Indoor air quality (IAQ) has a direct impact on your health, comfort, and the performance of your AC system—but it’s not always easy to spot issues until they’re affecting you. At Brown, we believe clean air should be a given, not a question.
1. What is indoor air quality (IAQ)?
Indoor air quality refers to the condition of the air inside your home, specifically how clean or contaminated it is. When referring to the ‘quality of your air’ it includes the levels of dust, pollen, pet dander, chemicals (VOCs), and even bacteria or viruses that may be present. Poor IAQ can lead to allergy symptoms, respiratory irritation, fatigue, and long-term health concerns.
2. What causes poor air quality inside a home?
Common contributors to poor air quality include everyday cleaning products, aerosols, smoke, pet hair, high humidity, inadequate ventilation, and dirty air conditioning (AC) filters. Sealed homes—especially those running AC most of the year—tend to trap these pollutants inside. Over time, that buildup can create a stale or unhealthy indoor environment.
3. How can I tell if my home has poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
Signs of poor air quality include frequent sneezing or coughing indoors, headaches, persistent odors, visible dust buildup, or mildew around windows or vents. You may also notice your AC system running more than usual, or struggling to maintain temperature. If something feels off, it’s worth having your air quality evaluated.
4. What are VOCs and why do they matter?
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are gases released by many household items—cleaners, paints, glues, furniture finishes, and more. They can linger in your air, especially in closed environments, and contribute to symptoms like eye irritation, dizziness, or headaches. Managing VOC exposure is one of the key steps in improving IAQ.
5. How does my AC system affect IAQ?
Your system plays a big role in circulating and filtering the air. If your filters are old, ducts are dusty, or components are overdue for maintenance, your system could be spreading contaminants rather than removing them. Brown Cooling, and Plumbing offers IAQ-focused AC maintenance and system upgrades to help ensure your air stays clean and balanced.
6. Is humidity control really necessary?
Yes. High humidity promotes mildew and dust mites, while low humidity can cause dry skin and irritated sinuses. Balanced indoor humidity (ideally 30–50%) supports both comfort and health. We offer whole-home dehumidifiers and smart system solutions to help regulate moisture effectively.
7. What are the best ways to improve indoor air quality?
Start with regular filter changes, use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, minimize chemical-based cleaning products, and keep your home well-ventilated. For deeper improvements, consider air purifiers, upgraded system filters, or UV lights. Brown Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing can recommend solutions based on your home layout, lifestyle, and air quality needs.
9. How often should I schedule an IAQ check or AC maintenance?
Annual cooling system maintenance is a good baseline, and IAQ assessments can be done at the same time. If you’ve noticed recent issues—like odd smells, increased allergies, or uneven airflow—it may be time to get a professional opinion. We offer thorough inspections with recommendations to help you maintain a healthy home. At Brown Cooling, and Plumbing, we specialize in helping homeowners take control of their air with smart, effective solutions tailored to Gulf Coast living. Clean air starts at home—and with the right care, your home can become the safe, refreshing retreat it’s meant to be. Call Brown today at (941) 722-9276 to schedule an indoor air quality assessment and start breathing easier.
