Frequently Asked Questions About cleaning indoor air

VOCs are harmful volatile gases and are result of polluting activities in households. Some of their most common sources are paint, sprays (including air fresheners and fragrances), organic solvents, cleaning products, synthetic agents, and more, and they are directly responsible for degrading air quality.

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value; it’s the measure of how well a filter removes particles sized between about 0.3 and 10 microns. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value — a standardized rating system developed by ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers). MERV 8–13: Recommended for most homes. Traps dust, pollen, and pet dander.

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Filters: The gold standard, trapping 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. They are highly restrictive and typically require special HVAC system modifications in a residential setting, as they can cause significant airflow issues in standard systems.

Indoor Air Quality, usually used when discuss testing

Sources: Mildew, bacteria, viruses, animal dander and saliva, dust mites, and pollen.

Mitigation: Control humidity to prevent mildew and dust mite growth, clean regularly (using a HEPA vacuum), wash bedding in hot water, and properly maintain humidifiers/dehumidifiers. 

Natural Sources 

Some pollutants enter the home from the ground or outdoor air. 

Radon: A colorless, odorless radioactive gas that seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Outdoor Pollutants: Pollen, general air pollution, and pesticides can enter through open windows, doors, and cracks.

Mitigation: Test your home for radon and implement mitigation techniques if levels are high. Keep windows closed on high-pollen or high-pollution days. 

Environmental Factors 

Inadequate Ventilation 

Tight, energy-efficient home construction can trap stale air and pollutants indoors if not paired with sufficient mechanical ventilation. Without enough fresh outdoor air to dilute emissions, pollutant levels can accumulate to unhealthy concentrations. 

High humidity (above 50%) encourages the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites, which degrades air quality. High temperatures can also accelerate the rate at which some chemicals, like formaldehyde, off-gas from materials. 

Humidity

• Below 30% (Too Dry): Low humidity causes the air to pull moisture from your body, leading to dry skin, chapped lips, itchy eyes, and dry sinuses, which increases vulnerability to colds and respiratory infections. It can also cause wood floors and furniture to crack and static electricity to increase.

• Above 50% (Too Humid): High humidity creates an ideal breeding ground for biological contaminants such as mold, mildew, dust mites, and bacteria, which can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. It can also make the air feel sticky and uncomfortable, and contribute to odors and structural damage. Mold growth typically begins when humidity exceeds 60%. 

Seasonal Humidity Adjustments

While the 30-50% range is a year-round guideline, you may need to adjust slightly based on the season and outdoor climate: 

• Winter: Aim for the lower end, around 30% to 40%. This helps prevent condensation from forming on cold window surfaces, which can freeze and cause damage.

• Summer: Aim for the higher end, around 40% to 50%. Aggressive moisture control using air conditioning and dehumidifiers is necessary in humid climates like Florida to prevent excess moisture buildup and mold growth.

Maintenance Matters

Yes, sometimes even weekly maintaenance is recommended! Even the best filter is only effective if it’s replaced or cleaned regularly.

As filters capture more particles, their efficiency rises slightly — but airflow resistance increases dramatically.

A clogged MERV 13 filter can perform worse than a clean MERV 8 filter.

Typical replacement intervals:

• Fiberglass (MERV 1–4): every 30 days

• Pleated (MERV 8–12): every 30–45 days

• High-efficiency (MERV 13–16): every 30 days (or per system spec)

While high-efficiency filters clean air better, they can restrict airflow in systems not designed for them — making the fan motor work harder and potentially lowering efficiency.

Higher Energy Bills Studies show dirty filters can raise energy use by 5–15%. Fresh filters keep airflow optimal and bills low.

🌿 The Health & Comfort Benefits

• Cleaner Indoor Air: Traps airborne irritants and allergens.

• Odor Reduction: Carbon or electrostatic filters help neutralize household odors.

• Consistent Temperature: Proper airflow means balanced cooling in every room.

• Peace of Mind: Routine care avoids sudden breakdowns during peak heat.

Yes, of course they do, here's why:

• Convenience: No remembering, no ladder climbing, no guessing filter sizes.

• Consistency: Experienced technicians follow a schedule and record each visit.

• System Insight: Pros can spot airflow or duct issues early.

• Clean Handling: Filters disposed of properly, grills wiped, and vents checked.

Why do I need Merv when I can change filters myself or someone help me?

Perception: It’s simple, so why pay someone?

Reality:

• Homeowners often forget or delay replacement — which defeats the purpose of maintenance.

• Many install wrong filter sizes or MERV ratings, restricting airflow or failing to filter properly.

• DIY replacements rarely include testing, evaluation, leaning, airflow checks, or proper handling and disposal of used filters.

• Some systems have multiple filters or attic-mounted units that are hard to reach and risky.

Counterpoint: Convenience, accuracy, and safety outweigh a small service fee.

Perception: If the A/C is cooling, the system is fine.

Reality:

• Air quality degradation happens gradually, so you often don’t notice until allergies flare up or bills rise.

• A system can run while still inefficient, wasting energy and straining components.

• Microscopic dust, VOCs, and bacteria circulate even when air looks clean.

Counterpoint: Clean air and efficiency are invisible benefits — until they’re gone.

 Perception: “Housekeepers are paid well to clean my home, so my air must be clean too.”

Reality:

• Housekeepers are often one of the primary contributors to poor indoor air quality—without realizing it.

• Many housekeepers do not use HEPA-grade vacuums, allowing dust, allergens, pollen, and microscopic particles to recirculate back into the air.

• Most traditional cleaning routines rely on toxic chemicals, fragrances, and harsh products that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), creating contaminated air—even when surfaces look spotless.

• Housekeepers, although well-intentioned, do not follow clean-air guidelines or certified procedures designed to protect indoor air quality. Their focus is on appearance, not the invisible pollutants you inhale.

Counterpoint:

A home can look clean and smell clean, yet still contain unhealthy air.

Fragrances, scented sprays, and chemical cleaners often create the illusion of cleanliness while filling your home with VOCs and airborne toxins. The “fresh” smell many people love is frequently a sign of contaminated air—not cleaner air. Be aware, be cautious, and remember: what you see is not always what you breathe.

Choosing the right air-quality consultant can make the difference between a home that merely looks clean and one that truly supports your health and well-being. At Better Call Merv, we provide more than basic air guidance—we offer a comprehensive, personal, and results-driven approach to creating healthier indoor environments. Homeowners throughout Palm Beach choose us because they value clarity, expertise, and long-term clean-air solutions.

Experience That Makes a Real Difference

Better Call Merv is led by Jonathan “Merv” Levy, an indoor air specialist with a rare combination of investigative skill and home-construction knowledge. With more than twelve years of hands-on training and field experience, Merv understands how homes breathe, where air circulation fails, and what causes pollutants to accumulate. His background as a Private Investigator and former renovation business owner gives him an advantage in identifying the hidden causes of poor indoor air quality.

True Air-Quality Expertise

Many companies sell filters or equipment. We focus on what matters most—accurate assessments and effective solutions. Better Call Merv specializes in:

– Residential air-quality consulting
– Indoor air assessments
– Filtration monitoring and filter-replacement guidance
– Identifying contaminants, allergens, and trapped pollutants
– Improving circulation and home air flow
– Personalized clean-air recommendations

Every home is different, and Merv approaches each one with precision and purpose.

A Health-Focused Approach

Our philosophy is simple: better air leads to better living. Clean air improves sleep, increases energy, reduces allergy symptoms, and protects long-term health. Merv’s recommendations are made with your wellness in mind—not what is expensive or trendy, but what will truly improve the way you breathe.

Local, Personal, and Dedicated Service

We are a small, local business built on relationships, not sales volume. Clients choose Better Call Merv because they receive direct, one-on-one service from the owner. No sales teams. No confusing upsells. No pressure. Just honest guidance, reliable support, and expert clean-air solutions from someone who genuinely cares about your home and health.

Clear Answers and Real Solutions

Indoor air problems can be frustrating, confusing, and difficult to diagnose. Better Call Merv offers clear explanations, straightforward findings, and customized solutions you can understand and act on. We don’t just point out what’s wrong—we provide step-by-step guidance to correct it and maintain healthier air moving forward.

A Long-Term Clean-Air Partner

Our goal is not to visit once and disappear. We provide ongoing support through filtration monitoring, seasonal guidance, and education that empowers you to take control of your home’s air quality. Clients often stay with us because they appreciate having a knowledgeable partner they can trust for years to come.

Committed to Integrity & Care

Better Call Merv is built on a foundation of honesty, compassion, and genuine concern for the people we serve. You are not just another appointment—your home, your health, and your peace of mind matter deeply to us. Every recommendation is made with integrity, backed by experience, and focused on your family’s well-being.

The Better Call Merv Promise

When you choose Better Call Merv, you choose:

– Cleaner, healthier indoor air
– Expert diagnostic skills
– Personalized filtration and monitoring guidance
– A trusted advisor focused on your long-term comfort
– A partner dedicated to your family’s health and safety

Better Call Merv is the clean-air resource homeowners turn to when they want confidence, clarity, and solutions that create healthier living—one breath at a time.