Most people don’t think twice about the air inside their home until someone’s allergies start acting up or a strange odor lingers a little too long. Many don’t realize that indoor air quality affects everything from how well you sleep to how comfortable you feel during the day. Luckily, your HVAC system can do more than regulate temperature.
Here’s how to optimize your HVAC system to keep indoor air clean, fresh, and healthy.
Begin with a Better Filter
Most HVAC systems have a filter, but that doesn’t mean it’s helping your air quality. A lot of older setups still use thin fiberglass filters which are fine for catching visible dust. However, they let smaller stuff—like pet dander and pollen—sneak right through.
If you’re noticing allergies or dust buildup, upgrading to a more efficient filter can make a big difference.
Upgrade to a high-efficiency filter. Look for a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of at least 8–13 for typical households. These can trap more airborne pollutants without choking airflow, especially if you change them regularly.
Use a Whole-Home Air Purifier for Added Protection
Does someone in your home struggle with asthma or allergies? Then there’s a good chance that a standard HVAC filter isn’t doing enough to keep the air clear of smoke, pet dander, and other small particulates than can aggrevate these conditions.
If that’s the case, we recommend a whole-home air purifier system that install directly in your HVAC ductwork. Many use UV light, HEPA filtration, or ionization to reduce airborne bacteria, viruses, and smoke particles. They work in the background whenever your HVAC system runs, offering continuous protection without any extra hassle.
Not sure if one’s right for you? Our team at Schwantes can evaluate your home and recommend an air quality solution that fits your system and lifestyle.
Keep Your Ductwork Clean and Sealed
Even the best HVAC system won’t help much if your ducts are filthy or leaking. Over time, dust, pet dander, mold spores, and even rodent droppings can collect in ductwork—especially if it’s rarely cleaned or poorly sealed.
That build-up can be pushed into your home whenever the system runs, circulating allergens and pollutants through every room.
Scheduling a duct inspection and cleaning every few years can prevent this. Also, sealing your ducts keeps contaminants from entering while boosting overall HVAC efficiency.
Did you know? According to the EPA, leaky ductwork can reduce HVAC efficiency by up to 30%. That’s a big hit to both your air quality and your wallet.
Control Humidity to Prevent Mold and Dust Mites
Humidity levels that swing too far in either direction can do damage to your air quality and your home.
Excess moisture encourages mold and dust mites to spread, and, if you have wooden floors or furniture, cause these items to swell and warp.
On the other hand, if your skin feels tight or your nose is constantly irritated, your home’s humidity might be too low. Over time, that dryness can even cause wood floors to crack or furniture to split—especially during winter.
Most homes do best when indoor humidity stays somewhere between 30% and 50%. If your HVAC system struggles to hold that range, it might be worth condsidering adding a humidifier or dehumidifier to keep things in check.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat for Better Circulation
There’s more to smart thermostats than energy savings. Some models give you the option to run your HVAC fan on a schedule, even when you’re not heating or cooling. That steady circulation helps push air through your filters more often.
More circulation means more air passing through filters or purifiers, helping to trap particles and regulate humidity. Some models even include built-in air quality monitoring or integrate with other indoor air devices.
If you’re ready to upgrade, we’ll help you choose and install a model that works best with your HVAC system.
Regular Maintenance Matters More Than You Think
Even top-of-the-line HVAC equipment can’t do its job if it’s bogged down by wear and tear. When coils get clogged or airflow is restricted, your system can’t move air efficiently, let alone filter it. Parts wear out. Dust builds up. Things slip out of tune.
A seasonal check-up from the Schwantes team helps catch small issues before they become bigger problems and keeps everything running the way it should, so your air stays clean and your system stays reliable.
Our technicians check everything from refrigerant levels and blower motors to thermostat accuracy and air handler efficiency. It’s the easiest way to catch issues early and keep your home’s air safe and breathable year-round.
Schedule HVAC maintenance at least once a year—ideally before peak heating or cooling seasons.
Breathe Easy with a Little Help from Schwantes
Better air quality doesn’t have to mean a big overhaul. Small improvements—like the right filter, balanced humidity, or routine checkups—can go a long way in making your home more comfortable and healthier for the people who live in it.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help. At Schwantes, we’ve been helping local families get more out of their HVAC systems for years. Give us a call to set up an air quality consultation—we’ll walk through your options and find a solution that fits your space, your system, and your goals.
