Is Your Home Making You Sneeze? 4 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality in the South Puget Sound

February 4, 2026

We spend about 90% of our time indoors, but did you know that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air?


Between the damp maritime air in Gig Harbor and the seasonal pollen counts in Lakewood, homeowners in our area face unique challenges. If you find yourself sneezing more often or dealing with "stale" air, your HVAC system might be the culprit—or the solution.


At Mayster Heating & Air, we specialize in transforming standard HVAC systems into high-performance air filtration machines. Here are five ways to breathe easier in 2026.

1. Upgrade to a MERV 13 Filter


Most "standard" filters are designed to protect your equipment from large dust bunnies, not to protect your lungs from microscopic particles.


  • The Solution: Upgrading to a MERV 13 filter can capture up to 90% of airborne particles, including bacteria, tobacco smoke, and even virus carriers.
  • Pro Tip: Make sure your system can handle the increased resistance of a higher MERV rating. Our technicians can test your "static pressure" during a tune-up to ensure your motor won't burn out.


2. Whole-Home Air Purifiers vs. Portable Units


Portable air purifiers only clean one room at a time. A whole-home solution (like an iWave or Honeywell Electronic Air Cleaner) is installed directly into your ductwork.


  • How it works: These systems use ions or UV light to "kill" mold spores, bacteria, and odors as air passes through your vents.
  • The Result: Every room in your house gets purified air, not just the bedroom where a portable unit is humming.



3. Manage the "Puget Sound Humidity"


Damp air leads to mold growth; dry air leads to scratchy throats. In places like University Place and Tacoma, maintaining a "Goldilocks" humidity level (between 30% and 50%) is key.


  • The Solution: A whole-home dehumidifier works with your AC to pull excess moisture out of the air during those sticky July afternoons, preventing mold from ever taking root in your carpets or walls.


4. Don't Forget the Ductwork

If you have an older home in Steilacoom or Fircrest, your ducts could be hiding decades of dust, pet hair, and dander.


  • The Problem: Leaky ducts pull "bad" air from your crawlspace or attic and blow it directly into your living room.
  • The Fix: Have Mayster inspect your ductwork for leaks. Sealing your ducts doesn't just improve air quality—it can lower your energy bill by up to 20%.




Breathe Better with Mayster


Your home should be a sanctuary, not a source of allergies. Whether you need a simple filter upgrade or a full-scale air purification system, Mayster Heating & Air is the South Sound’s trusted partner for cleaner, healthier homes.


Ready for a breath of fresh air? Contact us today at (206) 492-4215

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