Indoor Air Quality Solutions in Overland, MO | Breathe Easy

Indoor Air Quality Solutions in Overland, 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 Overland, MO, 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 Overland, MO, Indoor Air Quality

The factors influencing indoor air quality include ventilation, humidity, pollutants, and VOCs (VOCs). Understanding how these elements interact can help you improve your home’s air quality and overall comfort.

A few things to consider include:

1. Ventilation

To ensure fresh air circulation, reduce pollutants, and maintain indoor temperature control, proper ventilation is essential. It falls into two categories: natural ventilation, which involves opening windows and doors to allow outside air in, and mechanical ventilation, such as exhaust fans and ERVs, that actively circulate air within the space.

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 levels (40-60%) help prevent mold and control airborne irritants like dust mites, which flourish in moist environments. Excess humidity can result in condensation on windows, musty smells, and lasting damage to walls and furniture. In contrast, low humidity can cause dry skin, irritation in the sinuses, and increase static electricity. Over time, it can also cause wood furniture and flooring to crack and warp. Proper humidity levels are key to a healthier, more comfortable indoor space.

3. Airborne Pollutants

Everyday activities expose us to various airborne pollutants, including dust, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, and VOCs from cleaning agents, furniture, and construction materials. Gas stoves and fireplaces can also produce harmful 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.

Indoor Air Quality Concerns For Overland, MO, Homeowners

There are many reasons why you may experience poor indoor air quality. Reach out to SmartHouse today to explore solutions for improving your indoor air and optimizing your HVAC system.

Poor indoor air quality in Overland, MO, 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 can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to snoring, asthma attacks, or general discomfort during sleep.

Eye, Throat, and Skin Irritation

• Exposure to dust, pollutants, and chemicals can result in irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, which may cause dry eyes, sore throat, and itchy skin.

Fatigue and Headaches

• VOCs from everyday household products like cleaners, paints, and furniture can cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, and may contribute to chronic neurological problems with continued exposure.

Increased Risk of Illness

• Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can facilitate the spread of viruses and bacteria in poorly ventilated areas of your home, increasing the risk of colds, flu, and other contagious illnesses that spread rapidly among family members.

Longer term effects include:

Respiratory Issues

• Allergens such as dust mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen can exacerbate conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems, which is particularly concerning for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, or those with existing health issues.

Heart Disease

• Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in indoor environments can allow microscopic particles to enter your bloodstream, contributing to arterial damage and increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems, including 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

Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) is simpler than you think. Follow these straightforward steps to ensure cleaner air and prevent more than 99% of mold and bacteria from circulating through your HVAC system.

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

• Maintain a Clean Home: To minimize allergens, vacuum regularly, dust frequently, and wash your bedding. Pay special attention to areas such as vents, baseboards, and carpets where dust and debris accumulate. Decluttering also improves airflow while reducing dust-trapping surfaces.
• 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.
• Add Air-Filtering Plants: Certain houseplants, such as snake plants and peace lilies, naturally filter toxins from the air.
• Enhance Air Circulation: When outdoor air quality and weather permit, open windows to boost natural airflow throughout your space.
• Schedule HVAC Maintenance: Schedule professional HVAC maintenance twice a year to ensure your system is running efficiently.
• Stay on Top of Filter Changes: Monthly filter checks help remove dust, pollen, and pet dander before they circulate through your home.
• Step Up Your Filtration Game: Use HEPA and MERV-rated filters to remove dust, dander, and airborne irritants.
• 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.
• Install Mechanical Ventilation: Systems like Energy Recovery Ventilators continuously cycle out old air and bring in pre-conditioned, filtered fresh air from outside.
• Breathe Easier at Home: Air purifiers such as the Daikin AMHP-250 and Aerus Air Scrubber help eliminate indoor air pollutants and boost overall air quality.

Simple improvements go a long way—boost the indoor air quality of your Overland, MO, property and promote a healthier living or working space.

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

When it comes to improving air quality in your home, SmartHouse brings unmatched HVAC knowledge and full-service support to homeowners in Overland, MO.

The SmartHouse team specializes in a variety of different services for Overland homeowners, including:

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

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 Overland, MO, Air Quality Control pros are here to help.