7 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Ohio Home

Did you know the air inside your Ohio home could be 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside? According to the EPA, Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, making indoor air quality a critical factor for your family's health and comfort.

For homeowners in Cincinnati, Dayton, and the surrounding Ohio communities, indoor air quality presents unique challenges. Our region experiences extreme temperature swings, high summer humidity from the Ohio River Valley, and dry winter air that can wreak havoc on your respiratory system. Add in common household allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen, and you've got a recipe for discomfort.

The good news? Improving your home's indoor air quality in Ohio doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Here are 7 proven strategies to help you and your family breathe easier year-round.

1. Upgrade to High-Efficiency Air Filters

Your HVAC system's air filter is your first line of defense against airborne pollutants. But not all filters are created equal. The filter's effectiveness is measured by its MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), which ranges from 1 to 20.

For most Ohio homes, we recommend filters rated MERV 11 to MERV 13. These filters capture:

• Dust and dust mites
• Pollen and plant spores
• Pet dander
• Mold spores
• Some bacteria and virus carriers

Higher isn't always better, though. Filters rated MERV 14 and above can restrict airflow in residential systems not designed for them, potentially damaging your HVAC equipment. Always consult with a professional before upgrading to a higher-rated filter.

2. Consider a Whole-Home Air Purification System

While better filters help, they only catch particles that pass through your HVAC system. For comprehensive indoor air quality improvement, consider adding a whole-home air purification system that actively cleans your air.

There are two main types of whole-home purification systems:

Air Cleaners and Electronic Air Cleaners

These systems use electrostatic attraction to capture particles, including ultrafine pollutants that pass through standard filters. They're particularly effective for smoke, smog, and microscopic allergens. Many models are washable and reusable, reducing long-term costs.

UV Light Air Purifiers

UV-C light purification systems target biological contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. As air circulates through your HVAC system, it passes by UV lamps that neutralize these microorganisms. This technology is especially valuable for households with immunocompromised family members or recurring mold issues.

At More Heat More Cool, we offer a range of indoor air quality solutions that can be customized to your home's specific needs and your family's health concerns.

3. Control Your Home's Humidity Levels

Humidity plays a massive role in how your home feels and how healthy your air is. Ohio's climate presents a double challenge: bone-dry air in winter from heating systems, and oppressive humidity in summer from the Ohio River Valley.

The ideal indoor humidity range is 30-50%. Here's why it matters:

• Too dry (below 30%): Dry skin, irritated sinuses, static electricity, cracked wood furniture, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections
• Too humid (above 50%): Mold growth, dust mite proliferation, musty odors, and that uncomfortable "sticky" feeling

Solutions for Ohio Homes

For dry winters: A whole-house humidifier integrates with your HVAC system to add moisture evenly throughout your home. Unlike portable humidifiers that only treat one room (and can grow mold if not cleaned regularly), whole-house systems are low-maintenance and provide consistent humidity control.

For humid summers: A whole-house dehumidifier removes excess moisture before it circulates through your home. This not only improves comfort but also takes pressure off your air conditioner, potentially lowering energy bills.

4. Keep Your Ductwork Clean and Sealed

Your ductwork is the delivery system for all the air you breathe at home. Over time, dust, debris, pet hair, and even mold can accumulate inside your ducts. Every time your HVAC system runs, some of these contaminants get blown into your living spaces.

Signs your ducts may need attention:

• Visible dust puffs when the system starts
• Musty or stale odors from vents
• Uneven airflow between rooms
• Higher-than-usual energy bills
• Recent construction or renovation

Professional duct cleaning removes built-up contaminants, while duct sealing addresses leaks that can waste 20-30% of conditioned air. Both services improve air quality and HVAC efficiency. Our technicians can inspect your ductwork during a routine maintenance visit and recommend the right solutions.

5. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Modern homes are built tighter than ever for energy efficiency, but this can trap stale air, odors, and pollutants inside. Proper ventilation brings in fresh outdoor air while exhausting contaminated indoor air.

For Ohio homes, we recommend considering an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) or HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) system. These systems:

• Exchange stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air
• Recover heat (or cooling) from outgoing air to pre-condition incoming air
• Maintain energy efficiency while improving air quality
• Filter incoming air to remove outdoor pollutants

ERV systems are particularly beneficial in Ohio because they also manage humidity transfer, helping keep your home comfortable year-round without the energy penalty of simply opening windows.

6. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC system does more than heat and cool your home. It circulates and filters thousands of cubic feet of air every hour. When your system is properly maintained, it does this job efficiently and effectively. When it's neglected, it can become a source of air quality problems.

How maintenance improves indoor air quality:

• Clean coils and components: Dirty evaporator coils can harbor mold and bacteria
• Proper airflow: Ensures contaminants are captured by filters, not bypassing them
• Blower inspection: A failing blower can't circulate air effectively through your filter
• Ductwork check: Identifies leaks or contamination issues
• Drainage verification: Clogged condensate drains can cause moisture and mold problems

Our Comfort Club members receive bi-annual maintenance visits (heating in fall, cooling in spring) that include comprehensive inspections and cleaning. Members also receive priority scheduling, discounts on repairs, and peace of mind knowing their system is always running at peak performance.

7. Address the Source of Indoor Pollutants

While HVAC solutions can significantly improve your air quality, don't overlook simple steps to reduce pollutants at the source:

• Use exhaust fans: Always run kitchen and bathroom fans when cooking or showering
• Remove shoes at the door: Prevents tracking in pesticides, pollen, and other outdoor contaminants
• Vacuum regularly: Use a vacuum with HEPA filtration to capture allergens rather than redistributing them
• Limit volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Choose low-VOC paints, cleaning products, and furnishings
• Control pet areas: Bathe pets regularly and wash bedding weekly
• Avoid indoor smoking: Tobacco smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals that linger in fabrics and surfaces

Breathe Easier in Your Ohio Home

Improving indoor air quality is an investment in your family's health and comfort. Whether you start with something simple like upgrading your air filter or take a comprehensive approach with whole-home purification and humidity control, every step makes a difference.

At More Heat More Cool, we've helped Cincinnati and Dayton homeowners breathe easier for over 20 years. Our NATE-certified technicians can assess your home's specific air quality challenges and recommend solutions that fit your needs and budget.

From air purifiers and UV light systems to whole-house humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and professional duct cleaning, we offer the complete range of indoor air quality services to keep your home healthy year-round.