Indoor Air Quality 101: Why It Matters and How to Improve It

“Most of us spend 90 percent of our time indoors, where pollutant levels can be two to five times higher than outside.” — EPA

Coastal breezes feel fresh outdoors, but once that salty air mixes with indoor dust, dander, and humidity it can turn stale fast. Follow this straightforward roadmap—no tables required—to identify trouble spots and breathe easier.

Take a Room‑by‑Room Walk‑Through

Basement

• Warning signs: musty odor after rain, visible mold on joists.
  
• Quick fix: add a sealed, automatic‑drain dehumidifier and check for leaks.
  
  

Kitchen

• Warning signs: greasy film on cabinets, smoke lingering after cooking.
  
• Quick fix: run your range hood on high and clean its filters every month.
  
  

Bathrooms

• Warning signs: mirrors stay foggy for more than ten minutes.
  
• Quick fix: install a timer‑controlled exhaust fan and inspect caulk for gaps.
  
  

Bedrooms

• Warning signs: morning sniffles or itchy eyes.
  
• Quick fix: replace your HVAC filter (MERV 11 or higher) every sixty days, or monthly if you have pets.
  
  

Living Room

• Warning signs: headaches after burning a fire, chemical “new” smells from furniture.
• ‍Quick fix: open the fireplace damper fully and consider a whole‑home air purifier.

Build Your Fix‑It Toolkit

Good: Upgrade to a high-MERV filter and schedule a professional duct cleaning. Budd's matches filter ratings to your system so airflow stays strong.

Better: Add a whole-home dehumidifier and a UV coil light. The dehumidifier keeps humidity below 55 percent, while the UV lamp kills mold on the evaporator coil.

Best: Combine a media air cleaner with an ERV (energy-recovery ventilator). This setup captures up to 99 percent of airborne particles and swaps stale air for conditioned fresh air - ideal for tight coastal homes.

‍Membership Perk: Budd’s plans include annual IAQ checkups, discounted filter cases, and priority duct‑sanitizing appointments.

Seasonal Game Plan

• Spring: Replace filters and book an AC tune‑up before pollen peaks.
  
• Summer: Set your smart thermostat to keep humidity below 55 percent.
  
• Fall: Clean ducts and test carbon‑monoxide alarms before you seal windows.
• ‍Winter: Check attic insulation and seal air leaks to cut condensation.

Why Choose Budd’s for Air‑Quality Upgrades?

• Coastal‑grade, corrosion‑resistant components.
  
• One‑stop service: HVAC maintenance, filtration installs, duct cleaning, dehumidifiers.
  
• Local techs who understand Cape May & Atlantic County weather.
  
• Flexible financing—including 0 percent promos on qualifying systems.
  

Ready to breathe easier? Call 609‑465‑3759 or visit buddsplumbing.com to schedule an Indoor Air Quality Assessment. Fresh air is one service call away!