7 min read Health & Safety By SunnySide AC Team

Indoor air quality significantly impacts your family's health, comfort, and overall well-being. With people spending up to 90% of their time indoors, ensuring clean, healthy air in your home is crucial. Poor indoor air quality can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues, especially in Florida's humid climate where mold and allergens thrive.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

Indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA. Common indoor pollutants include dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, and chemical vapors from cleaning products and furniture.

These pollutants can cause immediate symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and eye irritation, as well as long-term health issues including respiratory diseases and heart problems.

Practical Air Quality Solutions

1 Upgrade Your HVAC Filtration System

Replace standard filters with high-efficiency HEPA or MERV-rated filters. These capture smaller particles including bacteria, viruses, and fine dust that basic filters miss.

Pro Tip: Change filters every 30-90 days depending on usage, pets, and allergies. Mark your calendar to maintain consistent air quality.

2 Control Humidity Levels

Maintain indoor humidity between 30-50% to prevent mold growth and dust mite proliferation. Use dehumidifiers in humid areas and ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.

Florida Special: Our humid climate makes humidity control especially important. Professional HVAC systems can integrate humidity control for optimal comfort.

3 Install Air Purification Systems

Consider whole-house air purifiers, UV germicidal lights, or portable air purifiers for specific rooms. These systems actively remove pollutants, allergens, and pathogens from your air.

  • UV Lights: Kill bacteria, viruses, and mold in your HVAC system
  • Ionizers: Charge particles to make them easier to filter
  • Activated Carbon: Removes odors and chemical vapors

4 Improve Ventilation

Ensure adequate fresh air circulation by using exhaust fans, opening windows when weather permits, and considering energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) that bring in fresh air while conserving energy.

5 Regular HVAC Maintenance

Clean ductwork, coils, and components regularly. Dirty HVAC systems circulate contaminated air throughout your home. Professional cleaning and maintenance ensure your system promotes rather than hinders air quality.

Simple Daily Habits for Better Air

Do These Daily:

  • Keep humidity below 50%
  • Use exhaust fans while cooking and bathing
  • Vacuum regularly with HEPA filter
  • Keep indoor plants (they naturally purify air)
  • Remove shoes at the door

Avoid These:

  • Smoking indoors
  • Overuse of chemical air fresheners
  • Ignoring water leaks and moisture
  • Forgetting to clean or replace filters
  • Blocking air vents with furniture

When to Call the Professionals

While many air quality improvements can be DIY projects, some situations require professional expertise:

  • • Persistent odors or musty smells
  • • Visible mold growth
  • • Family members experiencing ongoing respiratory issues
  • • Installing whole-house air purification systems
  • • Ductwork cleaning and sealing

Breathe Easier with Professional Air Quality Solutions

Ready to improve your home's air quality? SunnySide 24/7 AC offers comprehensive indoor air quality assessments and customized solutions to help your family breathe cleaner, healthier air.