As we move through the year, many homeowners and business owners are setting resolutions to live healthier lives. While diet and exercise often top the list, there’s one often-overlooked factor that plays a critical role in your health and comfort: indoor air quality. From allergens and dust to humidity and ventilation, the air you breathe inside your home or office can significantly impact your well-being.
At Polar, we’re proud to serve Belleville, IL, and the surrounding areas with top-tier HVAC and air purification solutions. In this blog, we’ll walk you through why indoor air quality matters and how to set meaningful goals this year to create a healthier home for yourself and your family.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters for Your Health and Comfort
According to the EPA, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. This is especially concerning, considering that most people spend nearly 90% of their time indoors. Poor air quality can trigger allergies, asthma, fatigue, and respiratory issues, particularly in children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.
Indoor pollutants may include:
- Dust, pet dander, and pollen
- Mold spores and mildew
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products or furniture
- Poor humidity control
- Inadequate ventilation
Maintaining good indoor air quality doesn’t just improve your health—it also protects your home’s HVAC system, reduces energy costs, and increases overall comfort. That’s why this year is the perfect time to create specific air quality goals that will benefit your home or business all year long.
Goal #1: Schedule a Professional Indoor Air Quality Assessment
The best place to start is by understanding your current air quality situation. At Polar, we offer comprehensive indoor air quality assessments to evaluate the levels of dust, allergens, humidity, and pollutants in your home or business.
Our trained technicians will:
- Inspect air filters, vents, and ductwork
- Measure humidity levels
- Check for signs of mold or mildew
- Recommend targeted solutions based on your specific needs
A professional assessment provides a clear starting point, allowing you to set informed goals and act promptly.
Contact Polar today to schedule your indoor air quality assessment in Belleville, IL!
Goal #2: Replace Air Filters Regularly
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to boost your indoor air quality is by regularly replacing your HVAC system’s air filters. Dirty or clogged filters not only decrease airflow and efficiency but also allow pollutants to recirculate throughout your home.
Aim for this filter replacement schedule:
- Every 1–2 months for homes with pets or allergy sufferers
- Every 3 months for average households
- Monthly during high-use seasons like summer and winter
If you’re unsure about the type of filter that’s best, our team can help you choose high-efficiency filters that trap even the smallest particles without overburdening your HVAC system.
Goal #3: Invest in Whole-Home Air Purification
While air filters help, they often can’t remove microscopic particles, such as bacteria or VOCs. That’s where whole-home air purifiers come in. These systems work in conjunction with your existing HVAC system to provide around-the-clock air purification, enhancing health and comfort with minimal maintenance.
Polar offers advanced air purification systems, including:
- HEPA filtration units
- UV light systems
- Electronic air cleaners
These solutions target airborne pathogens, eliminate odors, and reduce allergy triggers. Adding an air purifier is a powerful step toward a cleaner, healthier home this year.
Goal #4: Balance Humidity for Optimal Air Quality
Humidity control is a crucial component of indoor air quality that often gets overlooked. Air that’s too dry can irritate your throat and skin, while overly humid air can promote mold growth and dust mites.
Ideally, indoor humidity should stay between 30% and 50%.
Consider installing:
- Whole-home humidifiers during dry winter months
- Dehumidifiers for damp basements or during summer
Our team at Polar can evaluate your humidity levels and recommend the best solution to maintain a balanced and comfortable environment.
Goal #5: Clean and Seal Air Ducts
Your ductwork plays a major role in your home’s air circulation. Over time, ducts can accumulate dust, debris, and even mold, distributing pollutants every time your system operates.
Signs your air ducts may need attention:
- Excessive dust in the home
- Musty odors when the HVAC is on
- Uneven heating or cooling
- Allergy symptoms that worsen indoors
We provide professional air duct cleaning and sealing services that remove contaminants and improve energy efficiency. Clean ducts = cleaner air.
Don’t wait—contact Polar today to ask about duct cleaning in Belleville and surrounding areas.
Goal #6: Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat for Better Air Management
While many people think of thermostats only in terms of temperature, today’s smart thermostats can also help regulate indoor air quality. Many models now feature sensors that track humidity and air quality, and they can adjust your system automatically for optimal comfort.
Benefits include:
- Better control of indoor climate
- Alerts for filter changes or high humidity
- Energy savings through smarter scheduling
Pairing a smart thermostat with HVAC maintenance and other air quality upgrades makes it easier to stick to your goals throughout this year.
Goal #7: Commit to Regular HVAC Maintenance
Your HVAC system is the heart of your home’s comfort and indoor air circulation. Scheduling routine HVAC maintenance ensures everything runs smoothly and helps catch issues before they become costly repairs.
During a tune-up, our technicians:
- Clean components
- Check refrigerant levels
- Test airflow and safety systems
- Replace filters and inspect for mold or blockages
Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your system but also improves air quality and efficiency.
Contact Polar today to schedule your HVAC service and start the year fresh.
Make Indoor Air Quality a Priority This Year
Setting indoor air quality goals is an investment in your long-term health and home value. From routine maintenance and air filtration to humidity control and duct cleaning, every improvement brings you closer to a cleaner, more comfortable space.
At Polar, we’re proud to be the trusted name in HVAC services, air purification, and emergency plumbing services in Belleville, IL. Whether you’re ready to schedule a service or want to learn more, our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to help.
Call Polar today and let us help you breathe easier all year long!
