What’s really in the air you’re breathing

A home may look spotless, but the air circulating inside can tell a different story.

Americans spend roughly 90% of their time indoors, where concentrations of certain pollutants can be two to five times higher—and in some cases up to 100 times— than typical outdoor levels, according to the American Lung Association. While energy-efficient homes help maintain comfortable temperatures, they can also trap dust, chemicals and other airborne contaminants.

At The Original Kingwood Air Conditioning & Heating, owner Stephanie Marquard helps homeowners identify common indoor air quality concerns and explore solutions to create a cleaner, healthier living environment.

What causes poor indoor air quality?

Indoor air pollution stems from everyday items and habits inside the home. Everyday household items—including new carpet, fresh paint, furniture, pillows and bedding—are often made with petroleum-based synthetic materials. Over time, these products off-gas volatile organic compounds and chemical vapors directly into living spaces.

At the same time, dust particles, pet dander, cooking smoke and moisture accumulate. When high humidity sits inside dark HVAC ductwork, start collars, and equipment coils, mold spores and bacteria multiply rapidly. Without adequate ventilation or specialized air filtration, these airborne contaminants become trapped and continually recirculate.

“If you don't have any air filtration systems in your home, your lungs are processing all of this,” said Stephanie Marquard, owner of The Original Kingwood Air Conditioning & Heating. “Your lungs end up being the air filter for your body—and you really don't want your lungs to clean all those poisons, mold and off-gassing chemicals for you. That's why so many people are constantly sick or suffering from severe allergies.”

What are the warning signs of poor indoor air quality?

Poor indoor air quality isn't always immediately obvious, but your home and your body often send clear signals. Key indicators to watch for include:

• Persistent odors: Trapped cooking smells, musty air or vehicle exhaust lingering from an attached garage.

• Visible particles: Heavy dust buildup on surfaces or noticeable specks floating through streams of sunlight.

• Mold or moisture buildup: Recurring dark spots on air supply grills or vents, particularly in high-humidity areas like bathrooms.

• Respiratory discomfort: Frequent sneezing, watery eyes or lingering allergy symptoms that tend to flare up while inside the house.

Marquard notes that simple habits, such as running bathroom exhaust fans during and after showers, go a long way toward keeping excess moisture from turning into mold inside the home.

How do air cleaning and purification systems work?

To combat indoor pollutants, home air solutions generally fall into two categories: passive filtration and active purification. 

Standard five-inch media filters act as passive cleaners, catching dust and debris as air passes directly through the return vents. Active purification, on the other hand, goes a step further by neutralizing contaminants in the air and on surfaces throughout the home.

The Original Kingwood Air Conditioning & Heating offers several tailored solutions:

• Air Scrubber technology: Installed directly inside existing ductwork, this system uses germicidal UV light to kill bacteria and viruses while keeping the evaporator coil clean.

• Surface & Air Guardian: A portable, plug-and-play unit featuring HEPA and carbon filtration that actively purifies spaces up to 2,000 square feet. 

• Whole-home media filters: High-efficiency, thick filters integrated into the HVAC unit that trap significantly more airborne particles than standard one-inch filters.

“We won’t sell something unless we can stand by it and say, 'This really works,'” Marquard said.

Before recommending new air quality products to customers, Marquard said company employees personally test them in their own homes to better understand how they work and ensure they can confidently stand behind the solutions they offer.

What can homeowners do at home to help their air quality?

Improving indoor air quality doesn't always require expensive upgrades. Marquard recommends three simple maintenance habits to help homeowners keep their air cleaner and HVAC systems running efficiently:

• Change air filters regularly: Replace standard filters every 30-60 days, or more frequently as needed, to prevent dust buildup, restricted airflow and unnecessary strain on HVAC equipment.

• Keep outdoor units clear: Remove grass clippings, leaves, pine needles and overgrown vegetation around outdoor condenser units to maintain proper airflow.

• Check return air vents: Keep vents clean and free of obstructions, such as furniture or curtains, to support proper airflow throughout the home.

Clean your air today 

For homeowners looking to improve indoor air quality, The Original Kingwood Air Conditioning & Heating offers professional HVAC maintenance, air filtration and purification solutions tailored to their home's needs.

• Address: 22424 Loop 494, Kingwood, Texas, 77339

• Phone: 281-358-0955

• Website: kingwoodac.com

Frequently asked questions