Stand outdoors on one of those days when the weather feels perfect, take a few deep breaths, and enjoy the fresh air.

Later, take another deep breath—only inside your North Carolina home. How does it compare?

Improving the indoor air quality (IAQ) at your Charlotte home or business makes sense on so many levels. Consider your health, your comfort, and your household budget. It’s hard to imagine a more important investment than improving the air you breathe!

At All City Heat and Air , we specialize in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that add value to your home and enjoyment to your lives. After all, nothing spells happiness like fresh air.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consistently ranks indoor air pollution as a growing concern to the public’s health. Fortunately, there are ways to take control of the air you breathe.

A DIY (do it yourself) task you should always remember is to regularly change your furnace air filter. Most manufacturers recommend changing the filter at least every 90 days—more so if you have pets or a smoker in your Charlotte home. Filters capture dust, debris, and other particles in the airflow. They play a vital role in cleaning the air and helping your HVAC system operate more efficiently.

There are varying types of air filters available, from inexpensive disposal filters to permanent ones requiring regular washing. Consider using high-particulate efficiency air (HEPA) filters if anyone in your home suffers from asthma or allergies. And it’s always a good idea to check manufacturer guidelines on choosing the best filters for your particular system.

The second DIY task is even easier: open the windows in your Charlotte home for a few minutes per day, weather permitting. You will enjoy the gentle breeze while improving your air quality!

A well-maintained air conditioner (AC) not only cools down your home but also helps reduce extra moisture in the air.

A leaky air conditioning unit, on the other hand, can cause bacteria and mold growth.

If you want to breathe clean indoor air, keep your HVAC system in good working order. Schedule an annual tune-up for your air conditioning unit in the spring, and one for your furnace in the fall. If you use a heat pump , we recommend tune-ups in the spring and fall since it works twice as hard.

Scheduling tune-ups and inspections with All City Heat and Air helps you get the best performance from your HVAC investment. It also nips leaks in the bud and prevents a minor issue from turning into a costly disaster. And remember, upgrading your residential heating and cooling system adds comfort to your life—and value to your home.

Adding a portable or whole-house air filtration system to your home’s HVAC system can do wonders toward improving your indoor air quality. These systems play many roles—certain models are designed to reduce pollen, pet dander, and other inorganic particles. Other systems—particularly ones that use ultraviolet (UV) lighting —help eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other airborne microorganisms.

If you want to eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pollen, bacteria, and other airborne pollution floating around your North Carolina home, consider installing an air filtration system. While these systems will not prevent you from getting infected, they can significantly improve your air quality. Talk to one of our professionals at All City Heat and Air to determine which system best fits your budget and needs.

Air ducts are like a superhighway delivering fresh air to every room in your home. Industry standards recommend you have your air ducts inspected for cleanliness, cracks, and leaks every two years and you have your ducts cleaned every five to seven years or less. By having your air ducts cleaned regularly, you will help improve the indoor air quality in your home and enhance the efficiency of your HVAC system, which may reduce energy bills.

Turn to your indoor air quality experts at All City Heat and Air to help make your Charlotte, NC , home healthier and more comfortable. Call 704-545-2000 or request service online  today to schedule an appointment—nothing beats a breath of fresh air!

The post Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality first appeared on All City Heat and Air and is written by All City Heat and Air.