The most common indoor air pollutants are dust and dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, volatile organic compounds from household products, and combustion byproducts from cooking and fireplaces. In Albuquerque, dust dominates the list.
Particulate Pollutants
- Dust and dust mites. The largest category in most homes, accumulating on surfaces, in carpet, and inside ductwork where the HVAC system redistributes it.
- Pollen. Cottonwood, juniper, and elm are significant local allergens, and they enter through doors, windows, and any duct leak on the return side.
- Pet dander, which stays airborne longer than most particulate.
- Mold spores, concentrated around moisture — bathrooms, under sinks, and notably the evaporator coil in your air handler, which is the one reliably damp place in a dry-climate home.
Gases and Chemicals
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products, paints, adhesives, new furniture and carpet, and air fresheners.
- Combustion byproducts from gas cooking, fireplaces, and any appliance with a compromised flue — including carbon monoxide, which is odorless and requires detectors on every level.
- Tobacco smoke and cooking smoke.
Why Albuquerque Homes Load Up Faster
High year-round dust that spikes hard during spring wind season, plus cottonwood and juniper pollen that hits allergy sufferers particularly hard. Extremely low humidity also keeps particulate airborne longer than it would stay suspended in a humid climate. Filters here load faster than manufacturer schedules assume.
How Your HVAC System Fits In
It moves all your household air through the same coil, blower, and ducts several times an hour — so it either filters contamination or redistributes it. Return-side duct leaks are a particular problem, pulling attic dust and insulation fibers directly into supply air.
What Helps
Regular filter changes and HVAC maintenance first, then whole-house filtration, purifiers, UV lights at the coil, and ventilation.
Contact B. Carlson about indoor air quality in Albuquerque.
