Breathe Cleaner, Healthier Air in Your Home
Indoor Air Quality Solutions for Springfield, Hendersonville, White House, and Beyond
Do you ever step into your attic on a sweltering summer day and feel like you’ve hit a wall of thick, stagnant air? The relief of stepping back into your air-conditioned home is instant. But what if the air inside your home isn’t as fresh as it should be?
Poor indoor air quality can lead to allergens, respiratory issues, and even skin irritation. If you or your family members struggle with allergies, dry eyes, or frequent colds, your home’s air might be to blame.
At Petitt Heating & Cooling, we specialize in indoor air quality solutions to help you breathe easier. From air purification systems and UV lights to humidifiers and dehumidifiers, we have the expertise to improve the air inside your home.
Let us create a cleaner, healthier living space for you and your family.
How We Improve Indoor Air Quality
At Petitt Heating & Cooling, we offer expert solutions to help homeowners breathe cleaner, healthier air. Our indoor air quality services include:
- UV Lights – Kill airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold before they spread throughout your home. Our ultraviolet purification technology ensures fresher, healthier air every day.
- Dehumidifiers – High humidity can lead to mold growth, dust mites, and respiratory issues. We install whole-home dehumidifiers to maintain balanced humidity and protect your home.
- Humidifiers – If the air in your home is too dry, it can cause dry skin, rashes, irritated sinuses, and the spread of germs. Our humidifier solutions help maintain ideal moisture levels for better health.
- Air Filtration – Dust, pet dander, and allergens can linger in the air, causing irritation and illness. Our advanced air filtration systems trap pollutants, improving air quality for you and your family.
- Crawlspace Encapsulation– Struggling with condensation, wood rot, or mold in your crawl space? These issues often stem from excess moisture in dark, unsealed spaces beneath your home. Our crawl space encapsulation services protect your home by sealing out moisture, preventing mold growth, and safeguarding your foundation.
If you’re ready to breathe easier, give us a call at 615-654-0814. Our experts are happy to answer your questions and schedule a service appointment at your convenience!
What Causes Indoor Air Problems?
Indoor air pollution can come from many everyday sources, impacting your health and comfort. Common culprits include:
- Pet dander – Triggers allergies and worsens asthma.
- Household cleaning products – Release harmful chemicals into the air.
- Excess dust and dirt – Aggravates respiratory issues and allergies.
- Tobacco smoke – Lingers in the air and affects lung health.
- Mold growth – Thrives in humid environments, leading to health risks.
- Dirty air ducts – Circulate dust, allergens, and contaminants throughout your home.
- Poor ventilation – Traps pollutants indoors, reducing fresh airflow.
- Pesticides & chemicals – Introduce toxins that linger in the air.
- Outdoor pollutants – Pollen, smog, and other contaminants can enter your home.
Pollutants naturally make their way into your home- whether from outdoor air, dirt buildup, or everyday household activities. Once inside, they circulate through your HVAC system, affecting your comfort and well-being.
The good news? You don’t have to settle for poor indoor air quality. By identifying the specific pollutants affecting your home and taking proactive steps to eliminate them, you can create a cleaner, healthier living environment for you and your family.
How Indoor Air Quality Impacts Your Health
Did you know the air inside your home can directly affect your physical health, sleep quality, and overall well-being? Poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of issues that take a toll on both your body and mind.
Can Poor Indoor Air Quality Make You Sick?
Absolutely. When pollutants like dust, pet dander, mold spores, and chemicals circulate through your HVAC system, they can cause:
- Headaches & dizziness
- Throat irritation & congestion
- Cold- and flu-like symptoms
- Worsened allergies & asthma
If your home lacks proper ventilation, these issues will only intensify– especially in busy households with kids, pets, and frequent indoor-outdoor activity. Additionally, poor-performing HVAC systems can promote mold and mildew growth, introducing harmful spores into the air that can make your family sick.
Can Indoor Air Quality Affect Sleep?
Struggling to get a good night’s rest? Poor air quality could be the reason. Common indoor air pollutants can trigger:
- Frequent colds, migraines, and nausea
- Breathing difficulties and congestion
- Restless, interrupted sleep cycles
Without deep, restorative sleep, fatigue, anxiety, and stress can take over, creating a vicious cycle that negatively impacts your daily life.
Can Indoor Air Quality Cause Headaches?
Constantly dealing with unexplained headaches? Your home’s air could be to blame. Contaminants like mold, chemical fumes, and airborne allergens can contribute to:
- Chronic headaches
- Increased stress and fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
At Petitt Heating & Cooling, we specialize in air purification, filtration, humidity control, and ventilation solutions to help you breathe easier and feel better.
How Often Should You Change Your HVAC Air Filters?
Keeping your air filters clean is one of the easiest ways to improve indoor air quality and keep your HVAC system running efficiently. But how often should you change them?
For standard 1-inch filters, the general rule is to replace them every 1–3 months. However, your home’s specific needs can affect this timeline.
How to Determine Your Filter Change Schedule
To find the right schedule for your home, try this:
- Check your filter after one month. If it looks dirty, replace it.
- If it’s still fairly clean, check again in another month.
- Repeat this process until you find the ideal replacement interval.
Not sure if your HVAC system is working at peak efficiency?
Is Air Quality Better Indoors or Outdoors?
It depends, but indoor air quality is often worse than outdoor air. This is because pollutants, allergens, and chemicals get trapped inside without proper ventilation. Dust, pet dander, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household products can accumulate, leading to poor air quality. Installing air purifiers, ventilation systems, and regular HVAC maintenance can help keep your home’s air cleaner.
How Can I Prevent Mold Growth in My Home?
Mold thrives in humid, damp environments, often in crawl spaces, basements, and bathrooms. To prevent mold growth:
- Keep indoor humidity between 30-50% with a dehumidifier.
- Ensure proper ventilation in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Fix leaks in roofs, windows, and plumbing.
- Use UV lights in your HVAC system to kill mold spores before they spread.
- Schedule regular HVAC maintenance to prevent moisture buildup.
Can Indoor Plants Improve Air Quality?
Yes, but they’re not a complete solution. Certain plants—like peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants—can help remove some airborne toxins, but their impact is minimal compared to air filtration systems. To truly improve air quality, combine plants with air purifiers, proper ventilation, and regular HVAC filter changes.
I Have Pets – How Can I Combat Poor Air Quality?
Pets contribute to dander, fur, and dirt buildup, which can impact indoor air quality. To keep your home’s air fresh:
- Groom pets regularly to reduce shedding and dander.
- Vacuum carpets and furniture frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum.
- Use an air purifier designed for pet allergens.
- Change your HVAC filters more often (every 30-60 days if you have pets).
- Consider a whole-home air filtration system for the best results.
Are There Regulations for Indoor Air Quality?
There are no universal federal laws governing indoor air quality for homes, but organizations like the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) provide guidelines on ventilation, air filtration, and pollutant limits. Some states and industries have indoor air quality standards, particularly for workplaces and rental properties.
What Kind of Cleaning Products Should I Use for Cleaner Air?
Many traditional cleaning products release harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which lower indoor air quality. To keep your home’s air clean:
- Choose fragrance-free, non-toxic, and eco-friendly cleaning products.
- Look for EPA-certified “Safer Choice” labels on products.
- Avoid aerosol sprays and harsh chemicals like ammonia and bleach.
- Use natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap.
What’s the Best Air Filter for My Home?
The best filter depends on your needs:
- Basic fiberglass filters (MERV 1-4): Protects your HVAC system but does little for air quality.
- Pleated filters (MERV 7-13): Capture dust, pollen, and pet dander- ideal for allergy sufferers.
- HEPA filters (MERV 17+): Traps the smallest particles, including bacteria and viruses (often used in hospitals).
For most homes in Tennessee, a MERV 8-13 pleated filter strikes the best balance between air quality and HVAC efficiency.
Can Opening Windows Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Yes- but only when outdoor air quality is good. Fresh air can help dilute indoor pollutants, but if it’s pollen season or air pollution is high, opening windows can introduce more allergens and contaminants.
For better control, consider a whole-home ventilation system that filters outdoor air before it enters your home.
Are Air Purifiers Worth It?
Yes- if you choose the right one! Air purifiers with HEPA filters and activated carbon are great for removing dust, pet dander, smoke, and VOCs. However, they work best alongside other air quality improvements, like proper ventilation, humidity control, and regular filter changes.
Can My HVAC System Control Humidity?
Yes! Your HVAC system helps regulate humidity, but sometimes, extra humidity control is needed.
- If your home feels damp or musty → You may need a dehumidifier.
- If your skin is dry and there’s lots of static electricity → A humidifier can help.
Whole-home humidity control systems work with your HVAC to keep moisture levels balanced year-round.
What’s the Fastest Way to Improve Indoor Air Quality?
The quickest improvements include:
- Changing your HVAC filter (start with MERV 8-13)
- Using an air purifier for targeted filtration
- Adding a dehumidifier or humidifier to control moisture
- Vacuuming with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens
- Scheduling an HVAC inspection to ensure clean, efficient airflow