How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
21st January 2025

What is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is the condition of the air inside buildings. According to BSRIA, indoor air can be polluted by outdoor pollution, but also indoor sources and inadequate ventilation.
Did you know the air inside your home can be even more polluted than outdoor air? Invisible pollutants floating around your home can cause poor IAQ which can be detrimental to your family’s health and wellbeing.
Some contaminants found in households that can affect air quality are:
- Dust mites
- Mould
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Carbon dioxide
- Radon

You may not even realise that your home has poor indoor air quality! Here are some signs that your home may be suffering from poor IAQ:
- Exacerbated asthma and allergy symptoms
- Condensation
- Musty odours
- Mould growth
- Flu-like symptoms – coughing, sneezing, etc.

Why is Indoor Air Quality Important?
The air in your home can affect your ability to concentrate, perform productively and live comfortably.
According to a study by the European Union, on average we spend 85-90% of our time indoors. And with up to 20% of the population suffering from asthma or affected by allergies, it’s more important than ever to ensure there is clean indoor air in your home.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that exposure to poor indoor air quality can also be linked to more serious health conditions such as stroke, heart disease, COPD and lung cancer.
How to Improve IAQ in Your Home
So, how can we improve IAQ? The best things you can do to enhance the quality of the air in your home are to keep it well-ventilated and clean.
- Vacuum and dust all surfaces regularly
- Use sprays and aerosols in a well-ventilated space
- Reduce the amount of condensation
- Get rid of mould
- Control humidity
- Use non-toxic cleaning products

How does a Beam Central Vacuum System Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Built into the walls of your home, a Beam Central Vacuum System is the most effective way to vacuum and keep your home clean.
The system consists of three main elements: a vacuum power unit (usually located in a garage or utility room), concealed 50mm ducting network throughout the home to strategically placed wall inlets, and a lightweight conventional hose or retractable hose.
As the power unit is located away from the point of vacuuming, all dust and dirt is removed directly to the waste bin, so there’s no recirculated smelly, dusty, dirty air. In comparison, a portable vacuum stores whatever is collected and is then carried around your house, recirculating dust particles from room to room, meaning the dust and dirt is never truly taken completely out of your home.
With up to 5 times more powerful suction than a portable vacuum, dirt, dust mites, pollen, dander and other allergens are removed from living areas, immediately improving the quality of indoor air in the home. In fact, a Beam built-in vacuum is clinically proven to improve Indoor Air Quality by up to 52%!
Read the clinical study now!
Don't just take our word for it, read the clinical study to learn more about how a Beam Central Vacuum System can improve indoor air quality.

And it’s good news for homes with pets! The deep cleaning and allergy-reducing capability of a Beam Central Vacuum makes it the ideal vacuum for pet owners. The Beam Central Vacuum exhausts no air into the room that would stir-up pet dander and allergens, significantly reducing exposure to allergens brought into the home by your pets.
Beam Central Vacuum Systems come with a range of attachments and accessories to deep clean any surface.
Some attachments included with a Beam Central Vacuum are:
- Premium Combi Floor Tool – this is the perfect tool for vacuuming any floor type. Effortlessly switch between hard floors and carpets with a flip of the handy toe switch.
- Dusting brush – the soft bristled round brush is gentle on furniture and glass, so you don’t have to worry about any damage when vacuuming.
- Upholstery brush – remove hidden dust from soft furnishings such as curtains, sofas and mattresses. The upholstery brush can also be used to clean pet bedding!
- Crevice tool – Ideal for tight spaces and tops of skirting boards, make sure every corner of your home is dust-free with the crevice tool.
How does a BEAM Heat Recovery Ventilation System Improve IAQ?
A Heat Recovery Ventilation (MVHR) System from BEAM improves indoor air quality by constantly supplying clean, fresh air. The incoming air passes through G4 or F7 filters to remove insects, dust, pollen and other pollutants that contribute to poor IAQ. Simultaneously, stale, moisture-laden air is extracted by the system. As MVHR lowers moisture levels in the home, condensation is also reduced, and mould is eliminated.

In Ireland and the UK many homes are exposed to radon which has a negative effect on indoor air quality. The UK government has estimated that in Northern Ireland, 155,000 homes are in radon affected areas. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas present in the ground that can seep into homes, and long-term exposure can lead to conditions such as lung cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, 1 in 20 cases of lung cancer are linked to radon exposure and the National Radon Control Strategy highlights Radon as the second biggest cause of lung cancer in Ireland. MVHR systems can help with the dispersion of radon by enhancing airflow throughout the home. BEAM’s MVHR Systems complete one full air change, every two hours to ensure optimum air quality.
Talk to an MVHR Expert!
Want to know more about our Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems and how they can help improve indoor air quality in your home? Get expert advice or view our ventilation product range.
The Perfect Combination for Clean Indoor Air
By providing clean, fresh filtered air and helping to keep your home free from dust & dirt, the combination of a Beam Central Vacuum and Heat Recovery Ventilation System is the perfect way to improve indoor air quality and enjoy the benefits of clean indoor air for life.

Indoor Air Quality: Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any visible signs my home has poor indoor air quality?
If there is poor indoor air quality in your home, there may be condensation on windows or mould beginning to grow.
Can poor indoor air quality make you sick?
Poor indoor air quality can aggravate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and exacerbate allergy symptoms. You may also have cold or flu-like symptoms.
What is the most common cause of poor indoor air quality?
Pollutants in the air are the most common cause of poor indoor air quality. Inadequate ventilation allows the pollutants to build up in the air.
What are building control regulations around indoor air quality in new build houses?
Building regulations in the UK and Ireland require adequate means of ventilation. This can come in the form of background ventilation, mechanical extract ventilation, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, positive input ventilation (NI).
Can opening windows improve indoor air quality?
Opening windows and other means of natural ventilation can help improve indoor air quality. However, outdoor contaminants such as pollen, dust, insects, vehicle fumes, etc., can enter the home and contribute to poor indoor air quality. A BEAM Heat Recovery Ventilation System filters all incoming air to ensure all pollutants are removed before being distributed throughout the home.
Get in touch for more information
At BEAM we've been passionate about providing clean indoor air since 1977. Talk to one of our experts who can advise on the best solution for your home.