Air Quality Service in Reston
Providing Reston and Herndon with Everything They Need to Breathe Easier
When we think of “air pollution,” we often picture smokestacks or car exhaust, but that’s only part of the story. In fact, the EPA reports that indoor air quality can be much worse. The air inside the average American home is actually 5-10 times more polluted than the air outdoors. So, even in Reston, you’re not immune to poor air quality inside your home.
If you’re ready to improve your indoor air quality, give Dave’s Heating and Air Conditioning a call to learn about our indoor air quality (IAQ) services in the Reston area. For more details on how we can help, keep reading this page.
The Causes of Indoor Air Pollution
You might be wondering how these contaminants get into the air. Some sources, like radioactive radon from the soil, smoke from cigarettes, and off-gassing from fire retardants or cleaning products, are common culprits. Additionally, dust mites, mold, viruses, pet dander, and mildew also contribute to poor indoor air quality. As homes become more energy-efficient and we spend more time indoors, poor air quality has become a growing public health concern in Reston.
The Numbers for IAQ Services Make Sense
Indoor air quality is a growing concern in the 21st century, both locally and globally. As homes become more airtight for energy efficiency, the importance of clean indoor air only increases. Without realizing it, your home’s air duct system could be harboring harmful particulates that affect your family’s health. Every time your HVAC system runs, it can spread dust, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and bacteria throughout your home. Here are a few statistics that highlight the seriousness of the IAQ crisis:
- The EPA estimates we spend 90% of our time indoors.
- Over 7,000 non-smokers die of lung cancer each year after being exposed to residual smoke particles.
- A 2019 study by the University of Colorado Boulder found that routine household activities can degrade home air quality to levels comparable to those in a polluted major city.
- Household air pollution is responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths per year globally.
- The air inside the average home can be up to 100% more polluted than the air outside.
The Benefits of Improving Your Indoor Air Quality
By selecting Dave’s Heating and Air Conditioning to combat your air pollution problems, you and your family will reap a variety of benefits:
- Better Sleep: Our IAQ experts will help you sleep better by addressing respiratory issues that can cause snoring, leaving you well-rested and refreshed.
- Cleaner Indoor Air: Tired of lingering odors from years ago? Our products can eliminate musty, chemical, and stale smells, creating a fresher indoor environment.
- Fewer Allergy Symptoms: Mold in HVAC systems can worsen conditions like asthma. A humidifier or air purifier can remove allergens like pet dander and artificial scents, helping to relieve cold and allergy symptoms.
For many families in Reston, the benefits of improved air quality outweigh the installation cost. Unsure if it fits your budget? No problem! Quotes for humidifier and air purifier installation are free.
How You May Discover You Have an Air Quality Problem
Many people in Reston have air quality issues without realizing it. They often blame things like high pollen counts or general fatigue. However, if you notice the following regularly, it’s worth scheduling an air quality analysis:
- Frequent runny noses or allergy symptoms
- Inefficient heating and AC systems
- Smoking indoors
- Pets that shed frequently
- Visible mold or mildew
- Weakened immune systems in household members
- Dust buildup on vents and registers
- Stale or stuffy air
- Buying or building a home
- Nose or skin irritation
- Headaches, nausea, or fatigue
- Persistent odors that won’t go away
Being aware of the signs of poor indoor air quality in Reston is crucial for your family’s health and comfort. If any of the issues above sound familiar, it’s time to reach out. Our experts will assess the situation and recommend a solution tailored to your needs. We believe every home in Reston should be a sanctuary, and tackling these concerns can help make that happen.
Dehumidifiers
Air that’s too humid is harmful. Bacteria, mold, and viruses thrive in environments with humidity above 60 percent, and they linger longer on porous surfaces. In summer, excess humidity makes you feel sticky and uncomfortable.
Dehumidifiers installed in your system:
- Remove excess moisture, helping you feel cooler even in higher temperatures.
- Lower your energy bills by making your HVAC system more efficient.
- Reduce dampness and humidity levels in your home.
- Make summer more comfortable by eliminating that sticky feeling.
- Enhance overall comfort in your living spaces.
- Help combat bacteria, mold, and dust mites, improving your home’s air quality.
High Efficiency Filters
Looking for a way to keep your family healthy? The only filter capable of trapping particles as small as a virus is a HEPA filter. While these are typically found in hospitals, residential HEPA filters are also available for homes. However, since HEPA filters restrict airflow, they can’t be placed directly in the return air stream to your furnace. Instead, they are installed in a bypass loop within your return ductwork. Air is diverted into the bypass and passed through the HEPA filter with the help of a separate fan, before returning to the main airflow. This setup ensures that the furnace fan motor maintains proper airflow while purifying all the air in your home. To learn more about how these filters can benefit you, contact us at Dave’s Heating and Air Conditioning.
High-efficiency filters can help with:
- Pet dander
- Dust
- Smoke
- Germs
- Pollen
Humidifiers
Healthy air has humidity levels between 30 and 60 percent. If your home is too dry, it can strip moisture from your nose and body, weakening protective mucus layers and allowing germs to spread more easily. Dry air can also irritate your throat and nose, exacerbating allergy symptoms. Humidifiers—available in three main types—add moisture to the air, addressing these issues. By having Dave’s install a whole-home humidifier, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable living environment for you and your family.
Installing a humidifier in the Reston area will:
- Boost the moisture levels in your air
- Minimize static electricity
- Make you feel warmer during the winter
- Protect your wooden furniture from drying out
- Help lower heating costs
- Ease allergy symptoms
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers remove allergens, toxins, and pollutants from your home’s air without emitting anything themselves. While portable air purifiers can work for one or two rooms, a whole-house air purification system is needed to clean the air throughout your entire home. Note: These systems require a forced-air system to function properly.
Having Dave’s Heating and Air Conditioning install an air purifier in your Reston home will result in:
- Fewer lingering odors
- Cleaner and healthier air
- Longer periods between filter changes
To schedule your Air Quality Services in Herndon VA, just email us!
Call Dave's for Indoor Air Quality Services in Reston
For homes with existing IAQ equipment, we provide full maintenance and repair services. If your filter or humidity control system isn’t working properly, call us at 571.346.3940, and we’ll help identify the issue.
At Dave’s Heating and Air Conditioning, we’ve been helping homeowners with their IAQ concerns since 1975. We take the time to explain solutions and provide upfront cost estimates. Our HVAC company stands behind the products we sell and is always ready to return if air quality issues persist. We proudly serve Reston, Herndon, Sterling, and nearby areas. So if you’re searching for an ‘IAQ company near me,’ you’ve found the right place. Call us today at 571.346.3940 to schedule an air quality evaluation or get a quote on dehumidifier installation in Reston.
Indoor Air Quality FAQs
Do Humidity Levels REALLY Affect My Indoor Air Quality?
Yes, they do. High humidity in homes can lead to mold, dust mites, and mildew, while low humidity often causes dust buildup and sinus issues. Maintaining your home’s humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent helps keep the “Comfort Zone.”
Why Should I Care About My Home’s Air Quality?
Studies show that indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air. Even in a clean home, your air contains pollen, dust, viruses, and pet dander. The best way to remove these contaminants is by installing an air sanitizer or UV germicidal lights in your HVAC system.
What are the Most Common Air Pollutants?
Common household contaminants like pollen, dust, fabric fibers, and pet dander are usually harmless—unless you’re allergic to them. They mostly cause discomfort for those with sensitivities.
What Type of Furnace Filter Should I Use in My Home?
Start by checking the thickness of the filter your system can handle, as most HVAC units can’t accommodate filters thicker than an inch. We recommend using filters with a MERV rating of 11 or higher, especially if anyone in your home has respiratory or heart conditions. For even better filtration, consider installing a thicker, more efficient filter.
What’s “Sick Building” Syndrome?
If you’ve looked into IAQ, you might have come across the term Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). This term came from a study where workers in one building reported headaches, fatigue, nausea, and eye irritation. Researchers found high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air. SBS now describes people who experience symptoms of air pollution at work but feel better when they return home.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Improve My Own Indoor Air Quality?
We recommend homeowners concerned about their indoor air quality take the following steps:
- Install a HEPA filter
- Vacuum, mop, and dust regularly to reduce airborne pollutants
- Choose natural wood and non-toxic furniture to cut down on VOCs and chemical vapors
- Open windows occasionally to ventilate your home
- Use a thermostat with humidity monitoring