Improving Indoor Air Quality with Humidifiers, Filters, and Ventilation

When winter arrives, Michigan homes are sealed tight. That keeps heat in, but it also traps dust, pet dander, and dry air that leads to static shocks and scratchy throats. Indoor air quality (IAQ) upgrades can make your home feel more comfortable while protecting your HVAC system.

Humidification: a whole‑home humidifier like the Aprilaire 600 adds moisture directly into the supply air, keeping relative humidity in the sweet spot—typically 30–50% in winter. Balanced humidity helps you feel warmer at a lower setpoint, reduces static, and protects wood floors and musical instruments from cracking.

Filtration: a high‑efficiency media filter captures small particles more effectively than thin throwaway filters. Cleaner air not only benefits allergies but also protects your furnace’s heat exchanger and blower wheel. For homes with pets or renovations, upgrading filtration can cut down on dusting and extend the time between coil cleanings.

Ventilation: spot fans in bathrooms and kitchens are a good start, but many homes benefit from mechanical ventilation strategies that exchange stale indoor air with fresh, filtered outdoor air. Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) improve indoor freshness without wasting all your heating energy.

Ductwork and balancing: IAQ gains disappear if air can’t move. Leaky or restrictive ducts keep filters from doing their job and create hot/cold spots. Sealing, adding returns, or gentle zoning can help your system circulate properly so filtration and humidification are effective throughout the house.

Putting it together: the best IAQ results come from a whole‑home plan—proper filtration, balanced humidity, adequate ventilation, and good duct design. We evaluate your goals and recommend upgrades that fit your budget, then verify results after installation so you can breathe easy.