The quality of air inside your home has a big impact on your health and overall well-being. As we move into spring in Toms River, NJ, it's important to understand how seasonal changes can affect your indoor air quality. With pollen, humidity shifts, and increased ventilation, spring can bring unique challenges for homeowners. Here’s how the season impacts indoor air and what you can do to maintain a safe, comfortable home environment.

The Dangers of Indoor Air Quality

Did you know that indoor air can be between two and five times more polluted than outdoor air? According to the EPA, this happens because indoor air is confined, allowing pollutants to build up, while outdoor air is naturally diluted. In the spring, allergens like pollen can easily enter your home, along with other airborne irritants like pet dander, dust, and mold spores. Poor indoor air quality can worsen allergies and respiratory conditions and lead to symptoms like sinus irritation, fatigue, and headaches. It can also promote mold growth, especially in areas of your home with excess moisture—common during the damp spring months in New Jersey.

Opening Windows and Ventilation

Spring’s mild temperatures make it tempting to open windows for fresh air. While this can help ventilate your home, it can also allow outdoor allergens like tree and grass pollen to enter. Additionally, spring rain and humidity can increase indoor moisture levels, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew if not properly managed. Consider mechanical ventilation solutions, such as energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), which bring in fresh air while filtering out allergens and balancing humidity.

Allergens and Humidity

Spring in Toms River often brings higher humidity, especially after rainfall. Excess indoor moisture can lead to mold growth and contribute to dust mite populations—two common allergy triggers. Maintaining indoor humidity between **30% and 50%** can reduce these risks. A whole-home dehumidifier, connected to your HVAC system, can automatically regulate moisture levels throughout your home, improving comfort and air quality.

Getting an Indoor Air Quality Assessment

If you’ve noticed worsening allergy symptoms in spring, an indoor air quality assessment can help. One of our skilled HVAC technicians can evaluate pollutant levels and humidity in your home, identifying specific issues and recommending solutions like filtration upgrades or humidity control. A follow-up assessment ensures the changes you make are improving your air quality.

High-Efficiency Air Filters

Your HVAC air filter plays a key role in trapping airborne allergens. For optimal protection during allergy season, consider using a **MERV 10 to 13** filter, which captures pollen, mold spores, and fine dust. Not all systems can handle higher-rated filters, so be sure to check your HVAC specifications or consult a technician. Filters should be checked monthly and replaced every 1 to 3 months, especially during peak allergy seasons.

UV Sanitizing Lights

To further improve air quality, UV sanitizing lights can be installed in your HVAC system. These lights use UV-C technology to deactivate bacteria, viruses, and mold spores, reducing their ability to spread. Coil sanitizing lights prevent mold on your system’s evaporator coil, while air sanitizing lights treat the air as it circulates. UV lighting is a great supplement to high-efficiency filtration, especially during spring when allergens and microbes are more prevalent.

Spring Cleaning for Better Air

Good cleaning habits support healthier air. Dust surfaces regularly, vacuum with a HEPA filter, and wash bedding weekly to reduce allergens. Choose low-VOC or green cleaning products to minimize chemical pollutants, which can be more concentrated indoors in spring when windows are closed during rainy days or high pollen counts.

Helpful Indoor Air Quality Service in Toms River

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning® provides reliable indoor air quality services to the Toms River, NJ community. Whether you're dealing with seasonal allergies, high humidity, or air filtration concerns, we’re here to help. We also assist with HVAC, heating, air conditioning, ductwork, thermostat, and insulation services. Call us today to schedule your next service appointment and breathe easier this spring.