Common Questions About Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality has become a top concern for homeowners across Milwaukee County, and for good reason. The EPA estimates that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. With Wisconsin winters keeping residents inside for months at a time, understanding what's in your home's air — and how to improve it — is essential for long-term health.
How Do I Know If My Indoor Air Quality Is Poor?
Common indicators include persistent allergy or asthma symptoms, recurring headaches or fatigue, visible dust accumulation on surfaces, musty or stale odors, and condensation on windows. These signs point to elevated particulate levels, humidity issues, or the presence of biological contaminants like mold and bacteria.
The most reliable way to assess indoor air quality is through professional testing, which can measure particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, humidity levels, and biological contaminants.
What Are the Most Common Indoor Air Pollutants?
- Dust and pet dander: Fine particles that trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals
- Mold spores: Thrive in humid conditions; common in basements, bathrooms, and HVAC systems
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Released by paints, cleaning products, furniture, and building materials
- Carbon monoxide: Produced by combustion appliances; odorless and dangerous at elevated concentrations
- Radon: A naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters from the soil; the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
- Bacteria and viruses: Spread through the air, especially in poorly ventilated spaces
What Can I Do to Improve Indoor Air Quality?
- Upgrade air filters: Use MERV 11–13 rated filters in your HVAC system to capture finer particles without restricting airflow
- Install UV air purification: UV lamps inside the air handler neutralize mold, bacteria, and viruses
- Add whole-home humidification or dehumidification: Maintaining indoor humidity between 30–50% reduces mold growth and respiratory irritation
- Ventilate regularly: Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) or heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) bring in fresh outdoor air while recovering indoor heat
- Schedule duct cleaning: Ductwork accumulates dust, debris, and potentially mold over time; professional cleaning removes these contaminants
How Often Should I Replace My HVAC Filter?
Standard 1-inch filters should be replaced every 1–3 months. Thicker media filters (4–5 inches) typically last 6–12 months. Homes with pets, allergies, or high dust levels should replace on the shorter end of these ranges. Your HVAC technician can recommend the best filter type for your specific system.
Get Expert Indoor Air Quality Help from Burkhardt
Burkhardt Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric offers comprehensive indoor air quality solutions for Milwaukee County residents, including air purification, filtration upgrades, humidity control, and professional testing. Our NATE-certified technicians can evaluate your home and recommend a tailored improvement plan. With 60+ years in the Milwaukee community as a family-owned company, we bring expertise and integrity to every home visit. Call 414-206-3049 to schedule an indoor air quality consultation. We're available 24/7, and GreenSky financing is offered on qualifying projects.
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