Best Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Products for Hot Summer Weather

Is your Okemos home ready for the next summer heat wave?

With extended heat waves in the 2024 weather forecast across the U.S. Southwest and other parts of the country, maintaining healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) is crucial.

Here’s a guide to the best IAQ products for keeping your home comfortable during a sizzling summer heat dome. These products reduce pollutants, maintain optimal humidity levels, and ensure proper ventilation, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

North Winds Heating & Cooling is the premier HVAC and IAQ solutions provider across the Ingham region. Our nearby licensed Michigan HVAC technicians are ready to assist you with your comfort.

Call us today at 517-225-3430 to learn more about summer IAQ products to keep you comfortable this summer!

Stay Comfortable During Summer Heat Waves With These IAQ Products

IAQ products like air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and high-efficiency air conditioning (AC) units can make a significant difference. These products allow you to breathe more easily and stay cool even during the hottest days of summer.

Managing air quality helps prevent the stuffiness and discomfort often associated with high temperatures and poor ventilation.

Air Conditioners with Advanced Filtration

High-efficiency air conditioners are equipped with advanced filtration systems that not only cool the air but also remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.

• HEPA Filters: Look for units with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which can capture up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.

• Electrostatic Air Filters: Consider units with Electrostatic Air Filters, which can effectively trap and remove airborne particles, allergens, and pollutants, significantly improving indoor air quality.

• Activated Carbon Filters: Look for units with Activated Carbon Filters. These filters can absorb gases, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), enhancing air quality by removing harmful pollutants.

Dehumidification Systems

High humidity levels during summer can make the air feel hotter and more uncomfortable. Excess moisture also promotes the growth of mold and mildew, which can worsen indoor air quality.

Dehumidification strategies help ensure your home feels cool while circulating clean air. Install a whole-home dehumidifier system with your existing HVAC systems for powerful relief from allergy and asthma triggers.

Air Purifiers

Air purifiers are essential for removing indoor pollutants, especially during hot weather when windows and doors are often closed to keep out the heat.

For the best purifiers for summer allergies, look for products with multiple filtration stages, including pre-filters, HEPA filters, and activated carbon filters. Air purifiers can be purchased as stand-alone filtration units or as a built-in feature of your HVAC system.

Some air purifiers feature specialized UV lights that kill bacteria and viruses, providing an extra layer of protection.

Ventilation Systems

Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining good IAQ. You can install an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) in your home that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air without losing cooling energy or opening a window.

• Energy Efficiency: These systems reduce the load on air conditioners by recovering cooling energy from the outgoing air.

• Improved IAQ: They provide a continuous supply of fresh air, diluting indoor pollutants and maintaining a healthier indoor environment.

Bonus Tip: Always turn on the exhaust fan in the kitchen while cooking or in the bathroom during a hot shower to effectively remove excess humidity from the air.

Air Quality Monitoring Systems

Air quality monitors are essential for ensuring a healthy indoor environment. They measure levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), formaldehyde, and radon. These devices help detect harmful pollutants, enabling timely action to maintain safe air quality.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats allow precise control over indoor temperatures, optimizing cooling efficiency and improving comfort. Many models can be programmed or controlled remotely via smartphones, ensuring your home is always at the desired temperature.

IAQ benefits from smart thermostats:

• Consistent Temperature: Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature helps reduce humidity levels and prevents the growth of mold and mildew.

• Energy Savings: Smart thermostats can help reduce energy consumption by optimizing cooling schedules, leading to lower utility bills.

Smart Thermostats With IAQ Capabilities

These specific types of smart thermostats regulate temperature and monitor and manage air quality. These advanced devices can detect pollutants, control humidity, and integrate with HVAC systems to ensure a healthier and more comfortable living environment, all while providing energy efficiency and convenience through smart technology.

Natural IAQ—Houseplants!

Certain houseplants can improve IAQ by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. Plants like spider plants, peace lilies, areca palms, and snake plants are known for their air-purifying capabilities.

Additional benefits of houseplants:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Besides improving IAQ, houseplants add a touch of nature and beauty to indoor spaces.

• Stress Reducer: Studies have shown interaction with houseplants has a positive effect on mood and stress levels.

• Natural Humidifiers: Some plants, such as peace lilies and areca palms, can also help regulate indoor humidity.

Improve Your Okemos Home’s IAQ With North Winds Heating & Cooling

Maintaining good indoor air quality during a Okemos, Michigan, summer heat wave is essential for health and comfort. Investing in the right IAQ products, such as advanced air conditioners, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and ventilation systems, can make a significant difference.

Complement these IAQ products with smart thermostats, air quality monitors, and houseplants to create a cool, clean, and comfortable living environment. Choosing the best IAQ solutions ensures that your home remains a sanctuary of comfort even during the hottest summer days.

If you want to improve your indoor air quality or wish to be more comfortable while at home during this summer’s heat waves without breaking the bank, contact North Winds Heating & Cooling for the ideal IAQ product solutions for your home and HVAC system. Call us at 517-225-3430 or request service online.