Utah’s Indoor Air Quality Issues (and How to Deal With Them)

Whether you have lived in Utah all your life or have only been here a few years, you know our beautiful state is subject to indoor air quality issues. We deal with those issues all the time as a heating and air conditioning contractor. The good news is that homeowners don’t have to settle for poor-quality indoor air. They can do something about it.

We have put together a list of the most common indoor air quality challenges along with suggestions for improving things. If you are having problems with your furnace or air conditioner, call Comfort Solutions. We provide service in the West Haven and Sandy areas.

Common Indoor Air Quality Challenges

Utah’s geology and climate create interesting conditions for air quality. Here are the top six indoor air quality issues state residents experience:

1. Dust and Pollen

Utah’s climate is arid. That means it lends itself very well to plenty of dust and pollen in the air. That dust and pollen travels indoors, where they aggravate allergies and respiratory issues.

2. Wildfire Smoke

As you know, Utah is a largely rural state. Our rural nature, combined with the arid climate, creates a perfect storm for wildfires. How does this impact on indoor air quality? By introducing smoke particles. Smoke particles infiltrate homes, where they degrade air quality.

3. Low Humidity

Plenty of dry air in the atmosphere leads to low humidity in our homes. People with sensitive respiratory systems can suffer. The rest of us may find dry air irritating to our eyes and skin.

4. High CO2 Levels

The well-insulated homes can save energy, but they can also contribute to elevated levels of carbon dioxide. High CO2 levels can cause significant discomfort for homeowners.

5. Normal Pollutants

Of course, Utah homeowners deal with normal pollutants in their homes. Combustion appliances, cleaning products, and even off-gassing all contribute to degraded indoor air quality.

6. Winter Inversion

Utah is somewhat unique in that we experience inversion events during the winter. Inversion occurs when cold air near the surface of the earth traps pollutants. Those pollutants seep into homes, where they affect air quality.

How to Address Poor Indoor Air Quality

Now that we know what ruins the quality of the air in our homes, what can we do about it? We can offer a number of solutions, many of which are utilized in other parts of the country as well. Let us start with the whole-home air purifier.

A whole-home air purifier is a device installed in the HVAC ductwork. It can remove up to 99.9% of all airborne pollutants, including smoke particles, mold, bacteria, and allergens. Utah residents can also consider:

• Germicidal Lights – UV germicidal lights installed in air handling units can neutralize bacteria, viruses, and mold. They prevent microbial contamination.

• Humidifiers – A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which is important during Utah winters. We have little call for dehumidifiers in the Beehive State, but some homeowners still prefer to install them in their basements.

• Ventilation – It is important to make sure that a home is properly ventilated. If you do not know how to tell if yours is or isn’t, we can help.

• Smart Thermostats – Advanced smart thermostats can monitor indoor air quality parameters. An equipped thermostat can alert you to poor air quality, enabling you to take corrective action.

Indoor air quality is an issue in many Utah homes. But it doesn’t have to be. By learning what degrades air quality and how to correct it, you can improve the air in your home.