Find Answers to Your Air Quality Questions Here

How Often Should I Replace My Filter?
Every family is different, but in general, you should replace one-inch filters every three months. However, if you have pets, allergies, or asthma, it may be smarter to change it more often. Or, if you have a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, replace it every six to 12 months. Not sure what filter you have? Let our experts help!

I Have Bad Allergies—What Air Pollution Solutions Would You Recommend?
Air purifiers are very helpful in alleviating allergy symptoms. They capture and kill up to 99 percent of pollutants in your air—allergens included—to help you breathe better. In fact, they are 40 times more effective than your standard furnace filter. You can also try installing UV lights or a dehumidifier to help alleviate allergy symptoms. For more personalized recommendations, schedule a consultation with our pros.

How Does Humidity Affect My Indoor Air Quality?
Ideally, your home humidity level should fall between 35 and 50 percent. If your air is drier or more humid than that, it could spell trouble for your comfort. Too much moisture in the air can aggravate allergies and asthma—and lead to mold, mildew, and mustiness. On the other hand, if your air is too dry, it can cause health problems like itchy skin and frequent colds. River City’s humidification systems can help keep your family healthy and comfortable.

Can My Pets Affect the Air Quality?
Yes! Cats and dogs shed hair and dander, which can pollute your indoor air. To relieve problems, swap out your air filter more often (see above), groom your furry friend, or consider installing an air purifier.

What Are the Most Common Indoor Air Pollutants?
Dust, dirt, pollen, and mold are some of the most common. But pollution can come from anywhere—even household items and activities such as cooking, household cleaners, and carpeting. If you’re not sure what exactly is the problem, River City Heating can conduct thorough air quality testing to find out.

How Can I Improve Ventilation in My Home?
Opening your windows is always a good option—but we know that, depending on the weather, that’s not always viable. So, for fresh air year-round, consider in-home air ventilators. Our solutions can condition and humidify (or dehumidify) air from outdoors, transfer it inside, and freshen your house instantly. It’s a great way to get rid of stale indoor air no matter the time of year.

Are There Energy-Efficient Ways I Can Boost My Indoor Air Quality?
Yes! Natural ways to boost your air quality include:

• Indoor plants—studies show that plants can help reduce airborne contaminants and improve oxygen levels
• Consider Boston ferns, snake plants, or aloe vera
• Salt lamps—these attract moisture from the air and create negative ions that help eliminate certain contaminants such as pollen, dust, and dirt
• Vacuum regularly—this helps keep your home clear of pollutants, especially dust, dirt, and pet dander

Is It Best to Set My Thermostat to “AUTO” or “ON”?
There is no right or wrong answer here—it simply depends on how you want your home comfort system set up. If you want to regulate uneven temperatures in your home, set the fan to “ON.” If you would rather keep energy costs to a minimum, set it to “AUTO.” That way, your heating and cooling systems will shut off once your home reaches your set temperature, saving you money on energy bills.