IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) refers to the overall healthiness of the air inside your home — particulates, humidity, VOCs, carbon dioxide levels, and allergens. The EPA notes that indoor air is often 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air, mostly from accumulated dust, cleaning products, off-gassing materials, and inadequate ventilation.
Major IAQ concerns for Colorado homes
- Wildfire smoke — late summer events impact most of the Front Range
- Low humidity — Colorado’s dry air causes dry skin, cracked wood, static electricity
- Radon — Colorado has elevated radon levels in much of the foothills
- Combustion byproducts — from gas furnaces, water heaters, ranges
- Pet dander and allergens
HVAC tools that improve IAQ
MERV 11-13 filtration, whole-home humidifiers (winter), ERV/HRV ventilation, UV lights for biological contaminants, and dedicated HEPA air purifiers for bedrooms during smoke events.
Related: MERV, HEPA, ERV, HRV.
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Right Way Mechanical is a family-owned HVAC contractor serving Wheat Ridge, Arvada, west Denver, and the Colorado foothills.