If your mornings start with a stuffy nose, your upstairs feels muggy, or “cedar fever” wipes out your January, you’re in good company. In Central Texas, heat, humidity, and nearly year-round allergens make indoor air quality (IAQ) a must-solve, not a nice-to-have. Add in the fact that common pollutants (VOCs, fine particles, combustion byproducts) often concentrate indoors, and it’s clear why Austin homeowners are upgrading how their homes breathe. Studies have repeatedly found several indoor pollutants at 2–5× outdoor levels, which is why source control, right-sized ventilation, filtration, and humidity management matter. US EPA

Austin’s IAQ reality (and why it’s different)

Our climate keeps windows closed for long stretches, trapping pollutants and moisture. Winter brings the notorious cedar pollen (Ashe juniper) spike, typically December through February, while spring and fall add new allergens to the mix. That combo means you need cleaner air coming in, better filtration inside, and smart humidity control year-round. KVue

We serve Austin and the broader Central Texas region, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Lakeway, Bee Cave, West Lake Hills, Dripping Springs, Buda, Kyle, and Georgetown, and tailor IAQ solutions to each home’s envelope, ductwork, and HVAC.

Step 1: Evaluate first so you fix causes – not symptoms

Great IAQ isn’t a gadget; it’s a system. We start with a whole-home evaluation: pressure diagnostics, duct leakage tests, attic/crawlspace inspection, filtration and airflow checks, and a moisture/condensation review. From there, we design a plan that sequences improvements so each step supports the next (and you see benefits even if you phase work over time).

Fast signs your IAQ needs attention

• Dust streaks or gray “ghosting” at supply vents (air bypass/leaks).
• Condensation on windows or a musty odor (elevated humidity).
• Rooms that feel stale, stuffy, or “sleepy” (ventilation/CO₂ proxy issue).
• Allergy/cold-like symptoms that ease when you’re away.

Step 2: Bring in fresh air – without bringing in problems

“Open a window” doesn’t work in Austin summers or cedar season. The fix is balanced, filtered ventilation (commonly via an ERV, energy recovery ventilator). Balanced systems exhaust stale air while bringing in filtered outdoor air and transferring heat/moisture between streams so comfort and energy use stay in check. Residential ventilation rates and best practices are standardized by ASHRAE 62.2, the industry’s recognized residential ventilation standard, our design work aligns to that framework for predictable results.

Where it helps most

• Tight homes that trap humidity and VOCs.
• Spaces with frequent cooking/showers (local exhaust plus ERV).
• Allergy-sensitive households that need filtered fresh air on a schedule.

Step 3: Capture what’s already inside, filtration & purification

Your HVAC filter is the first line of defense. Upgrading to a MERV-13 filter (or the highest your system will safely accommodate) boosts capture of the small particles most tied to health outcomes. Where systems can’t handle MERV-13 pressure drop, we’ll look at medical-grade HEPA purification as a supplement and ensure proper filter fit to prevent bypass. EPA and CDC both recommend targeting MERV-13 or higher where compatible, our team verifies compatibility before we spec anything. US EPA

From there, we can integrate whole-house air purification and UV germicidal light in the air handler for additional microbial reduction (case-by-case, after we address the fundamentals: ventilation, filtration, and humidity).

Step 4: Control humidity like a pro (30–50% RH)

Mold, dust mites, and that “sticky” feeling thrive when indoor relative humidity rises. Target 30–50% RH year-round. In Austin, that usually means a whole-home dehumidifier for shoulder seasons and rainy spells when the AC isn’t removing enough moisture. During short winter snaps, humidity can dive, select rooms may benefit from targeted humidification. The 30–50% range is widely recommended to limit biological growth and protect comfort and materials.

Pro tips

• Run bath and kitchen exhaust to the outdoors (not the attic).
• Keep drip pans clear; verify dryer vents outside.
• Use a smart thermostat/humidistat to monitor trends and automate targets.

Step 5: Fix the air highways, ducts, and delivery

Leaky or unbalanced ducts pull attic air (and pollutants) into living spaces, starving rooms of clean air. We inspect, seal, and redesign ductwork where needed, then balance airflow so upgraded filtration and ventilation actually reach every room. Pair that with attic and envelope improvements to reduce infiltration pathways and keep conditioned, filtered air where it belongs.

What “good” looks like in Central Texas homes

Here’s the stack we deploy across Austin and surrounding communities:

1. Whole-home evaluation: find leaks, moisture sources, and pressure imbalances.
2. Balanced ventilation (ERV): filtered, tempered supply plus controlled exhaust, set to your schedule.
3. Right-sized filtration: MERV-13 if compatible; supplement with HEPA room units as needed.
4. Humidity control: whole-home dehumidifier to hold 30–50% RH.
5. Duct sealing & airflow balance: deliver the clean air you’re paying for to every room.
6. Smart controls & zoning: stabilize temps and RH; reduce runtimes and noise.

Cedar season playbook (Dec–Feb)

• Upgrade filters ahead of the peak and replace more frequently.
• Keep windows closed on high-pollen days; rely on ERV + filtration for fresh air.
• Shower/change after exposure; pets can carry pollen indoors.
• Run dehumidification to keep RH in range when fronts bring damp cold.

A practical 30/60/90-day roadmap

Days 1–30: Baseline & quick wins

• Free Home Energy & IAQ Consultation from Texas Retrofits (we bring monitors, measure moisture/pressure, and spot easy fixes).
• Replace/upgrade filters; repair obvious exhaust issues; seal return leaks at the air handler.

Days 31–60: Controls & delivery

• Add smart thermostat/hygrometer; commission fan-on strategies for filtration.
• Seal ducts and balance airflow; address attic/bypass leaks that pull in pollutants.

Days 61–90: System upgrades

• Add/commission ERV for balanced fresh air.
• Install whole-home dehumidifier; evaluate UV/air purification if the use case warrants.
• If equipment is aging or undersized/oversized, plan a high-efficiency retrofit so airflow, filtration, and humidity all work together.

Why Texas Retrofits

Our HVAC/IAQ work is designed for Central Texas performance and includes whole-house air purification, medical-grade HEPA, UV germicidal light, balanced fresh-air intake (ERV), whole-building dehumidifiers, duct sealing/redesign, zoning, and smart thermostat integration—the exact toolset you need for Austin’s climate and pollen cycles.

Ready to breathe easier? Book your Free Home Energy & IAQ Consultation. We’ll measure what matters, show you the numbers, and map a phased plan you can implement all at once or over time – your call.

3 Quick FAQs About Indoor Air Quality in Austin & Central Texas

Q1: What humidity should I target in Austin homes?

Aim for 30–50% RH to limit mold and dust mites while staying comfortable. In warm, humid months, a whole-home dehumidifier helps you stay in range. US EPA+1

Q2: Do ERVs make my home more humid?

No – ERVs transfer moisture between air streams to help maintain indoor humidity while bringing in filtered fresh air. Pair with dehumidification as needed in hot-humid seasons. Building America Solution Center

Q3: How do I protect my indoor air during cedar season?

Upgrade filters, keep windows closed on high-pollen days, rely on balanced ventilation, and wash up after outdoor time; pets can carry pollen indoors, too. Texas A&M Forest Service