Air Quality Tips & Guides

Your duct system is the lungs of your home. Over time, dust, debris, mold, and allergens accumulate inside the ductwork and get recirculated every time your HVAC runs.

• More often if you have pets, allergies, or recent renovation
• Always use a NADCA-certified contractor for proper cleaning
• Professional cleaning removes buildup that vacuums and filters can’t reach

A clogged filter doesn’t just reduce airflow — it becomes a breeding ground for particles that get pushed back into your air.

• 1-inch filters: Change every 1–3 months
• 4-inch media filters: Every 6–12 months
• Use MERV 8–11 for best balance of filtration and airflow
• Set a calendar reminder — most Rockford homeowners forget

Rockford summers are humid — ideal conditions for mold and dust mites. Keep indoor humidity between 30–50%.

• Use a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces
• Run bathroom exhaust fans during and after showers
• Check for condensation on windows — a sign of excess moisture
• A whole-home humidifier in winter prevents dry-air irritation

Cooking produces particulates, VOCs, and carbon monoxide. Cleaning products release chemical fumes that linger for hours.

• Always run your range hood while cooking
• Open windows when using harsh cleaning products
• Avoid air fresheners and synthetic sprays — use natural alternatives
• Allow painted rooms to air out for 24–48 hours

Pet dander is one of the most common indoor allergens and one of the hardest to control — it stays airborne for hours and settles deep in ductwork.

• Groom pets outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
• Vacuum with a HEPA-filter vacuum 2–3× per week
• Wash pet bedding weekly in hot water
• Schedule more frequent duct cleanings (every 2–3 years with pets)

Certain houseplants naturally filter common indoor toxins and add humidity during Rockford’s dry winters.

• Spider Plant — filters formaldehyde and carbon monoxide
• Peace Lily — removes benzene and mold spores
• Snake Plant — produces oxygen at night
• Boston Fern — natural humidifier

Surface dust gets kicked back into the air every time someone walks through the room or the furnace kicks on.

• Vacuum carpets 1–2× per week with a HEPA vacuum
• Dust with a damp or microfiber cloth — not dry dusting which redistributes particles
• Don’t forget ceiling fans, blinds, and baseboards
• Wash bedding weekly in hot water (130°F+) to kill dust mites

Air leaks in your home don’t just waste energy — they let in outdoor pollutants, pollen, and moisture.

• Caulk around windows, doors, and pipe penetrations
• Insulate attic and crawl space to prevent condensation
• Seal duct connections with mastic tape — not duct tape
• Schedule an energy audit to find hidden leaks

Rockford and the surrounding Winnebago County area have elevated radon levels. Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer in the US and is colorless and odorless.

• Test every 2 years — kits available at hardware stores
• Test after any major renovation or foundation work
• Action level: 4 pCi/L or higher requires mitigation
• Professional radon mitigation systems are highly effective

Portable air purifiers help one room. Whole-home systems installed in your HVAC treat every cubic foot of air in the house.

• HEPA systems capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger
• UV-C purifiers kill bacteria, viruses, and mold spores
• Ionizers and PCO systems tackle VOCs and odors
• Ask your HVAC tech what system fits your ductwork