How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality Year-Round in Shreveport

Service Bee-yond Compare!

bee mascot
humidifier in shreveport to help improve indoor air quality

Establishing and maintaining good indoor air quality in Shreveport is more than comfort and breathing easier, it’s about protecting your health and home while stabilizing your energy bills. Louisiana’s hot, humid climate and seasonal pollen spikes offer challenges for homeowners, especially if you’re already battling mold, musty odors, dust, and poor ventilation. 

You don’t have to suffer through it alone. Allergy flare-ups, higher energy costs, and indoor environments that feel stuffy instead of refreshing can all be temporary with the right products and services in place.

Our Shreveport HVAC team at SBC Cooling + Heating put together a practical guide to help you improve indoor air quality year-round.

What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a little more than the condition of the air inside of your home; it also includes the presence of any pollutants, humidity levels, ventilation, and air filtration. Poor IAQ can stem from all kinds of issues, including allergens like dust mites and pollen, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products. Louisiana’s high humidity can also encourage mold growth, as well as: 

  • Musty odors caused by trapped moisture
  • Dust and pet dander collecting in HVAC ducts
  • Pollen sneaking indoors during spring and fall
  • Mold or mildew in damp areas such as basements and bathrooms

The good news is even terrible Louisiana home air quality can see improvement.

Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Ideal Indoor Conditions for Louisiana’s Climate

Louisiana’s climate means managing heat and humidity is a crucial component of indoor air equality. According to the U.S. EPA, the ideal indoor humidity level falls between 30% and 50%. If you experience anything above that, you’ll see more mold growth, while lower levels can trigger dry skin, respiratory issues, and static shocks. 

Try keeping your HVAC, heat pump, or other system at a comfortable 68–75°F range, with a steady airflow. A home with a good ventilation flow is also equally important. If your home is sealed up or your air exchange is dirty and clogged, it can trap pollutants inside of your home.

Ventilation Best Practices

Keep your home full of fresh air and circulation to enhance your indoor air quality. Here are some of our pro ventilation ideas:

  • Use exhaust fans: It’s crucial to keep moisture out of kitchens with cooking products and bathrooms .
  • Add attic and crawl space ventilation: You’ll prevent heat buildup and moisture damage for a safer home with fresher air.
  • Balance fresh air intake: Don’t overload your HVAC system or energy efficiency. Some outdoor air is beneficial, but keep your home’s HVAC system running efficiently. 
  • Clean and seal duct leaks: Keep contaminants and allergens from entering your home’s airflow with clean, sealed air ducts.

Filtration and Air Cleaning

Air filters do more than just trap dust and keep your HVAC running efficiently, they also improve your home’s air and overall environment every day. Choosing the right filter can dramatically impact your allergies and respiration, and regular replacements keep the system working as it should.

  • MERV-rated filters: HEPA and similar filters catch dust, pollen, and larger particles for allergy relief Louisiana.
  • Replace your air filters: Swap out your air filters every 1 to 3 months depending on how heavily you use your system. 
  • Whole-house air cleaners or portable purifiers: Add extra layers of protection and defense and keep your air quality clean.
  • Activated carbon filters: Choose carbon to neutralize odors and VOCs.

If you’re not sure which air purifier tips to go with, give us a call at SBC Cooling + Heating. We’ll help you find the right solution for your needs to help you breathe easier and reduce exposure to pollutants.

Humidity Control

Our Shreveport HVAC contractors see few issues that affect our customers more than moisture. Too much humidity nurtures mold growth which can lead to structural damage. But if you don’t do enough, you can end up in a dry, uncomfortable home where your skin and sinuses are uncomfortable. Focus on finding a sweet spot of between 30 to 50% indoor humidity.

During Shreveport’s hot, muggy summers, dehumidifiers are a powerful way to keep mold at bay, while humidifiers can add comfort in the drier winter months. A simple hygrometer helps monitor the changes so you can adjust quickly. If you’re due for a new system, an HVAC replacement comes with humidity control Shreveport that you can rely on year-round.

Cleaning and Maintenance Routines

Even if you do have a top-notch HVAC system that seamlessly controls your humidity, you still need a well-maintained unit. Scheduling routine HVAC maintenance in Shreveport and the surrounding area is a simple way to enhance your IAQ and extend the lifespan of your system.

Give us a call and we’ll come out for regular service, including:

  • Inspect and clean air ducts to remove dust and debris
  • Vacuum supply and return vents often
  • Check plumbing, ceilings, and basements for leaks that could invite mold
  • Clear HVAC condensate pans and drip lines to prevent mildew

Upgrades & Add-Ons That Help IAQ

If you want to make big changes in your indoor air quality, there are some simple add-ons that can enhance your home environment: 

  • UV-light systems neutralize bacteria and mold inside HVAC coils.
  • Advanced filtration systems capture finer particles.
  • Smart thermostats or IAQ sensors monitor humidity and air pollutants.
  • Air exchangers replace stale indoor air with filtered outdoor air.

Cost vs Benefit: What to Expect

The cost of IAQ improvements will vary depending on the product, size of your home, and needs, but you’ll find the investment pays for itself quickly. Small upgrades like filters or portable purifiers can cost under $300, while whole-house systems (air purifiers, dehumidifiers, UV lights) generally range from $600 to $2,000 when installed. 

Our team at SBC Cooling + Heating can give you an estimate customized to your home’s needs. Give us a call and we’ll go over the energy savings, comfort, and improved resale value that adds to the return on your investment.

Call Today to Improve Your IAQ with SBC Cooling + Heating 

Ready to breathe easier and enjoy your home again? Our experts at SBC Cooling + Heating are always here for all of your indoor air quality Shreveport and the surrounding area. From air purifies to whole-house systems and UV lights, we’ll find a solution that works for your unique needs.

Schedule an appointment today to get started!

Call (318) 465-0853

Ready for Service You Can Count On?

Contact the experts at SBC Cooling + Heating today to schedule your next appointment!

Book Online