Breathe Better, Live Better: The 2026 Guide to Indoor Air Quality

February 18, 2026

We spend a lot of time thinking about the food we eat and the water we drink, but how often do we think about the air we breathe? In 2026, the average person spends about 90% of their time indoors. Because modern homes are built to be incredibly airtight and energy-efficient, the air inside our homes can actually be 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside!

Think about everything that gets trapped in your home: pet dander, dust mites, cooking odors, cleaning chemicals, and seasonal pollen. Without proper filtration and ventilation, these particles just keep circulating through your vents. At Foster Plumbing & Heating, we believe that clean air is the foundation of a healthy home.

In this comprehensive guide, we are going to explore how you can turn your HVAC system into a powerful air-cleaning machine. We’ll look at the truth about MERV ratings, the magic of UV technology, and simple steps you can take today to make your air feel as fresh as a spring morning.

1. Decoding Air Filters: It’s Not Just About Dust

Your air filter is the “gatekeeper” of your home’s air quality. However, many people view it only as a way to keep the furnace clean. While that’s true, the right filter can actually improve your family’s health.

Understanding MERV Ratings

When you go to buy a filter in 2026, you’ll see a number called a “MERV” rating. This stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. In plain English, it just tells you how small the “holes” in the filter are.

MERV 1–4: These are basic filters. They catch big things like carpet lint and pet hair, but they don’t do much for your health.
MERV 8–11: This is the “sweet spot” for most homes. These filters catch dust mites, mold spores, and even some pollen. This is what the professional team at Foster Plumbing & Heating usually recommends for standard households.
MERV 13–16: these are very “tight” filters. They can catch bacteria and even smoke particles. However, because they are so tight, they can be hard on your HVAC motor.

Pro-Tip: Never “upgrade” your filter to a much higher MERV rating without asking an expert. If your system wasn’t designed for a thick filter, it will cause the motor to burn out. Our experienced specialists can test your system’s airflow to see which filter will give you the cleanest air without causing a breakdown.

2. The Power of Light: UV-C Technology in 2026

If you want to move beyond just catching dust and start actually cleaning the air, UV-C technology is a game-changer. It’s one of the biggest trends we’ve seen at Foster Plumbing & Heating—especially with our recommendation of the REME HALO® with Blue Light.

This whole-home, in-duct air purifier doesn’t just treat the air—it actively purifies every cubic inch that moves through your central AC system. It combines powerful UV-C light with advanced oxidation technology to reduce airborne and surface contaminants throughout your entire home.

How It Works

Think about how the sun’s rays naturally kill bacteria. UV-C light does the same inside your ductwork. Our team installs a specialized light inside your air handler. As air flows past the light, it neutralizes biological contaminants like:

Mold Spores: Your AC coil is dark and damp—mold’s favorite place. UV-C keeps it clean and free of buildup.
Viruses and Bacteria: While no system removes everything, UV-C greatly reduces the volume of live airborne pollutants.
Odors: By targeting odor-causing bacteria, the REME HALO® helps your home smell cleaner—without the need for candles or sprays.

This is truly a set-it-and-forget-it solution. Once professionally installed by the Foster team, the REME HALO® with Blue Light runs 24/7, scrubbing your air without you lifting a finger—just change the bulb annually.

If you’re looking for a serious upgrade to your home’s indoor air quality, this is the system we recommend first.

3. Humidity Control: The Hidden Air Quality Factor

Many people don’t realize that the “feel” of their air is directly tied to humidity. In 2026, we know that both “too dry” and “too humid” can cause major problems for your health and your home.

The Dry Winter Problem

During the winter, your heater dries out the air. This can lead to:

Irritated Sinuses: Dry air dries out your mucus membranes, making you more susceptible to colds and the flu.
Dust Circulation: When air is dry, dust particles are lighter and float longer, making them easier to breathe in.
Static and Wood Damage: It’s not just you—your wood floors and furniture can crack if the air is too dry.

The Damp Summer Problem

In Richmond summers, high humidity doesn’t just make the air feel sticky—it creates ideal conditions for mold, musty odors, and dust mites to thrive. It also makes your home feel warmer than it actually is, which can drive up your cooling costs.

The Solution: Whole-Home Humidity Control

At Foster Plumbing & Heating, we recommend installing a whole-home dehumidifier to maintain healthy, balanced humidity throughout your home—not just in one room. Unlike portable units that need daily emptying and only treat small areas, whole-home systems integrate with your HVAC to automatically regulate humidity levels between 35% and 50%—the optimal range for comfort and air quality.

One of our top solutions is the Aprilaire E100 Dehumidifier, which can remove up to 100 pints of moisture per day and is designed to serve homes up to 5,500 square feet. It’s quiet, efficient, and runs automatically—no buckets to empty, no daily maintenance. It helps protect your home’s structure, reduces allergy triggers, and keeps the air feeling fresh and clean, even on Richmond’s muggiest days.

4. Simple Daily Habits for Cleaner Air

While technology is great, there are several things you can do as a homeowner to help your air quality stay high between service visits from Foster Plumbing & Heating.

Keep the “Yard Junk” Outside: Use a high-quality mat at every entrance and encourage guests to remove their shoes. You would be amazed at how much lead, pesticides, and pollen are tracked in on the bottom of a shoe.
Vacuum with a HEPA Filter: Traditional vacuums often suck up big dust and blow out tiny dust through the exhaust. A HEPA-certified vacuum ensures that once the dust goes in, it stays in.
Ventilate While Cooking: Your stove is a major source of indoor pollution. Always run your vent hood when cooking, especially if you have a gas stove.
Groom Pets Frequently: If you have furry friends, grooming them in a tiled room or outside can drastically reduce the “dander load” on your HVAC filters.

Why Choose Foster Plumbing & Heating for IAQ?

At Foster Plumbing & Heating, we take a “whole-home” approach to air quality. We start by inspecting your ductwork for leaks, checking your system’s airflow, and talking to you about your family’s specific needs—whether that’s allergy relief or just wanting a fresher-smelling home.

Our experienced specialists are trained in the latest 2026 air purification standards. We believe that everyone deserves to breathe clean air in their own home, and we have the tools and the passion to make that happen.

Are you ready to stop sneezing and start breathing? Contact the professional team at Foster Plumbing & Heating today for a comprehensive Indoor Air Quality audit. Let’s make your home the healthiest place it can be!