Poor indoor air quality is an often-overlooked but serious issue for many households in the greater Grand Rapids area. Between long heating seasons, tightly sealed homes, and common allergens like mold and pollen, it’s easy for airborne pollutants to accumulate. At Schaafsma Heating & Cooling, we’ve been helping Michigan families breathe easier since 1905. Let’s take a closer look at how your indoor air may be affecting your health and what you can do about it.
Signs That Poor Indoor Air Quality May Be Making You Sick
Because the symptoms of poor indoor air quality are often subtle or mistaken for seasonal allergies, many people don’t realize that their home’s air is a contributing factor. If you’re experiencing any of the following, your indoor air may be affecting your well-being:
- Frequent headaches
- Dry or itchy eyes, nose, or throat
- Persistent coughing or sneezing
- Fatigue or difficulty concentrating
- Worsening asthma or respiratory issues
- Skin irritation or dryness
- Recurring sinus infections or colds
These symptoms may come and go or worsen during specific seasons. However, if they tend to improve when you leave the house, it may be time to take a closer look at your indoor air quality.
Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution in the Grand Rapids Area
Many households in the Grand Rapids region unknowingly harbor indoor air pollutants, especially during winter when homes are sealed tightly against the cold. Local conditions like humidity and seasonal pollen spikes can also contribute to this issue. Poor indoor air quality can be caused by:
- Dust and pet dander that collect on surfaces and circulate through your HVAC system.
- Mold in air ducts or around damp areas such as basements or bathrooms.
- Poor ventilation that traps pollutants and stale air indoors.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products, paints, or furnishings.
- Pollen and outdoor contaminants that enter through windows, doors, or shoes.
- Smoke and cooking residue that linger in the air without proper airflow.
How HVAC Systems Impact Your Home’s Air Quality
Your HVAC system plays a much bigger role than just keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s also responsible for moving air throughout your entire home.
Here’s how your HVAC system makes a difference in your indoor air quality:
- Clean HVAC equipment helps reduce pollutants by circulating air efficiently without pushing dust or debris around.
- HVAC air filters for allergies are designed to trap allergens like pollen, dander, and fine dust, improving the air for sensitive individuals.
- Routine HVAC maintenance ensures your system stays clean and airflow stays balanced, minimizing contaminants.
- Dirty filters and clogged ducts make it harder to keep indoor air clean and can even reintroduce pollutants into your living spaces.
Air Purification Solutions & Products
At Schaafsma, we offer a full range of indoor air quality solutions designed to address the most common household air issues in the Grand Rapids area. Our products and services include:
- Air purifiers: Air purifiers push air through filters rated to remove contaminants as small as a few microns, removing indoor pollutants and toxins that can negatively impact your health.
- Dehumidifiers: If your home feels damp or musty, a whole-home dehumidifier can help reduce moisture levels and prevent mold growth.
- Humidifiers: For dry winter air that causes irritation or static electricity, a humidifier helps restore healthy moisture levels.
- Duct cleaning: Professional duct cleaning removes built-up dust, mold, and bacteria from your ductwork, improving airflow and air cleanliness.
- Air duct sealing: We close gaps, leaks, and holes in your ductwork to prevent dust, allergens, and other pollutants from finding their way into your system and circulating throughout your home.
- High-efficiency air filters: We offer several filter options that go beyond basic models to better trap fine particles and allergens.
- UV lights: Installed within your HVAC system, these lights help kill mold, bacteria, and other microorganisms as air passes through.
Breathe Easier With Schaafsma
You deserve to feel healthy and comfortable in your own home. With over a century of experience serving the greater Grand Rapids area, Schaafsma Heating & Cooling is your trusted partner for indoor air quality solutions. From heating and AC maintenance to duct cleaning and advanced air purification options, we’ll help you create a cleaner, healthier living environment for your entire family.
Contact Schaafsma today to schedule your indoor air quality assessment or learn more about improving your indoor air quality in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas.
