Here’s Why Indoor Air Quality Is So Important
There was a time when humans breathed much better air. They were an outdoor species by nature, designed to breathe fresh air. We spent the majority of our time outside — shopping (hunting) and working (building simple tools to make fires and protect our family from wild beasts). That’s not the case anymore. We live in complex structures that have, like ourselves, evolved over time. As energy costs have risen, homes are sealed tighter for better efficiency. But that comes at a different cost. Indoor air quality is important for good health, because the average human spends the majority of their life indoors – 87% on average, according to the EPA. With homes taking in less fresh air than ever before, it’s more important than ever before to ensure your home is “breathing” properly – so you and your family can too. Moore Solar / Heating / Cooling recommends using your house as a home air treatment center. Want to know how? See below.***Check out our activTek Air Scrubber packages! Read more or contact us today for a quote!
The Most Important Characteristics of Indoor Air Quality
According to the EPA, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. While headlines are centered around outdoor pollutants such as smog, ozone deterioration and the the wildfires in our region, it’s generally accepted that fresh air is better than inside air in most places. Depending on where you live, outdoor air may seem like an unlikely help (think Los Angeles). However, your home’s air is always better with fresh air running through it. Proper Air Ventilation

If you or your family suffers from allergies, asthma, or you own multiple pets, you may want to invest in air filters with a higher HEPA rating

HVAC Indoor Air Quality for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers
Do you feel like you’re getting sick? Many parents and children often find it hard to distinguish between a cold and allergies. Immediate health effects of poor indoor air quality include fatigue, dizziness, headaches and eye, nose and throat irritation. Long-term effects can range from severe lung issues to a higher risk of cancer. Do you believe you have an indoor air quality issue? With the exception of colorless, odorless gasses such as radon and carbon monoxide, you can typically narrow it down based on your symptoms and home environment. Pet Dander – When Your Loved Ones Make You Sneeze Can you imagine being allergic to your spouse or child? Moms, dads and children alike suffer from being allergic to beloved family members living under their roof. In fact, an estimated 10 percent of people are allergic to household pets. Likewise, cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Pet allergies can lead to nasal congestion, runny nose and intense sneezing. Worse, dander sticks to your clothes and can transfer to work, your children’s schools and other public areas. If you just bought a pet, you’ll learn quickly if you are allergic. Some of your options include immunotherapy or air cleaners. If you don’t own a pet but have these issues, know your triggers so you can make due accordingly in social environments. Read more below to find out more specific treatment options. Pollen in Your Home’s Ventilation

Keeping your windows and doors closed during allergy season can help keep pollen out of your home
- Sweep your porch(es).
- Keep your windows shut.
- Keep your car in the garage.
- Take off your coat and shoes immediately upon entrance.
- It’s in your hair! Shower before bed to avoid pollen-covered pillows.
- Brush your pets off upon entering your home.
- Dust twice per week.
- Make sure you test to ensure it is actually mold.
- Identify the cause. Damp baseboards and wet wall interiors are common causes. If you can’t fix at the source, it will regenerate.
- If mold makes its way into the insulation around your ductwork, you will need to replace it.
- Hire a professional cleaner. Rest assured you won’t be able to reach all of the mold yourself.

Dust mites live in mattresses, pillows and upholstered furniture. Find protective covers for these online or at most department stores.
- An air conditioner or dehumidifier are top weapons in your arsenal to fight dust mites as they love warm, humid areas.
- Use hypoallergenic covers on your pillows and mattresses.
- Wash your bedding once per week in hot water.
- Use a damp rag to remove dust and a vacuum to remove allergens.
How Much Is Indoor Air Quality Testing?
Testing for contaminants can be a pain, as the number of issues in your home could be far-ranging. Measurement is most useful when a specific contaminant is a suspect, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
- Order detectors that take care of undetectable, harmful contaminants such as carbon monoxide and radon for under $20.
- For dust mites, order a spray that is typically under $20/bottle. Ventia offers an allergy test you can purchase online for $49.99.
- For Volatile Organic Contaminants such as formaldehyde, third-hand smoke particles and other chemical or biological contaminants, a test can range from $109.95-209.95
- DIY test kits for pollen and other allergies come with mixed results. Many people visit their primary care physician for allergy tests.
- Testing for specific types of mold (which you need to send off to a lab) is $40-50.
- Wisdom Panel breed testing for dog allergies costs $79.99. You can get a skin-prick test for more than $200 for more clinically accurate results, and get vials/injections to protect you from your pup for a six-month period for around $150. Cat testing can be more complex. See an allergist for best results.
***Check out our Air Scrubber packages! Read more or contact us today!
How Moore Solar / Heating / Cooling Can Help With Indoor Air Quality
Moore Solar / Heating / Cooling Offers two great indoor air quality packages to keep you and your family breathing the best air! Are you receiving a replacement or installation? Our IAQ packages cost less when bundled with new equipment. Talk to us today!
The Fresh Start Air Quality Package*

- Installed in your HVAC system, this can purify up to 3,000 square feet.
- Studies at the University of Cincinatti found that you can eliminate air partcles up to 250 times faster with the activeTek Air Scrubber.
- Studies at Kansas State University found that activeTek air scrubber can clean surfaces and eliminate germs, viruses and bacteria on surfaces in your home – doorknobs, keyboards, countertops, everything!
***LIMITED TIME OFFER*** You can save 23% on a activTek Air Scrubber Plus Induct 2000. Fill out the form below!
2) RSP Media Filter
Our RSP Air Filters are safe with non-ozonating natural technology
- Helps you and your family with respiratory conditions related to indoor air quality.
- Helps to keep you and your family safe from known allergens by removing dust, animal dander, pollen and mold.
- Energy efficient: these filters cost less than $5.00/year to operate.
The Clean Air Combo*
- activTek Air Scrubber Plus Induct 2000 with RSP Media Filter (no duct cleaning included)
If our technicians notice dust and dirt during this inspection, we will make sure to let you know your options and health benefits. Sonoma County in particular has some of the worst allergy indexes around, and the recent string of wildfires in the area have not helped.
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