4 Ways You Can Improve Indoor Air Quality Using Your HVAC System

When most people think of their HVAC system, they picture cozy winters, cool summers, and a blessed escape from Georgia’s wild weather swings. But your HVAC system does a lot more than just keep you comfortable—it plays a major role in the quality of the air you breathe. And when it comes to your home or business, that’s a big deal.

If you’ve ever found yourself sneezing indoors, waking up with a dry throat, or just feeling like the air in your space feels stale or heavy, you’re not alone. The good news? Your HVAC system is already in place to help. With a few adjustments, add-ons, and some expert help, it can become your first line of defense against indoor pollutants, allergens, and other irritants.

At Blount Heating and Cooling, we specialize in indoor air quality services in Athens, helping homeowners and businesses breathe easier year-round. Here are four effective ways your HVAC system can help improve your indoor air quality—and how to make sure it’s working in your favor. 

1. Upgrade Your HVAC Filters

Let’s start with the simplest—and most overlooked—solution: your air filter. Your HVAC filter’s job is to trap airborne particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores before they get circulated throughout your home. But not all filters are created equal.

Standard vs. High-Efficiency Filters

Most HVAC systems come with basic fiberglass filters. These are good for protecting your equipment from dust buildup, but they don’t do much for your health. If you want to actually clean your air, you’ll want to upgrade to a higher MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) filter—ideally MERV 11 or higher. These filters can capture smaller particles like bacteria and fine dust.

For households with allergy sufferers, pets, or older adults and young kids, going one step further with HEPA filters (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) or electrostatic filters can be a game changer.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget to Change It

No matter what type of filter you use, it won’t help your indoor air quality if it’s clogged and dirty. Set a reminder to change or clean your filter every 1 to 3 months—more often if you have pets or allergies.

At Blount, we offer filter replacement services as part of our indoor air quality services in Athens, and we can help you find the right filter for your system and needs.

2. Add a Whole-House Air Purifier

Your HVAC system is already pulling in and circulating air through your home—so why not use it as a delivery system for cleaner air?

That’s exactly what a whole-house air purifier does. These systems are installed directly into your HVAC ductwork and work to actively eliminate airborne pollutants. Some models use UV-C light technology to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. Others use activated carbon filters to absorb odors and chemicals.

Why This Works

Unlike portable air purifiers that only treat the air in one room, whole-house systems clean all the air your HVAC system processes. That means cleaner air in every room of your house, with zero extra effort on your part.

If you’re looking for a way to take your home’s air quality to the next level, this is it. Our team at Blount Heating and Cooling has installed countless whole-house air purifiers in Athens-area homes and businesses, and we can help you find the perfect system for your space.

3. Improve Ventilation with Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)

Here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: your house might be too sealed up. Energy efficiency is great, but when air doesn’t flow in and out properly, it can trap moisture, CO₂, and pollutants indoors.

That’s where ventilation comes in—and your HVAC system can help here too.

What is an ERV?

An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is a system that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while maintaining energy efficiency. It pre-conditions the incoming air, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work harder to heat or cool it. That means fresher air without sacrificing comfort or increasing your energy bills.

Who Needs One?

ERVs are especially helpful for newer homes that are built to be airtight, as well as homes that struggle with humidity or musty odors. They’re also a great choice for anyone who wants to avoid opening windows during allergy season or when outdoor pollution levels are high.

If you’ve been Googling “how to freshen up indoor air without opening a window,” this is your answer.

We install ERVs and other ventilation solutions as part of our comprehensive indoor air quality services in Athens, and we’d be happy to evaluate whether it’s right for your home.

4. Keep Your Ducts Clean and Sealed

Your ductwork is like the highway system for your HVAC system. It carries heated or cooled air throughout your home. But over time, it can collect dust, mold, pests, and other unwanted visitors—and that means all those contaminants can get pushed back into your living space.

Why Duct Cleaning Matters

Dirty ducts can seriously impact your indoor air quality, especially if there’s mold or mildew buildup. Even if your air looks clear, you could be breathing in hidden pollutants. A professional duct cleaning removes these contaminants and gives your system a fresh start.

On top of that, leaky ducts can pull in air from attics, crawlspaces, and other dusty places—bringing even more junk into your air supply. Sealing your ducts helps keep your indoor air clean and your energy bills lower.

At Blount, we offer duct inspections, cleanings, and sealing as part of our indoor air quality services in Athens. If it’s been more than a few years since your last duct check, now’s a great time.

Signs Your Indoor Air Quality Might Need Help

Not sure if you need to make any of these HVAC upgrades? Here are some common signs that your indoor air quality could use improvement:

• You or your family members often experience allergies, asthma symptoms, or dry throats indoors
• You notice excess dust around vents and surfaces
• Your home smells musty or stale, even after cleaning
• You see mold growth near vents or on windows
• You’ve recently done renovations or had new carpet/furniture installed (which can off-gas chemicals)
• You have pets and haven’t changed your HVAC filter in months (we’re not judging—just reminding!)

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters (Especially in Athens)

Living in Athens, Georgia comes with a lot of perks—great food, live music, UGA sports—but our region’s humidity, pollen levels, and older homes can create a perfect storm for indoor air problems.

Whether you’re a student living off campus, a family in Five Points, or running a small business downtown, clean air is essential for your health, productivity, and peace of mind.

And here’s the kicker: the EPA has found that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. That’s why our indoor air quality services in Athens focus not just on comfort, but on creating healthier homes and businesses throughout the community.

Let Blount Heating and Cooling Help You Breathe Easier

Improving your indoor air quality doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive. By using the tools already built into your HVAC system, you can take meaningful steps toward cleaner, fresher, healthier air in your home or business.

At Blount Heating and Cooling, we’ve been serving the Athens area for years with trusted HVAC expertise and friendly, reliable service. Whether you’re interested in upgrading your filters, installing a whole-home purifier, or just want an air quality checkup, we’re here to help.

Your comfort matters, but so does your air.

Ready to improve your indoor air quality?

Contact Blount Heating and Cooling today for expert indoor air quality services in Athens. Call us now or book an appointment online—we’ll help you breathe easier in no time.