Most homeowners think of their HVAC system as the thing that keeps the house warm in winter and cool in summer. In reality, it also affects what you breathe every day. Homes can trap indoor air pollutants from cooking, cleaning, smoke, building materials, and moisture [1], which may contribute to irritation, headaches, allergy flare-ups, or worsened asthma symptoms. Indoor air quality relates directly to health and comfort inside the home [1], so small HVAC additions can make a noticeable difference over time.
Whole-home air purification: cleaner air as it circulates
If you want an upgrade that works throughout the house, consider whole-home air cleaning through your HVAC system [2]. Unlike a portable unit that treats one room, an HVAC-connected solution helps clean air as it moves through the return and supply ducts. Practical options include portable air cleaners for single rooms or central HVAC filters designed to filter air throughout the home [2], depending on your goals and layout.
A high-impact starting point is filtration. Many systems can benefit from upgrading to an HVAC filter rated at least MERV 13, or as high as the system can accommodate [2]. Higher-efficiency filters can help capture finer particles of concern, but performance depends on fit and maintenance. Filters need regular replacement because overloaded filters do not work well [2], and letting a filter get heavily soiled can reduce airflow and effectiveness.
It is also worth knowing what filtration can and cannot do. Filtration can help improve indoor air quality, but it cannot remove all pollutants [2], so source control and ventilation still matter. For families dealing with allergies, some research has shown small improvements in allergy or asthma symptoms from HEPA air cleaners [2], even though results vary by individual and home conditions.
Some homeowners also ask about in-duct technologies. If you are exploring add-ons beyond filters, avoid products that intentionally produce ozone. Ozone is a lung irritant and ozone-generating devices are not approved for use in occupied spaces [2]. A qualified technician can help you evaluate safe options that fit your system.
HVAC humidifiers: balancing comfort and preventing problems
Humidity is another major piece of indoor air quality. When the air is too dry, people often notice dry skin, cracked lips, and nose or throat irritation [3]. When humidity is too high, the home can become more welcoming to mold and other issues. Many homes do best when indoor relative humidity stays around 30% to 50% [3]. A whole-home humidifier can help maintain that range more consistently than portable units by adding moisture through the ductwork.
Whole-home humidifiers can also offer convenience features like automatic humidity control using a humidistat [4] and less day-to-day hassle compared with refilling room humidifiers. Still, balance matters. Over-humidification can create condensation and increase risk of microbial growth, so proper setup and ongoing care are important.
When to consider indoor air quality upgrades
You may want to look into HVAC air quality additions if you notice persistent dust, musty odors, frequent allergy symptoms indoors, or humidity swings [5]. A professional can assess airflow, filtration compatibility, and humidity needs, then recommend the right combination of upgrades for your home.
Cleaner air balanced humidity supports comfort year-round. For homeowners who want an HVAC system that does more than heat and cool, air purification and humidification add-ons are a smart next step. Contact C.D. Shanahan’s today to explore whole-home air purifiers and HVAC-installed humidifiers that fit your system and help your household breathe easier.
Sources:
- https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality
- https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2018-07/documents/guide_to_air_cleaners_in_the_home_2nd_edition.pdf
- https://todayshomeowner.com/hvac/guides/indoor-humidity-chart/
- https://homeinspectioninsider.com/whole-house-humidifier-pros-and-cons/
- https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants
