When Utah residents think about home comfort, heating and cooling systems are often top of mind. But there’s an equally important component of your HVAC system that often goes overlooked: indoor air quality (IAQ). In a state known for dry air, seasonal wildfires, and wintertime inversion, the air inside your home can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside. For Utah families, especially those in the Salt Lake Valley, improving indoor air quality isn’t just about comfort—it’s about health.
At Salmon HVAC, we’ve been helping homeowners in Salt Lake and surrounding communities breathe easier for over four decades. This guide dives into the root causes of poor indoor air, how your HVAC system affects air quality, and what you can do today to create a cleaner, healthier home environment.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters in Utah
Utah’s geography and climate create a perfect storm for poor air quality. During winter, cold air traps pollutants in the valley, leading to prolonged inversion periods. In summer, wildfire smoke and high ozone levels can sneak indoors through leaky windows and inefficient HVAC systems.
Common IAQ issues for Utah homeowners include:
- High levels of dust and pollen from Utah’s arid climate
- Smoke particles during fire season
- Dry air that irritates skin, eyes, and respiratory systems
- High CO2 concentrations in well-insulated homes
The EPA has linked poor indoor air quality to a range of short- and long-term health effects. In children, elderly adults, and individuals with pre-existing conditions, symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and respiratory inflammation may intensify. Even in healthy adults, long-term exposure to indoor pollutants can contribute to chronic respiratory diseases.
IAQ is not just about avoiding discomfort—it’s a critical piece of a healthy lifestyle.
How Your HVAC System Impacts Air Quality
Your HVAC system plays a critical role in determining how clean the air is inside your home. A poorly maintained system can circulate allergens, dust, and bacteria rather than remove them. On the other hand, a properly designed and maintained HVAC setup can actively reduce airborne contaminants.
Here are key HVAC-related factors that affect IAQ:
1. Air Filters
Standard 1-inch filters may trap large particles but often let smaller contaminants pass through. Upgrading to a high-efficiency pleated filter (MERV 11 or higher) can drastically improve filtration. If someone in your home has allergies or asthma, consider HEPA-level filters, which capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Filters must be changed regularly—typically every 1-3 months. Dirty filters restrict airflow and become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria.
2. Ductwork
Your ducts are the lungs of your HVAC system. If they’re leaky, dirty, or poorly insulated, they can allow allergens, dust, and pollutants to enter the air supply.
Professional duct cleaning, sealing, and insulating can:
- Improve airflow
- Reduce energy consumption
- Eliminate hidden contaminants like mold and rodent droppings
3. Humidity Levels
Utah’s low humidity can cause respiratory irritation, static electricity, and damage to furniture and flooring. Whole-home humidifiers work in tandem with your HVAC system to maintain a comfortable and safe indoor environment.
An ideal indoor humidity level is 30% to 50%. Humidity that is too low or too high creates the perfect environment for viruses, dust mites, and mold to thrive.
4. Ventilation Systems
Modern homes are more airtight than ever, which is great for efficiency but problematic for air circulation. Ventilation systems, like energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) or heat recovery ventilators (HRVs), are designed to bring in fresh outdoor air while maintaining indoor temperature balance.
These systems can significantly reduce pollutant build-up and improve oxygen levels inside your home.
Signs Your Indoor Air Quality May Be Suffering
Not sure if your air quality is a problem? Look for these red flags:
- Persistent allergy or asthma symptoms indoors
- Musty or chemical smells in rooms
- Visible dust build-up, even after cleaning
- Condensation on windows or mold growth
- Increased headaches, fatigue, or dry throat
- Recurring colds or respiratory infections
Children and seniors are particularly susceptible to poor air quality. If you notice health symptoms improving when you leave the home, IAQ is likely a factor.
At Salmon HVAC, our IAQ assessments include:
- Air sampling to test for particulate matter and VOCs
- Humidity and airflow testing
- Visual inspection of HVAC components and ductwork
- Professional recommendations tailored to your home
Indoor Air Quality Solutions We Recommend
Improving indoor air is easier and more affordable than most homeowners think. Our technicians are trained to install and service a wide range of IAQ solutions, including:
1. Whole-Home Air Purifiers
Installed directly in your ductwork, these systems remove up to 99.97% of airborne pollutants, including viruses, bacteria, mold, and wildfire smoke. They operate silently and continuously, making them ideal for families with pets, children, or respiratory conditions.
Top-rated units like REME HALO, iWave-R, and Aprilaire 5000 are highly effective and compatible with most HVAC systems.
2. UV Germicidal Lights
Mounted inside your air handler or ducts, UV lights neutralize bacteria, viruses, and mold spores on contact. These systems are particularly beneficial in high-humidity environments or homes prone to mold issues.
3. Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers
Balancing indoor humidity is key to both comfort and health. In Utah, humidifiers are often a necessity. A whole-home humidifier will:
- Reduce respiratory irritation
- Prevent wood damage
- Improve sleep quality
For basements or areas with high humidity, a dehumidifier can reduce mold risk and musty odors.
4. Smart Thermostats with IAQ Monitoring
Smart thermostats like ecobee and Nest have expanded beyond temperature control. Many now offer IAQ sensors for humidity, VOCs, and CO2 levels. These can:
- Alert you to poor air conditions
- Adjust ventilation settings automatically
- Integrate with whole-home purification systems
This makes them a proactive solution for maintaining comfort and safety.
Why Salmon HVAC?
We’re more than just a repair service. Salmon HVAC takes a holistic approach to home comfort, ensuring every aspect of your indoor environment supports health and efficiency. With over 40 years of local experience, we understand Utah’s air better than anyone.
Here’s why thousands of homeowners trust us:
- Certified technicians trained in IAQ best practices
- Custom solutions for every home size and layout
- Honest pricing, no high-pressure sales
- Fast, reliable scheduling with FieldEdge
- Responsive communication via Podium text system
- Access to top-tier equipment and financing options
We believe clean air should be accessible to everyone—and we’re here to make it happen.
Take the First Step Toward Cleaner Air
Whether you’re dealing with seasonal allergies or just want peace of mind, improving your indoor air quality is a smart investment in your family’s health. Our team is here to assess your current setup, recommend personalized solutions, and install proven systems that work.
Call us today at (801) 397-0030 or visit salmonhvac.com to book your indoor air quality assessment.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my home has poor indoor air quality?
If you notice persistent dust, unusual odors, or worsening allergy symptoms indoors, your IAQ may need attention. Salmon HVAC offers diagnostic tests to identify hidden issues.
2. Are whole-home air purifiers worth it?
Yes. Unlike portable purifiers, whole-home systems clean the air throughout your entire home, offering better value and consistent performance.
3. Can smart thermostats really improve air quality?
Absolutely. Many models now include sensors for humidity and VOCs. Combined with automated HVAC controls, they provide real-time alerts and actionable improvements.
4. How long does it take to improve indoor air quality after installing these systems?
You may notice improvements in just a few days. Full benefits often become clear within 2-3 weeks as systems cycle through and contaminants are continuously filtered out.
5. Do IAQ improvements increase home value?
Yes. Homes with whole-home purifiers, smart thermostats, and balanced humidity control are seen as more desirable, especially by health-conscious buyers.
Breathe easier with Salmon HVAC — Utah’s trusted indoor air experts. Call (801) 397-0030 or schedule online at salmonhvac.com.