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Tips for Dallas Homeowners to Breathe Easier This Summer

When summer heat hits Dallas, we all head indoors to escape the sun and humidity. But while your air conditioner keeps you cool, it’s not doing much for your indoor air quality (IAQ).

In fact, during the hot months, indoor air can be worse than outdoor air, when windows are closed, allergens are trapped inside and your HVAC system is working overtime. Poor indoor air quality can exacerbate allergies, trigger asthma, cause fatigue and even affect your sleep.

At Baker Brothers Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical, we help Dallas homeowners create healthier, more comfortable living spaces year-round. Here’s how you can improve your indoor air quality – even when it’s 100°F outside.

1. Change Your Air Filters

One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve indoor air quality is to change your HVAC air filters. During summer, your system runs more and filters get clogged with dust, pollen, pet dander and other airborne particles much faster than usual.

Best Practices:

• Change your filter every 30–60 days in the summer

• Use high-efficiency pleated filters rated MERV 8 or higher

• If someone in your household has allergies or asthma, consider a HEPA-grade filter for extra filtration

Clogged filters not only reduce air quality but also make your AC work harder – increasing energy costs and reducing comfort.

2. Control Humidity

Dallas summers are hot and humid. Excess indoor humidity (above 50%) is a breeding ground for mold, mildew and dust mites, all of which can degrade air quality and cause respiratory issues.

How to Control Humidity:

• Use a whole-home dehumidifier if your AC can’t keep up with humidity

• Run exhaust fans when cooking, showering or using the laundry room

• Seal air leaks around windows and doors to prevent humid outdoor air from getting in

A properly sized and maintained air conditioner should manage humidity but if you’re still seeing condensation or musty smells, it’s time for an evaluation.### 3. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up

Your HVAC system does more than cool your home – it circulates and filters the air you breathe. But if your system is dirty or unmaintained, it can actually contribute to indoor air problems.

Benefits of Summer HVAC Maintenance:

• Cleans coils and components that can harbor mold and bacteria

• Ensures proper airflow throughout the home

• Maintains ideal temperature and humidity levels

• Extends the life of your AC system

Baker Brothers offers seasonal tune-ups to keep your system running efficiently and improve air quality all summer long.

4. Consider an Air Purification System

For homeowners who want to take indoor air quality to the next level – especially those with allergy sufferers or respiratory issues – an air purification system is a smart investment.

Types of Air Cleaners We Recommend:

• UV air purifiers: Kill airborne bacteria, mold spores and viruses

• Whole-home air filtration systems: Remove up to 99% of airborne particles

• Electronic air cleaners (EACs): Use static electricity to trap pollutants

These systems integrate directly with your HVAC system and provide continuous, powerful air cleaning throughout your home.

5. Clean Your Air Ducts (If Needed)

Over time, your home’s ductwork can collect dust, allergens, pet hair and even mold. When your AC runs, it pushes these particles into every room.

Signs your ducts may need cleaning:

• Dust buildup around vents

• Musty odors when the AC runs

• Visible mold inside ducts or on vents

• Increased allergy symptoms indoors

Note: Not every home needs duct cleaning regularly. If your ducts are dirty or contaminated, Baker Brothers offers professional duct cleaning services for Dallas homes to get your ducts clean and healthy again.

6. Keep Windows and Doors Sealed

While opening a window can sometimes help with ventilation, in the middle of a hot Dallas summer, that usually lets in more pollution, pollen and humidity than fresh air. Instead, focus on keeping the heat and allergens out by sealing gaps and improving insulation.

Tips to Keep Outdoor Air Pollutants Out:

• Install weatherstripping on doors and windows

• Use caulk to seal cracks around window frames

• Keep doors closed during peak heat hoursSeal the air in.

7. What You Bring In

Did you know many indoor air pollutants come from inside your own home? Cleaning supplies, candles, aerosols and even furniture release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.

Reduce VOCs by:

• Using natural or fragrance-free cleaning products

• Venting when painting or using strong chemicals

• Choosing low-VOC furniture and flooring

Be mindful of what you’re bringing into your home.

Breathe Better with Baker Brothers

Dallas summer doesn’t have to mean poor indoor air. From filter replacements and dehumidifiers to full air purification systems, Baker Brothers Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical has the solution for your family to breathe easier—no matter the temperature.

📞 Call us today at 214-617-8006
💻 Schedule an indoor air quality consultation at bakerbrothersplumbing.com