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Indoor Air Quality

Your home, your life – make it as healthy as possible!

Farmington Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Breathe Easier In Your Farmington Home

We all know that a clean home is important. While a little bit of clutter doesn’t hurt anyone, it’s common knowledge that ignoring the chores for too long can eventually create a situation that can negatively impact your health.

One aspect of home cleaning that’s often overlooked is the quality of the air inside your home. While it might be easy to assume that indoor air is naturally clean, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In actuality, the quality of your indoor air can make your life harder without you knowing it.

If you want to make sure that the air inside your home is always clean and you have access to the best indoor air quality solutions possible, look no further than the team here at Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning.

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What Is IAQ?

IAQ stands for “indoor air quality,” and refers to the number of suspended particulates present in the indoor air. Your IAQ is important to maintain because being exposed to unhealthy air can lead to several negative consequences, including:

  • Increased respiratory issues
  • Chronic allergy symptoms
  • Poor sleep quality
  • Decreased overall lung function

While most of the extreme symptoms only happen after prolonged exposure, breathing poor indoor air is never a good thing. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to ensure that the air inside your home is clean.

Main Contributors To Poor Indoor Air Quality

When it comes to your home’s indoor air quality, there are a variety of factors that can have negative impacts. Our team at Robbins is here to share some of the common causes of poor IAQ.

Bad Ventilation

With any indoor area, it’s very important to maintain a constant exchange between stale air and fresh. Without adequate ventilation points to provide this exchange, it’s incredibly easy for your air to become stagnant and filled with particulates you’d rather not end up in your lungs.

Ventilation is vital for maintaining good indoor air quality, particularly in places where contaminants are likely to be produced, such as cooking areas and heat sources.

Industrial Pollution

In Farmington, NM, the oil and gas industry play a crucial role to the success of our community. However, with this comes the increased risk of airborne particulates reaching the air you breathe. Volatile organic compounds can even become a part of the mix, posing threats to your well-being.

Biological Contaminants

Biological contaminants refer to the microscopic byproducts of living or once-living organisms. In regards to IAQ, it’s generally referencing the spores released by mold and mildew.

The best way to prevent this type of contamination is by addressing the areas where it’s likely to start. Try to keep areas that are prone to excessive moisture or humidity clean and dry.

Poorly Maintained HVAC Systems

While a good HVAC system can work hard to help keep your indoor air fresh and clean, poorly maintained heating and cooling systems are some of the largest contributors to poor air quality.

Between inadequate filtration and dirty ductwork, there are many components of an HVAC system that can contribute to poor indoor air quality if not properly maintained.

Less-Than-Ideal Cleaning Habits

Particularly if you live in a dusty environment, regular dusting and vacuuming are key to maintaining breathable air inside your home.

Even spots you may not consider, like your curtains and drapes, should be regularly cleaned to prevent them from becoming vectors for dust and dirt that are ready to be knocked into the air at the slightest bump.

Pets

Unfortunately, our furry friends can be some of the most significant contributors to poor indoor air quality. Depending on the type of pet and breed, some animals tend to shed massive amounts of fur and dander, which can be picked up by the air and cause major issues for people with allergies and respiratory problems.

The best way to help our furry friends is by being diligent about brushing their coats and treating them to regular grooming. Your lungs will thank you and your pets probably won’t mind either!

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How Farmington’s Climate Affects Your Air

While there are some things you can do to improve your IAQ — like scheduling air conditioner maintenance or vacuuming often — you can’t change the region’s weather conditions or landscape. While New Mexico’s climate brings a lot of advantages and some gorgeous views, it comes with dry soil and heavy spring winds.

Dust and debris can get sent flying toward your home, entering through doors or windows that aren’t sealed well. The consequences of this? Well, you may find yourself battling dry eyes, sinus irritations and HVAC system problems. Make sure you’re changing your system’s. filter regularly to prevent heavy buildup.

Ready Your Home For Winter — Explore A Common Seasonal IAQ Concern

Indoor air quality deserves year-round attention, but in the winter, homes in our area face an extra threat from the use of fireplaces. While these features may enhance the ambiance of your home, they bring problems like soot buildup and wood smoke accumulation. When these materials circulate throughout your home and are breathed in, irritation to your health can follow.

Reach Out To Robbins Today

For dependable indoor air quality services in Farmington, call the professionals at Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning today! From actionable advice that promotes clean air to the installation of whole-home air purifiers, we have everything you need to ensure that the air inside your home is as healthy as possible.

FAQs About Indoor Air Quality: What Every Homeowner Should Know

What Are The Common Causes Of Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Poor indoor air quality often stems from a combination of indoor pollutants and neglected HVAC components. Dust and other allergens often build up in carpets, upholstery and bedding, while poor ventilation — especially in tightly sealed or energy-efficient homes — can trap pollutants inside.

One often-overlooked culprit is dirty or leaky ductwork, which can circulate dust, mold spores and even pest droppings throughout your living space. Combustion byproducts from gas stoves, fireplaces, and poorly ventilated furnaces also contribute to indoor air issues.

Additionally, many household products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can linger in the air. Improving air quality typically requires a layered strategy that includes sealing duct leaks, boosting ventilation and minimizing indoor pollution sources.

Do Air Purifiers Help Indoor Air Quality?

Yes — when used properly, air purifiers can significantly reduce airborne pollutants like dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke and even some viruses or bacteria. HEPA (or high-efficiency particulate air) filters are particularly effective.

That said, air purifiers aren’t a complete solution. They work best when combined with HVAC maintenance, regular filter changes and moisture control.

Is A Humidifier Or Dehumidifier Necessary In Farmington’s Climate?

Farmington’s climate brings a mix of dry winters and occasionally humid summers, making both humidifiers and dehumidifiers useful at different times of year.

In winter, humidity levels often drop, causing dry skin, nosebleeds and static electricity. A humidifier can help balance moisture levels. In summer, excess humidity can lead to mold growth and a stuffy, uncomfortable home. That’s where a dehumidifier comes in.

A whole-home humidity control system can help maintain optimal levels year-round.

How Often Should I Replace My Air Filters?

Most standard 1-inch air filters should be replaced every one to three months, depending on your home’s needs. You may need to change them more frequently if:

— You have pets
— Someone in your home has allergies or asthma
— You’re running your HVAC system constantly
— You’ve recently had home renovations or smoke exposure

Neglecting filter changes can reduce airflow, strain your system, and let dust and allergens recirculate.

Can My Home’s Insulation Or Building Materials Affect Air Quality?

Absolutely. Some building materials and insulation products release VOCs or harbor mold if they get wet. Older homes may also have materials like asbestos or lead-based paint — both of which can bring serious health risks when disturbed.

Additionally, poorly sealed insulation can allow outdoor pollutants and moisture to seep in — contributing to both poor air quality and energy waste. If your home’s insulation hasn’t been updated in decades, it may be time for an inspection.

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