Easy Upgrades for Better Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has a major impact on your comfort, health, and overall home environment, especially if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivities. While most people think of air pollution as an outdoor problem, the truth is that the air inside your home can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air.

Dust, pet dander, mold spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and even bacteria and viruses can build up inside your living space, especially during seasons when your windows are closed and your HVAC system is working overtime. The good news? You don’t need a complete system overhaul to breathe easier.

Here are some simple, smart upgrades you can make to significantly improve your home’s indoor air quality.

1. Upgrade to High-Efficiency HVAC Filters

Your HVAC filter is your first line of defense against airborne pollutants. Standard filters (MERV 1–4) are great for protecting your system from large dust particles, but they don’t catch smaller irritants like pollen, pet dander, and smoke particles. That’s where high-efficiency filters come in.

Upgrading to a MERV 11–13 filter can trap much smaller particles and dramatically improve the quality of air circulating through your home. These filters can reduce allergens and prevent airborne particles from building up in your ducts and vents. If someone in your home has allergies or respiratory issues, this is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make a difference.

Tip: Be sure to check your system’s compatibility before switching to a higher-efficiency filter—some older systems may require adjustments to handle the reduced airflow.

2. Install a Whole House Air Purifier

Best Upgrade: Solaris Whole House Air Purifier

While air filters do a great job catching particles, they can’t tackle everything. That’s where the Solaris Whole House Air Purifier comes in. This advanced system goes far beyond traditional filtration to neutralize airborne threats throughout your entire home.

The Solaris system uses UV-C disinfection, photocatalytic oxidation (PCO), and ionization to remove harmful pollutants such as:

• Allergens (like dust mites, pollen, pet dander)

• Viruses and bacteria

• Mold spores

• VOCs and household odors

By integrating directly with your HVAC system, Solaris continuously purifies the air as it circulates—quietly, efficiently, and without needing room-by-room units.

Why homeowners love Solaris:

• 18,000-hour UV lamp life for minimal maintenance

• Energy-efficient operation

• Works invisibly in the background

• Improves both air quality and system longevity

Breathe better, live better. Ask us how you can add Solaris to your HVAC system today or learn more here.

3. Manage Indoor Humidity

Humidity plays a key role in your home’s air quality. Too much humidity encourages the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites—common indoor allergens. On the other hand, air that’s too dry can irritate your throat, skin, and nasal passages.

The ideal indoor humidity level is between 30–50%. You can monitor it with a simple hygrometer or invest in a smart thermostat that includes humidity sensors.

How to improve humidity balance:

• Use a whole-home dehumidifier in damp environments (especially basements).

• Add a humidifier during winter if your air feels dry or static-prone.

• Ensure your HVAC system is properly maintained to regulate moisture effectively.

Maintaining the right humidity level not only improves comfort but also helps protect furniture, floors, and even the HVAC system itself.

4. Install a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats aren’t just about convenience—they’re also a great tool for improving indoor air quality. Models like the Carrier Smart Thermostat allow you to:

• Program your HVAC system to run the fan periodically, helping to circulate and filter air even when you’re not heating or cooling.

• Monitor indoor humidity levels and adjust automatically to maintain a healthy range.

• Control your system remotely via smartphone to optimize usage and airflow.

With smart features and energy-saving functions, a thermostat upgrade can improve both your indoor air quality and your energy bills.

5. Seal and Clean Ductwork

Air ducts are often out of sight, but they can have a big impact on the air you breathe. Over time, ducts can collect dust, debris, mold, and even pests. If there are leaks or gaps in your ductwork, you could also be pulling in unfiltered air from attics or crawlspaces, along with dust, insulation fibers, and other unwanted particles.

What you can do:

• Schedule a professional duct cleaning every 3–5 years—or sooner if you’ve done renovations, noticed dust buildup, or had recent pest issues.

• Have your ductwork inspected and sealed to prevent air loss and contaminant infiltration.

• Ensure each room has adequate air returns and vents for balanced airflow.

Clean, sealed ducts help keep your air fresher, your HVAC system more efficient, and your home more comfortable overall.

6. Ventilate with Fresh Air

Fresh air is one of the simplest ways to improve IAQ. Ventilating your home helps dilute indoor pollutants and bring in oxygen-rich, cleaner air.

On days when outdoor air quality is good (and pollen levels are low), open windows and doors for a few minutes to allow for a full air exchange. For more consistent results, you can also consider installing a mechanical ventilation system such as an ERV (energy recovery ventilator), which brings in fresh air while preserving your indoor temperature.

Get Better Indoor Air Quality with Smart Upgrades

Your HVAC system has the potential to do more than just heat and cool your home—it can be a powerful tool in creating a healthier, more comfortable environment. With Americans spending up to 90% of their time indoors, it's more important than ever to address poor indoor air quality, which can often be worse than outdoor air pollution.

By making a few smart upgrades—like switching to high-efficiency or HEPA filters, adding a Solaris Whole House Air Purifier, improving air flows, managing humidity, and sealing ducts—you can significantly reduce indoor pollutants and enjoy clean air in every room. These improvements also support improved ventilation, especially when paired with habits like opening windows and doors when outdoor conditions are good.

These upgrades will make a big difference in giving you better indoor air quality, comfort, health, and peace of mind.

Ready to Improve Your Air Quality?

At Wright’s AC & Heat, we specialize in helping families across Wimberley and the surrounding areas create safer, cleaner indoor environments. Whether you're looking to install air cleaners, upgrade your thermostat, schedule seasonal maintenance, or improve your ventilation, our team is here to help.

Call us today at +1 512-847-3191 to learn more about HVAC and indoor air quality solutions that fit your home and lifestyle.