During summer, most of us keep the windows closed and the AC running, which means we’re spending more time breathing indoor air than we might realize. The EPA has noted for years that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air in many homes, and summer conditions can make that worse. It’s not something to stress about, but it is worth understanding so you can make smart decisions about your home’s air quality.
What’s Actually in Your Indoor Air
The most common indoor air quality concerns in New England homes include dust and dust mite allergens, pet dander, mold spores (especially in humid conditions), pollen that comes in through doors and windows, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products and furniture, and combustion byproducts from cooking or any gas appliances.
During summer, pollen counts are high outside, and every time someone opens a door, some of that comes in. Humidity accelerates mold growth in bathrooms, basements, and anywhere moisture collects. When the AC runs continuously in a sealed house, whatever is in the air gets recirculated constantly.
Your Air Filter Is Your First Line of Defense
A clean, properly rated air filter catches a significant portion of the particles moving through your HVAC system. The MERV rating on a filter indicates how well it captures different sized particles. Standard fiberglass filters have very low MERV ratings and do little beyond protecting the equipment. Upgrading to a MERV 8 to 11 filter captures pollen, dust, pet dander, and many mold spores without significantly restricting airflow.
MERV 13 and higher filters are sometimes used in homes with serious allergy concerns, but they require a compatible blower that can move air against higher resistance. Check with a technician before jumping to the highest rated filter on the shelf.
UV Air Purifiers and Their Role
UV (ultraviolet) air purification systems installed inside your HVAC system use germicidal UV-C light to neutralize bacteria, mold spores, and some viruses as air passes through. They’ve become more popular over the last several years, and they do work for what they’re designed to do. They’re not a substitute for a good filter, but used together they address both particulate and biological contaminants.
Ventilation Matters More Than You’d Think
Tightly sealed modern homes can have reduced fresh air exchange, which allows pollutants to concentrate indoors. Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) bring in fresh outdoor air while recovering the energy from the outgoing air, so you get fresh air without wasting the cooling you’ve already paid for. For homes that are particularly tight or where indoor air quality is a concern, an ERV is worth knowing about.
Simple Things You Can Control Today
Beyond the mechanical systems, there are easy habits that help. Run the kitchen exhaust fan when cooking. Keep the bathroom fan running for 15 to 20 minutes after a shower to remove humidity. Vacuum with a HEPA-filtered vacuum regularly. Avoid using aerosol sprays indoors. Keep houseplants (they don’t filter air as dramatically as marketing claims, but they don’t hurt either).
If air quality is a concern in your home, especially if someone has allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues, McKee Brothers can talk through the filtration and purification options that make sense for your specific setup. Call us at 401-723-1100 to learn more.