Indoor Air Quality, Built for Gulf Humidity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indoor Air Quality

• Why is indoor air quality such a big deal on the Gulf Coast?

  Baldwin County's outdoor humidity averages 75% annually and peaks above 90% on summer mornings. Indoor humidity tracks outdoor humidity, and at 60%+ indoor RH, problems start: dust mite populations explode, mold can germinate on indoor surfaces, wood furniture warps, and that distinctive 'musty house' smell appears. Getting indoor RH into the 40-55% range solves most indoor air quality complaints — and that's primarily an HVAC engineering problem, not just a 'buy an air purifier' problem.
• Do I need a whole-house dehumidifier in Baldwin County?

  Probably not if your AC is properly sized and maintained — a right-sized AC removes plenty of moisture during normal cooling cycles. You DO benefit from a whole-house dehumidifier if: (1) your home is tight new construction where AC doesn't run long enough to dehumidify, (2) you have a vacation rental that sits at higher setpoints during vacancy, (3) you have chronic mold complaints despite good cooling, or (4) you have indoor pools/spas/large fish tanks adding moisture continuously. We provide a written estimate before any work begins.
• Are UV-C lights worth installing on my HVAC system?

  Coil-mounted UV-C lights are genuinely useful in Baldwin County's humidity — they keep evaporator coils and drain pans biologically sterile, preventing the musty smell that humid climates produce. Worth considering for homes with chronic supply-vent odor or vacation rentals. We provide a written estimate before installation. The marketing claims about UV killing airborne pathogens are overstated; airflow is too fast for meaningful kill rates. For air sterilization, better filtration is more cost-effective.
• What MERV rating filter should I use in Baldwin County?

  MERV 8 is the baseline recommendation — captures pollen, mold spores, and dust mite debris without restricting airflow. Upgrade to MERV 11 if you have allergies, pets, or live near agricultural land (Loxley, Robertsdale, Summerdale). Don't go above MERV 13 in standard 1-inch filter slots — you'll restrict airflow and hurt cooling performance. Change every 60 days during cooling season (April-October).
• What does an indoor air quality assessment include?

  Air Solutions's IAQ assessment measures indoor humidity in multiple rooms, evaluates AC sizing and dehumidification capacity, inspects condensate drains and evaporator coils for biological growth, assesses ductwork condition, reviews filter compatibility, and identifies any specific moisture sources. We produce a written report with prioritized recommendations and honest cost estimates. Pricing varies by home size and complexity — we quote before scheduling.