The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Air Quality
Every breath you take indoors shapes your health, energy, and comfort. But most people don’t realize how poor their indoor air quality is. At Planet Duct, we see every day how poor indoor air quality impacts Colorado families. As NADCA-certified experts, we’re here not just to fix the problem; we’re here to educate and empower you. We’re here to show you what impacts your air and how to make it cleaner and healthier.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Take a deep breath. The air inside your home should feel fresh, clean, and safe. But studies show that it often isn’t. According to the EPA, levels of airborne contaminants indoors can be two to five times higher than those outside. That means your living room could be more polluted than downtown traffic.
Understanding Airborne Contaminants in Your Home
So, what exactly is in your air? Some of the most common pollutants in Colorado include:
- Mold spores from damp areas or water leaks
- Dust mites, pollen, and pet dander
- Bacteria and viruses
- Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide from stoves or fireplaces
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints, cleaning supplies, and furniture off-gassing
- Radon, a naturally occurring gas common in Colorado homes due to soil composition
These pollutants can build up over time, creating stale, contaminated air in your home or office. But poor indoor air quality is more than just an inconvenience; it can trigger asthma, allergies, fatigue, headaches, and even long-term health conditions like heart disease.
About Indoor Air Quality Testing
Before you can fix a problem, you have to measure it. That’s where indoor air quality testing comes in. This process checks for air pollutants that are invisible to the naked eye.
At Planet Duct, we use advanced monitoring tools to get a complete picture of your air. Our testing checks for:
- Dust
- Mold spores
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Carbon monoxide
- Bacteria
How IAQ Monitoring Technology Works
Today’s technology makes the invisible visible. Smart monitors track VOCs, particulate matter, humidity, carbon dioxide, and more, revealing when and why pollutants spike, whether from cooking, cleaning, or seasonal changes.
When paired with targeted air quality solutions, monitoring becomes a roadmap to healthier living and better indoor air quality. At Planet Duct, we combine real-time insights with proven strategies: removing pollutants at the source, capturing particles with advanced filtration, and improving ventilation through duct cleaning and airflow balancing.
Outdoor vs. Indoor Air Quality: What’s the Difference?
It’s easy to blame smog outside, but the real danger often builds up indoors. Outdoor pollution disperses with wind and weather, while your home traps contaminants in a closed loop. On ozone alert days in Colorado Springs, heading inside may feel safer. But without proper ventilation and filtration, the air inside can be even worse. That’s why indoor air quality solutions focus on breaking the cycle, keeping airflow balanced and every breath fresh.
The Planet Duct Promise
When it comes to protecting the air you breathe, you deserve a team that’s proven, professional, and committed to results. Here’s why homeowners and business owners across Colorado trust Planet Duct:
NADCA-Certified Experts
We meet the highest industry standards in duct cleaning and indoor air quality services.
Locally Trusted
Years of service in Colorado Springs with a reputation built on honesty and results.
Advanced Technology
State-of-the-art monitoring tools that detect hidden pollutants and deliver real solutions.
Education First
We don’t just fix problems—we explain them, empowering you to make informed decisions.
5-Star Rated Service
Consistently recognized for professionalism, knowledge, and results.
Get Cleaner Air in Three Simple Steps
Clean, healthy air is closer than you think. Whether you’re dealing with allergies, strange smells, mysterious symptoms, or just want peace of mind, Planet Duct makes it easy to take the first step.
Take the Free IAQ Quiz
Find out what might be lurking in your air with our quick, easy indoor air quality quiz.
Book Your IAQ Consultation
Schedule a one-on-one consultation with our team to test your air and uncover hidden issues.
Breathe Easier with Expert Solutions
From duct cleaning and sealing to filtration upgrades and smart monitoring, we’ll implement the solutions that make your air cleaner, fresher, and safer — long term.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indoor Air Quality
Yes. Too much humidity can encourage mold growth, while too little can dry out your airways and worsen respiratory irritation. Keeping humidity between 30–50% is ideal for both comfort and air quality.
Many conventional cleaners release VOCs into the air. Switching to low-VOC or natural cleaning products, along with good ventilation, can significantly reduce chemical buildup indoors.
They can be. Burning wood releases fine particles and gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Proper ventilation, sealed doors, and regular maintenance are essential if you use them regularly.
Not at all. While those conditions can worsen quickly in poor IAQ, everyone is affected over time. Even healthy individuals may experience fatigue, headaches, or reduced immunity from long-term exposure.
Filters catch particles as air circulates, but dust, debris, and microbial growth can still build up inside ducts. Professional duct cleaning removes what filters miss, ensuring airborne contaminants aren’t continuously recirculated through your home.
Not always. In fact, newer homes are often more tightly sealed for energy efficiency, which can actually trap more air pollutants inside. Without adequate ventilation, a brand-new home can have worse indoor air quality than an older home with better airflow.