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

Indoor Air Quality Solutions in St. Louis, MO. At SmartHouse, we know that what’s in your air can have a lasting effect on your comfort and health. That’s why we offer expert help with Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), identifying issues like excess humidity, airborne pollutants, and poor ventilation. Many symptoms—like dry sinuses, fatigue, or difficulty breathing—are tied to indoor air. Reach out for a quote and to learn more about whole-home performance, indoor air quality, and how we support homeowners in St. Louis, MO.

There are multiple ways to take control of your indoor air quality (IAQ) and ensure a healthier home. In this article, we’ll discuss the following methods:

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

Factors That Influence St. Louis, 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

Ventilation is essential for maintaining fresh air, lowering pollutant levels, and regulating indoor temperatures. It comes in two types: natural ventilation, which uses open windows and doors to let in fresh air, and mechanical ventilation, such as exhaust fans and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), that work to move air more efficiently.

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

Daily activities contribute to a variety of airborne contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, and VOCs released by cleaning products, furniture, and building materials. Additionally, gas stoves and fireplaces can emit 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 St. Louis, MO, Homeowners

Several factors could contribute to poor indoor air quality in your home. Contact SmartHouse today to learn how we can improve your indoor air and address all your HVAC needs.

Poor indoor air quality in St. Louis, 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 in St. Louis, MO?

• 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.
• Bring in Natural Air Filters: Air-purifying houseplants, like snake plants and peace lilies, can help improve your indoor air quality. Learn more about which plants filter the air here.
• Bring in Natural Air Filters: Air-purifying houseplants, like snake plants and peace lilies, can help improve your indoor air quality. Learn more about which plants filter the air here.
• Let in Fresh Air: Open windows during favorable outdoor air quality to naturally refresh the air inside your home.
• Book Seasonal HVAC Tune-Ups: Twice-yearly HVAC maintenance helps catch issues early and keeps your system performing at its best.
• Keep Filters Fresh: Monthly filter replacement helps your system breathe easy and keeps common irritants out of your living space.
• Upgrade Air Filtration: Install advanced HEPA and MERV-rated filters to capture more allergens, dust, and airborne particles.
• Control Moisture in the Air: Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain ideal indoor humidity levels (40%–60%). Balanced moisture supports respiratory health and reduces mold and dust mites.
• Optimize Comfort with Smart Tech: Smart thermostats and IAQ sensors offer advanced control over your indoor climate and alert you to shifts in air quality—helping you take quick action when needed. Learn more here.
• 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 St. Louis, MO, indoor air quality and create a healthier home or workplace.

Why SmartHouse for St. Louis, MO, Indoor Air Quality Solutions?

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, MO.

The SmartHouse team specializes in a variety of different services for St. Louis 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 St. Louis, MO, Air Quality Control pros are here to help.