Stepping out for some air could be a better idea than you might think. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, scientific evidence indicates that air in homes can be more seriously polluted than outdoor air. Considering that most Americans spend up to 90 percent of each day indoors-more than half of that time at home-you may be experiencing indoor air pollution without even knowing it.

Fortunately, many heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) manufacturers recognize the health risks posed by mold, pollen, bacteria and other pollut-ants and offer a variety of products designed to minimize these risks and improve indoor air quality (IAQ.) Here’s a closer look:

New Innovations

Rx technology introduced by York, a Johnson Controls Company, represents one of the most innovative advances in IAQ products. Rx technology equips all York Affinity™ air handlers with a unique MicroBlue™ coating that helps the coils inside the units resist standing water and microbes. This coating also helps to prevent the gym locker smell or “Dirty Sock Syndrome” that seems to afflict some heat pumps that operate in hot, humid conditions.

Bring Fresh Air In

Consumers can find a full line of IAQ products through the York Total Comfort Systems. The line’s ventilation systems, for example, include a choice of air-to-air exchangers. Both the heat recovery ventilator and the energy recovery ventilator allow homeowners to manually or automatically adjust fresh airflow, as they replace a portion of stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. The units also retain energy used to heat or cool the home, saving homeowners money on utility bills.

Let There Be Light

Ultraviolet (UV) air treatment systems cast UV energy on cooling system components to prevent the growth of mold spores and reduce allergic reactions. Additionally, electronic and media air cleaners remove up to 94 percent of the dust, pollen, pet dander, plant spores, fungi, bacteria, tobacco smoke and other small particles that also cause allergic reactions and affect IAQ.

Control Humidity

Finally, whole-house humidifiers let homeowners control indoor humidity levels. Restoring humidity in the home returns moisture to furniture and woodwork, makes it easier to breathe the air and helps ensure maximum comfort to occupants.