Indoor Air Quality Concerns Are Rising Across the South — Your HVAC Can Help

By Kat Tretina MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE

June 15, 2026 3:00 PM

Indoor Air Quality — Francesco Scatena Getty Images

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Key Takeaways

Indoor concentrations of common pollutants can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels, according to the EPA.
Poor air quality can affect allergies, asthma, and overall health.
HVAC systems can improve air quality by reducing humidity and limiting pollutants.

If you’re like most Americans, you spend roughly 90% of your time indoors, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — and indoor pollutant levels can run two to five times higher than outdoor levels. In the South, where temperatures rise rapidly and can reach into the triple digits during the summer months, homeowners spend more time inside, and they keep the windows closed.

Your HVAC system can play a pivotal role in keeping you comfortable and improving your air quality. By taking a few steps to maintain your system, you can keep your system working efficiently and protect your health.

Why Is Indoor Air Quality Such a Problem in the South?

No matter how clean you keep your home or how often you dust, it’s still possible for your home to have poor air quality. The climate in southern states is a perfect storm for indoor air issues such as:

Humidity

The southern states, such as Florida, have much higher humidity levels than northern states. According to the Florida Climate Center, average relative humidity in Florida runs around 70%-75% in the summer, with major cities like Orlando and Miami peaking near 79% in late summer.

Such high humidity is an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. The fungi release spores into the air, which can cause respiratory issues. Mold can also cause significant structural damage to your home.

Pollutants

The southern region is known for its heavy pollen season and other pollutants.

Whenever you open a door or window, pollutants can slip inside. During the summer months, when you keep the doors and windows shut to hold in the cool air, you also trap the pollutants inside, hurting your indoor air quality.

“There are three basic types of contaminants inside a home,” said Steve Wade, Senior Director of Operations and Procurement at ARS/Rescue Rooter. “There are particulates, and that’s dust and other items. There are biological contaminants, and that’s anything that’s a living organism. Then there are chemical contaminants, and that’s things like VOCs that you might bring into the home.”

Signs of Poor Indoor Quality

If the air quality inside your home deteriorates, it can affect your breathing and overall comfort. Some common signs of poor air quality include:

Persistent dust buildup
Musty odors
More frequent allergy symptoms
Condensation on the inside of windows

How Your HVAC System Can Impact Air Quality

Your HVAC system plays a critical role in keeping your home comfortable. Besides keeping you cool, it also affects your air quality.

Air Filtration

A high-quality air filter catches pollutants before they enter your home’s ductwork, reducing what enters your home. A strong air filtration system keeps the air quality inside your home cleaner.

Air Purification Add-ons

Standard HVAC filters are effective at filtering everyday pollutants, but if you have severe allergies or breathing issues, it may be a good idea to invest in system add-ons like ultraviolet light purifiers or whole-home high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems.

Humidity Control

A properly functioning HVAC system naturally pulls moisture out of the air as it cools your home, helping to control the humidity.

Tips for Managing Air Quality

To maintain or improve air quality in your home, follow these tips:

Perform proper maintenance: Stick to a regular maintenance schedule. At least twice a year, have an HVAC technician check your system, clean the coils, and ensure the system is working efficiently.
Change filters: Depending on your area and system, change your filters every 30 to 90 days.

Regular maintenance and scheduled tuneups can keep your system working effectively and catch small problems before they become serious (and expensive) issues.

FAQs

Can my HVAC system improve air quality?

Yes, a well-maintained HVAC system improves indoor air quality by pulling air through the filters that trap dust, pollen, and pet dander. It also regulates the humidity levels inside your home, preventing the growth of mold or mildew.

In the South, what should the humidity level be in my home?

The EPA recommends keeping indoor relative humidity between 30% and 50%. This range discourages mold growth and dust mites while keeping you comfortable — and it’s especially important in humid southern climates, where outdoor moisture can quickly push indoor levels higher.

How often do I need to change my HVAC filter?

With the typical HVAC system, you should change your filter every 30 to 90 days. Those who suffer from allergies, live in areas with high outdoor pollution, or own pets may need to replace their filters on a 30-day schedule rather than a 90-day schedule.