clean air is essential for a comfortable and healthy home. At SmartHouse, we help ensure your IAQ supports you and your family’s health. Poor indoor air quality can contribute to a wide range of symptoms—from headaches to breathing problems—but many of these are avoidable. Get in touch with our HVAC professionals for a quote and learn more about home performance services, indoor air quality, and other HVAC solutions in Affton, MO.

Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) is within your control, and there are several ways to make your home healthier. In this article, we will cover the following tips:

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

Factors That Influence Affton, MO, 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 might also let in outdoor pollutants, such as pollen or vehicle emissions. In locations with poor outdoor air quality, opting for mechanical ventilation is a more reliable way to maintain clean indoor air.

2. Humidity Levels

Balanced humidity (40-60%) is essential for preventing mold growth and reducing irritants like dust mites. Too much humidity can cause condensation on windows, musty odors, and potential long-term damage to your walls and furniture. Low humidity may lead to dry skin, irritated sinuses, and static electricity, and can also harm wood furniture and floors by causing them to crack or warp over time. Maintaining the right humidity level promotes 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 is essential for circulating and filtering the air throughout your home. Regular maintenance, such as replacing air filters every 1-3 months and scheduling professional tune-ups, ensures your system runs efficiently and keeps your air clean. If your system is outdated, upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC systems with advanced air filtration can greatly improve indoor air quality and comfort.

Indoor Air Quality Concerns For Affton, MO, 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 Affton, MO, homes may cause 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

• Humidity imbalances, airborne pollutants, and allergens can disrupt sleep, causing snoring, asthma flare-ups, or overall discomfort while resting.

Eye, Throat, and Skin Irritation

• Dust, pollutants, and chemicals can lead to irritation in the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, causing dryness, soreness, and itchiness.

Fatigue and Headaches

• High concentrations of VOCs found in household cleaners, paints, and furniture can result in symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, and may lead to neurological issues over time.

Increased Risk of Illness

• Spaces with poor IAQ and insufficient ventilation create an environment where viruses and bacteria can spread quickly, putting your family at a higher risk for catching colds, flu, and other contagious diseases.

Longer term effects include:

Respiratory Issues

• Exposure to allergens such as dust mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen can contribute to asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues, and can pose a heightened risk for vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, or those with pre-existing health conditions.

Heart Disease

• Indoor environments with high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pose a health risk as microscopic particles can travel into your bloodstream, leading to arterial damage and raising the likelihood of heart disease and strokes.

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

Improving indoor air quality doesn’t have to be complex. These simple, effective steps will help you ensure cleaner air and prevent over 99% of mold and bacteria from spreading through your HVAC system.

What should I do to improve air quality in Affton, MO?

• Keep Your Home Allergen-Free: Regular vacuuming, dusting, and washing of bedding help reduce allergens. Don’t forget to clean vents, baseboards, and carpets, which can trap dust and debris. Decluttering can also improve airflow while minimizing surfaces where dust collects.

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• Cut Down on Harmful Chemicals: Choose greener cleaning solutions and limit the use of VOC-emitting products like aerosol sprays, scented candles, and other strong chemicals.
• Grow Air-Cleaning Plants: Snake plants and peace lilies are perfect for naturally filtering toxins from the air. Discover more about their benefits as air-purifiers here.
• Grow Air-Cleaning Plants: Snake plants and peace lilies are perfect for naturally filtering toxins from the air. Discover more about their benefits as air-purifiers here.
• Utilize Natural Airflow: Take advantage of excellent outdoor air quality by opening windows for a natural exchange of fresh air when conditions allow.
• Get Your System Serviced: Biannual HVAC tune-ups help extend system life and improve air quality throughout your home.
• Stay on Top of Filter Changes: Monthly filter checks help remove dust, pollen, and pet dander before they circulate through your home.
• Improve Filter Efficiency: Switch to HEPA filters and high-MERV filters for superior particle removal and better air quality.
• 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.
• Upgrade Your Air Quality: The Daikin AMHP-250 and Aerus Air Scrubber are excellent choices for filtering out contaminants and improving the overall health of your home’s air.

Small changes can make a big impact—boost indoor air quality in your Affton, MO, home or workplace and enjoy a healthier environment.

Why SmartHouse for Affton, MO, Indoor Air Quality Solutions?

SmartHouse offers full-service HVAC and specialized air quality solutions designed to help families in Affton, MO breathe easier indoors.

We specialize in a variety of different services for Affton homeowners, including:

• Attic System Replacement
• Ductless Mini Splits
• HVAC Tax Credit
• AC Replacement
• Air Conditioning Repair
• Boiler Installation
• HVAC Contractor
• Heat Pump Installation
• HVAC Maintenance

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 Air Quality Control solutions, our Affton, MO, Air Quality Control pros are here to help.