Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is known for its sunny skies, active lifestyle, and stunning natural scenery. But while many enjoy the fresh mountain air outdoors, the air inside Denver homes often tells a different story—especially during allergy season. The city’s semi-arid climate, combined with seasonal pollen and urban air pollution, can lead to surprisingly poor indoor air quality (IAQ), even in well-maintained homes.
If you’ve ever found yourself sneezing, wheezing, or experiencing itchy eyes while inside your own home, you’re not alone. Many Denver residents suffer from seasonal allergies, and the culprit is often closer than they think. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can breathe easier by improving your home’s indoor air quality, especially during allergy season—and how HVAC solutions can make a major difference.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters—Especially in Denver
Let’s start with a simple truth: the air inside your homecan be two to five times more polluted than the air outside, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That’s especially concerning when you consider that Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors.
In Denver, the high altitude and dry climate present unique air quality challenges. Seasonal pollen from trees like cottonwood, elm, and juniper often lingers in the spring and summer months. Meanwhile, indoor sources of pollution—such as dust mites, pet dander, cleaning chemicals, and cooking fumes—can make things worse.
Add in wildfire smoke during the warmer months and inversions during the colder ones, and it’s easy to see why indoor air quality is a year-round concern for residents of the Mile High City.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants That Aggravate Allergies
Understanding what’s in your air is the first step toward breathing easier. Here are some of the most common indoor pollutants that can trigger allergy symptoms:
1. Pollen
During spring and early summer, pollen enters homes through open windows, doors, and even on clothing or pets. Because Denver is home to many native tree species, pollen levels can become quite high—especially in late March through June.
2. Dust Mites
These microscopic creatures thrive in bedding, upholstery, and carpets. While invisible to the eye, their waste products are a potent allergen and can significantly impact sensitive individuals.
3. Pet Dander
Even if you bathe and groom your pets regularly, dander (tiny flakes of skin) can become airborne and settle in your HVAC system.
4. Mold Spores
The dry Denver climate can make homes seem mold-resistant, but mold can still thrive in damp areas like basements, kitchens, and bathrooms, particularly if ventilation is poor.
5. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
These gases are released by many household products, including paints, cleaning agents, and air fresheners. VOCs can cause irritation and exacerbate allergy symptoms.
How Your HVAC System Affects Indoor Air Quality
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system does more than just control temperature—it plays a key role in filtering and circulating the air you breathe. When maintained and optimized properly, your HVAC system can significantly improve your indoor air quality and help reduce allergy symptoms.
Here’s how:
1. Air Filtration
Most HVAC systems come with air filters that trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. However, not all filters are created equal. The effectiveness of a filter is measured using the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) scale.
- Standard filters(MERV 1-4): Capture only large particles like dust and lint.
- Better filters(MERV 5-8): Trap smaller particles, including mold spores and pet dander.
- High-efficiency filters(MERV 9-16): Capture even smaller allergens like smoke and bacteria.
Upgrading to a higher MERV-rated filter (ideally MERV 11 or higher) can dramatically improve indoor air quality during allergy season.
2. Air Purifiers and UV Lights
Supplementing your HVAC system with an air purifier or UV germicidal light can further reduce allergens, bacteria, and viruses. These systems are installed directly into the HVAC ductwork and provide continuous protection by neutralizing airborne contaminants before they reach your living spaces.
3. Proper Ventilation
Older or improperly designed HVAC systems often lack proper ventilation, which means stale indoor air isn’t replaced frequently enough with fresh outdoor air. A modern HVAC system with an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) can introduce fresh air into your home without sacrificing energy efficiency.
4. Humidity Control
Denver’s dry climate can be deceptive. While low humidity levels reduce mold growth, they can also dry out nasal passages and exacerbate allergy symptoms. Whole-house humidifiers help maintain an ideal indoor humidity level (between 30%–50%), which supports both comfort and respiratory health.
7 Practical Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality During Allergy Season
Ready to breathe easier? Here are some tried-and-true strategies you can use to improve your indoor air quality this allergy season:
1. Change Your HVAC Filters Regularly
It’s a simple step, but an important one. During peak allergy season, check your air filters every 30 days and replace them as needed. A clogged filter not only reduces airflow but also allows allergens to recirculate throughout your home.
2. Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance
A seasonal tune-up from a certified technician ensures your system is running efficiently and that all components—filters, coils, ducts, and fans—are clean and functioning properly. According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), dirty HVAC systems can harbor up to 40 pounds of dust annually in an average six-room house.
3. Invest in a Whole-Home Air Purifier
Unlike portable units, whole-home air purifiers are integrated into your HVAC system and treat the air throughout your entire home. Some models can capture up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pollen and smoke.
4. Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation
Unsealed windows, doors, and ductwork can allow outdoor allergens to enter your home and reduce HVAC efficiency. Weather stripping and duct sealing help keep clean, filtered air inside while keeping allergens out.
5. Clean Your Ductwork
Over time, allergens and debris can build up inside your ductwork. If your home is more than 10 years old or you’ve recently done renovations, professional duct cleaning may be necessary to remove accumulated contaminants.
6. Keep Windows and Doors Closed
While the fresh spring air might be tempting, it can be loaded with pollen. Use your HVAC system instead to keep your home comfortable and allergen-free.
7. Add a Humidifier or Dehumidifier
Depending on the season and your indoor environment, controlling humidity can make a big difference. Too much moisture encourages mold growth, while too little can dry out your nasal passages. A professionally installed humidity control system can keep things balanced.
The Role of Smart Thermostats in Air Quality
Smart thermostats aren’t just for controlling temperature—they can also help manage indoor air quality. Many models offer:
- Air quality monitoring
- Filter change alerts
- Fan scheduling to circulate air more frequently
- Humidity level adjustments
By automating HVAC functions based on current air quality data, smart thermostats help you stay one step ahead of allergy triggers.
How Often Should You Schedule HVAC Service?
For optimal performance and air quality, it’s best to have your HVAC system professionally serviced at least twice a year—once in the spring before cooling season begins and again in the fall before heating season starts.
In addition to regular maintenance, air ducts should be inspected every 3–5 years and cleaned as needed. Humidifiers and air purifiers should also be checked annually to ensure they’re operating efficiently.
The Benefits of Clean Indoor Air
Investing in better indoor air quality isn’t just about comfort—it’s about health, productivity, and peace of mind. According to the EPA, improved air quality can lead to:
- Fewer allergy and asthma symptoms
- Better sleep
- Improved cognitive performance
- Reduced exposure to harmful chemicals and pathogens
Whether you’re working from home, raising a family, or simply want a more comfortable living space, cleaner air can make all the difference.
Breathe Easier: Indoor Air Quality Services in Denver, COFor Indoor Air Quality Services in Denver, CO, Contact Major Heating and Air Conditioning Today
At Major Heating and Air Conditioning, we understand the unique challenges of Denver’s climate—and we know how to solve them. With over 40 years of experience serving the Denver metro area, we specialize in customized indoor air quality solutions that help homeowners breathe easier all year round.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your HVAC filters, install a whole-home air purifier, or schedule a seasonal maintenance check, our team of licensed professionals is here to help. We use the latest tools and technology to identify air quality issues and deliver results you can feel.
Don’t let allergy season take over your home. Contact Major Heating and Air Conditioningtoday to schedule your indoor air quality consultation and start breathing easier.