Indoor Air Quality Solutions in Brentwood, MO | Breathe Easy

Indoor Air Quality Solutions in Brentwood, 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 Brentwood, MO, homeowners.

Improving your indoor air quality (IAQ) is easier than you might think, and there are several approaches to make your home a healthier place. In this article, we’ll dive into:

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

Factors That Influence Brentwood, MO, Indoor Air Quality

Several factors, such as ventilation, humidity, airborne pollutants, and VOCs (VOCs), impact your indoor air quality. Knowing how these elements affect your space can help you create a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment.

A few things to consider include:

1. Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial for bringing in fresh air, reducing pollutants, and managing indoor temperature. There are two primary forms: natural ventilation, which allows air to enter through open windows and doors, and mechanical ventilation, including systems like exhaust fans and ERVs, that actively circulate air throughout the home.

Although opening windows allows for better airflow, it can also introduce outdoor pollutants, such as pollen or vehicle emissions. For areas with low outdoor air quality, mechanical ventilation offers a cleaner and more controlled option.

2. Humidity Levels

Balanced humidity (40-60%) is crucial for preventing mold growth and minimizing airborne irritants like dust mites, which thrive in moist conditions. Excess humidity can cause condensation, musty odors, and potential damage to walls and furniture over time. Low humidity can lead to dry skin, irritated sinuses, static electricity, and the drying out of wood furniture and flooring, which may crack or warp as a result. Maintaining proper humidity ensures a healthier and more comfortable living environment.

3. Airborne Pollutants

Common household activities bring in airborne contaminants such as dust, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, and VOCs from cleaning products, furniture, and building materials. Gas stoves and fireplaces are also sources of combustion byproducts, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.

4. HVAC System Maintenance

Your HVAC system ensures that the air in your home is both circulated and filtered properly. Regular maintenance, such as changing filters every 1-3 months and scheduling professional tune-ups, keeps it functioning smoothly and helps maintain clean air. If your system is outdated, upgrading to energy-efficient models with enhanced air filtration can dramatically improve indoor air quality and comfort.

Indoor Air Quality Concerns For Brentwood, MO, Homeowners

If you’re struggling with poor indoor air quality, there are many factors to consider. Get in touch with SmartHouse today to discover how we can help with your HVAC system and improve your indoor environment.

Poor indoor air quality in Brentwood, 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

• Pollutants, allergens, and improper humidity levels can impact your sleep, resulting in snoring, asthma attacks, or discomfort throughout the night.

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

• Household products like cleaners, paints, and furniture often release VOCs at high levels, which can trigger headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, and may contribute to long-term neurological problems.

Increased Risk of Illness

• When IAQ is compromised in spaces lacking sufficient ventilation, viruses and bacteria can spread more easily, raising the risk of colds, flu, and other contagious diseases within the home.

Longer term effects include:

Respiratory Issues

• Allergens such as dust mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen are known to aggravate conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems, which can be particularly dangerous for children, the elderly, or those with existing health conditions.

Heart Disease

• Microscopic particles of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in polluted indoor air can enter the bloodstream and cause arterial damage, raising the risk of serious cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks and strokes.

Cancer

• Indoor air pollutants like radon, VOCs, and fine particulate matter are linked to an increased cancer risk, as extended exposure can damage cells and DNA, affecting overall health.

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 in Brentwood, MO?

• Keep Your Home Tidy: Regular vacuuming, frequent dusting, and washing bedding all contribute to reducing allergens. Make sure to clean areas like vents, baseboards, and carpets where dust and debris build up. Decluttering also enhances airflow and minimizes dust buildup.
• Eliminate Chemical Pollutants: Use eco-friendly cleaners and avoid products that release harmful chemicals, such as aerosol sprays, scented candles, and toxic chemicals.
• Use Air-Cleansing Plants: Houseplants such as snake plants and peace lilies act as natural air purifiers. Find out more about the best plants for improving air quality 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.
• Boost Fresh Air Flow: Take advantage of good outdoor air quality by opening windows when temperatures and air quality are favorable for ventilation.
• Get Your System Serviced: Biannual HVAC tune-ups help extend system life and improve air quality throughout your home.
• Change Filters Frequently: Dirty filters clog your system and reduce air quality. Check monthly and swap out filters to keep your indoor air clean and your HVAC efficient.
• Upgrade Air Filtration: Upgrade to advanced high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and high-efficiency MERV-rated filters that trap particulate matter.
• Keep Humidity in Check: Prevent mold, mildew, and dry air irritation by keeping humidity between 40% and 60%. SmartHouse offers professional installation of humidity control systems.
• 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.
• Improve Ventilation with an ERV: These systems provide a steady flow of fresh outdoor air while retaining heat or cooling from the outgoing air, making your home healthier and more efficient.
• Purify Your Air: Whole-home air purification systems like the Daikin AMHP-250 and Aerus Air Scrubber remove airborne contaminants and allergens for cleaner, healthier air in every room.

These quick changes can dramatically improve air quality in your Brentwood, MO, home or office, making it a safer, more comfortable place to be.

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

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

We specialize in a variety of different services for Brentwood 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 Brentwood, MO, Air Quality Control pros are here to help.