Indoor Air Quality in Wallace, NC

Why Is Indoor Air Quality Often So Bad?

This is a common question we receive from homeowners—and for good reason. Indoor air quality in modern homes is often significantly worse than people realize. In fact, the air inside a typical home can be four to five times more polluted than the air outside. That may seem surprising, as many assume air pollution is mainly an outdoor issue. Unfortunately, today’s well-sealed homes can easily trap airborne contaminants.

Modern construction techniques focus on energy efficiency, which involves sealing homes tightly with insulation and air barriers. While this helps with climate control and reducing energy use, it also limits natural airflow. Without enough fresh air circulating, pollutants become trapped and continue to build up indoors.

There are many everyday sources of indoor pollution, including:

• Cleaning products and personal care items
• Varnishes and pressed wood materials
• Glues, adhesives, and craft supplies
• VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from common household chemicals
• Fumes from cooking and cleaning
• HVAC systems and fuel-burning appliances

Bringing in outdoor air isn’t always practical—especially during extreme temperatures—so indoor air quality systems and services are often the best way to tackle these issues.

What About Humidity Control?

Humidity plays a major role in indoor air quality—and in Wallace, NC, it’s a big factor in home comfort. During the summer, high humidity can make your home feel much hotter than it is, as moisture in the air prevents your body from cooling efficiently. Excess humidity can also cause problems like water damage, mold, and mildew.

But dry air isn’t the solution either. When humidity levels fall below 30%, it can become uncomfortable and even damaging. Dry air can make it harder to stay warm in winter and can cause irritation to your skin, eyes, and nose. It also contributes to static shocks and damage to wooden furnishings and paint.

The goal is to keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50%—and our indoor air quality professionals can help you achieve that ideal balance.

Your Ductwork Is Vital to IAQ as Well

The ductwork in your home plays a key role in moving air throughout each room. When those ducts are damaged or poorly designed, it disrupts airflow and can allow pollutants to spread into the air you breathe. Faulty ductwork can also lead to higher heating and cooling bills due to energy loss.

Well-maintained ductwork is essential for overall home performance—which means looking at your house as a complete energy system that can benefit from targeted improvements. We often suggest that customers explore home performance upgrades in addition to improving their indoor air quality.

Top Solutions for Cleaner Indoor Air

So, what can be done to improve the air you breathe inside your home? The answer is—quite a bit! The right solution depends on your specific needs, and at Gideon Heating & Air Conditioning, we have the knowledge and decades of experience in Wallace, NC to help you find the best indoor air quality options.

Here are some of the most effective services we offer to enhance your home’s air and overall performance:

Air Filters and Air Purifiers

Your HVAC system has a basic filter, but it’s mainly there to protect the system’s components—not to clean your air. To significantly reduce airborne contaminants like dust, pet dander, lint, and allergens, we recommend having our professionals install a whole-house air filtration system (sometimes called an air cleaner) directly into your ductwork. These filters are designed to capture larger particles, but they must be properly matched to your HVAC system to avoid causing strain or reducing airflow. Our team will make sure you get the right one.

For even finer filtration, air purifiers can be added to target smaller particles that slip through standard filters. One popular option is the ionizing air purifier, which uses an electric charge to alter particles so they clump together or are pulled onto collector plates, effectively removing them from the air. With the right combination of filtration and purification, you can eliminate over 98% of indoor air pollutants.

Not sure where to start? Our experts at Gideon Heating & Air Conditioning are happy to help you choose the best filter and purifier combo for your home.

UV Germicidal Lights

Some indoor air contaminants can’t be captured by filters alone. Organic pollutants like mold spores, bacteria, and viruses need a different approach—one that’s both powerful and safe. UV germicidal lights, also known as UV air purifiers, are designed to neutralize or destroy these harmful microbes.

These systems emit low levels of ultraviolet radiation that break down the cellular structure of microorganisms, making them harmless. They don’t use chemicals and won’t leave behind any residue. UV systems are safe for your family and pets, require little maintenance, and can provide long-lasting protection. If you’re concerned about biological contaminants, ask us if UV germicidal lights are a good fit for your home.

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Struggling with high humidity in the summer or dry air in the winter? We install whole-house humidity control systems that bring balance to your indoor environment.

Whole-house dehumidifiers integrate with your HVAC system to remove excess moisture from the air. These systems use refrigerant to pull moisture out, then slightly reheat the air before it’s sent back into your home—so it doesn’t cool things down too much. You’ll be able to control the humidity with a humidistat, and we recommend setting it around 45% for optimal comfort and health.

If your home suffers from dry air, especially in winter, a whole-house humidifier can add moisture through damp pads that release water vapor into your airflow. You’ll also be able to control moisture levels to avoid overly humid conditions. Just remember—humidifiers need regular maintenance to avoid mold buildup.

Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilators (HRVs and ERVs)

Want fresh outdoor air without compromising your indoor comfort or raising energy bills? Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) are the perfect solution. These systems are installed to introduce clean air into your home while exhausting stale indoor air—without dumping hot or cold outdoor air straight into your living space.

HRVs and ERVs work by transferring energy from the outgoing indoor air to the incoming air, pre-conditioning it so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard. The result? Better air quality and improved energy efficiency.

ERVs go a step further by helping to maintain balanced humidity, making them ideal for areas with more moisture in the air. HRVs, meanwhile, are particularly effective in colder climates. Our IAQ experts can help you decide which system is best suited to your home’s needs.

Improve Your Home Performance in Wallace, NC

At Gideon Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re here to help your home become more energy efficient, lowering your utility costs while supporting a healthier environment and improving indoor air quality at the same time.

Here are some of the home performance services we offer:

• Blower Door Testing: This diagnostic test identifies where your home is losing air. By lowering indoor air pressure and tracking where air re-enters, we can pinpoint leaks and recommend targeted improvements.
• Air Sealing: Once leaks are located, we’ll seal them to stop unwanted drafts and heat loss. This helps your HVAC system perform more efficiently and keeps your indoor climate consistent.
• Duct Testing: Leaky ductwork can waste energy and spread pollutants through your air. We use advanced tools to assess the condition of your ducts so we can offer the right solutions.
• Duct Sealing: If your ducts are leaking, basic duct tape won’t cut it. Our technicians use professional-grade equipment and materials to fully seal your ductwork and restore proper airflow.

Not sure if your home could benefit from performance upgrades? Book a consultation with us. We’ll assess your needs and work with you to create a custom plan that turns your house into a high-efficiency, comfort-optimized home.

Protect Your Family With Better Indoor Air Quality

At Gideon Heating & Air Conditioning, we care about your family’s comfort, safety, and health. That’s why we’re committed to helping homeowners in Wallace, NC breathe easier with dependable indoor air quality solutions. When you come to us for help, we’ll go beyond quick fixes to deliver lasting improvements you can feel.

Have questions about air quality in your home? We’re happy to help. Our team is always available to offer guidance, share helpful tips, and support you with full-service HVAC solutions tailored to your needs. Get in touch with us today and start enjoying fresher, cleaner air tomorrow!