On some days in Syracuse, you can smell traffic or haze outside, and closing the windows feels like the right way to keep that pollution out. Yet you might still notice fine dust settling on surfaces, a faint exhaust smell in certain rooms, or a scratchy feeling in your throat after a long day indoors. That disconnect raises a fair question about how much of the city’s air is actually following you inside.

Many homeowners and building managers across Syracuse assume that being indoors means being protected from urban pollution. We talk with people who clean constantly, change their filters a few times a year, and still feel like the air in their home or office is heavier than it should be. If you live near a busy road, close to downtown, or near commercial or industrial areas, you may be wondering what you can realistically do about air you cannot see.

We have been working on heating, cooling, and indoor air quality in Central and Upstate New York since 1983, and our team of more than 200 employees lives in the same Syracuse area neighborhoods we serve. Over those decades, we have seen how the city’s traffic patterns, older housing, and long winters shape the air people breathe indoors. In this guide, we want to explain how urban pollution gets inside, what signs to watch for, and which HVAC and indoor air quality strategies can help your Syracuse home or building breathe cleaner.

How Syracuse’s Urban Pollution Follows You Indoors

Urban pollution in Syracuse is not just a big city concept on the news. It includes vehicle exhaust along major roads, diesel emissions from buses and trucks, emissions from commercial and light industrial facilities, and dust from ongoing construction projects. In some years, Central New York also sees days when regional wildfire smoke drifts into the area, adding another layer of fine particulate matter to the outdoor air. All of this mixes in the air around your home or business, even in neighborhoods that do not feel industrial.

It is easy to picture outdoor pollution as something that stays outside as long as your windows are shut. In reality, most Syracuse buildings are not airtight boxes. They are constantly exchanging air with the outdoors through tiny cracks around windows and doors, gaps where plumbing and wiring pass through walls, and openings in basements and attics. Mechanical systems such as bathroom fans, range hoods, and your HVAC equipment can also move outdoor air into and out of the structure.

Once that outdoor air seeps in, it does not travel alone. Larger dust particles, sometimes called PM10, and finer particles, often referred to as PM2.5, hitch a ride on the air currents and settle on surfaces or stay suspended in the air you breathe. Gases from traffic, such as nitrogen dioxide from combustion, can also infiltrate and mix with indoor sources. Everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, burning candles, or using gas appliances add their own pollutants to the mix, so indoor air often ends up as a blend of outdoor and indoor contaminants instead of a separate environment.

Because we have worked on homes and businesses across Central and Upstate New York since the early 1980s, we regularly see the contrast between properties on quieter streets and those near heavier traffic. The buildings near busy corridors tend to show faster dust buildup, darker residue on surfaces near air pathways, and more frequent complaints about stale or heavy air. This is not about alarm, it is about understanding that outdoor pollution and your building are in constant conversation, even when the windows are closed.

How Polluted Outdoor Air Sneaks Into Syracuse Homes & Buildings

Most Syracuse homes and small commercial buildings were not originally designed with modern air sealing in mind. Older double hung windows, original doors without proper weatherstripping, unsealed rim joists in basements, and gaps around utility penetrations all create pathways for outdoor air. In winter, warm indoor air rises and escapes through leaks high in the building, and cooler outdoor air is pulled in at lower levels to replace it. This process, often called stack effect, drives air through every available crack and gap.

Your HVAC system can increase this movement. On the return side, where air is pulled back to the furnace or air handler, any leaks in return ducts can draw in air from basements, utility rooms, or attics. If those spaces communicate with the outdoors through foundation cracks, vents, or poorly sealed walls, polluted outdoor air can be pulled into the system before it ever reaches a filter. On the supply side, leaks can blow conditioned air into unconditioned spaces, which can further shift pressure balances and draw more outdoor air in through the building shell.

Some buildings also have intentional outdoor air intakes or make up air systems that draw in outside air to meet ventilation needs. If these intakes are located near parking lots, loading areas, or busy streets, the air coming in can carry higher levels of exhaust particles and odors. Without appropriate filtration and equipment sizing, that incoming air may introduce more pollutants than most people expect. Bathroom fans, range hoods, and dryers that exhaust indoor air to the outside also change pressure inside, which in turn can pull more outdoor air through leaks elsewhere.

Our technicians commonly find unsealed or poorly sealed ductwork in Syracuse area homes, especially in basements and attics that were never finished. We also see return grilles placed near entry doors or open stairways to basements, which gives polluted or unconditioned air an easy path into the system. Addressing these issues is not just about comfort, it is about reducing the amount of unfiltered outdoor air that is pulled through the building in uncontrolled ways.

Why Standard HVAC Filters Struggle With Urban Fine Particles

Most people think of their HVAC filter as a catch all solution that turns dirty air into clean air. The reality is that many standard filters in Syracuse homes and small commercial buildings are designed more to protect equipment than to truly clean the air. Thin fiberglass filters, often rated on the low end of the MERV scale, primarily catch large dust and lint. Fine particles from combustion, such as those in vehicle exhaust and smoke, are often small enough to slip right through.

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It is a rating that indicates a filter’s ability to capture particles of different sizes. Lower MERV filters may capture larger particles but allow smaller ones, including much of PM2.5, to pass. As you move into higher MERV ranges commonly used in residential and light commercial settings, filters can capture a greater share of fine particles. However, higher MERV filters are also denser, which means they add resistance to airflow that older or undersized systems might not handle well if the change is made without evaluation.

Filter installation and maintenance matter just as much as the rating on the box. A good filter that is not installed tightly in its slot can allow air to go around the filter media, taking dust and fine particles with it. Filters that are changed infrequently can become clogged, which both restricts airflow and reduces the filter’s effectiveness. In some cases, property owners install a high rated filter in a system that is not designed for it, which can strain the blower and reduce overall comfort by cutting down airflow to rooms.

We work with industry leading brands such as Lennox, Rheem, and Mitsubishi, and many of their systems can be paired with higher performance filtration or media cabinets that offer deeper, more effective filters with less impact on airflow when properly designed. The key is evaluating the existing equipment, duct layout, and static pressure before making changes. A targeted upgrade from a basic fiberglass filter to an appropriate higher MERV filter, installed correctly and changed on a sensible schedule, can make a noticeable difference in dust and fine particle levels from urban pollution.

Seasonal Syracuse Conditions That Worsen Indoor Air Quality

Syracuse’s climate plays a big role in how outdoor pollution shows up indoors. The long heating season means that homes and businesses are closed up for many months. Furnaces run frequently, moving air through the building and its ducts. During these months, fresh air exchange through open windows is limited, so any pollutants that infiltrate tend to recirculate until they are filtered out, diluted, or removed by ventilation. In older buildings with leaks, this period can lead to a slow but steady buildup of particles on surfaces and in soft furnishings.

Cold weather can also lead to conditions where outdoor pollutants linger closer to the ground. While this varies by day and weather pattern, there are times when exhaust and other emissions do not disperse upward as efficiently. When that air seeps into buildings, either through leaks or ventilation systems, the pollutants it carries are more concentrated than on breezy days. Heating systems working hard in winter can then move that air through occupiable rooms repeatedly.

In warmer months, humidity adds another layer of complexity. High humidity can make indoor air feel heavier and can influence dust mite activity and mold potential on surfaces that stay damp. On some summer days, regional ozone levels outdoors can rise, and when combined with traffic pollutants, that creates outdoor air that is less desirable to bring inside. At the same time, people rely on central air conditioning and window units with the windows closed, which reduces natural ventilation. Without thoughtful mechanical ventilation, urban pollutants and indoor sources can accumulate during hot stretches just as they do in winter.

Recent years have also brought more attention to regional smoke events. When wildfire smoke from other areas reaches Central New York, outdoor air can have elevated fine particle levels even if the sky is only slightly hazy. On those days, infiltration through leaks and basic outdoor air intakes can introduce more fine particles into buildings across Syracuse. Because we have served Central and Upstate New York for decades, we have watched these seasonal and regional patterns develop and adjusted our maintenance and equipment recommendations to help property owners navigate them.

Health & Comfort Signs That Urban Pollution Is Affecting Your Indoor Air

Urban environments introduce a steady stream of airborne particles, and over time those pollutants can find their way indoors. Homeowners often first notice the effects not through test results, but through everyday changes in how their space looks, smells, and feels. When outside air quality is compromised, especially near busy roads or dense neighborhoods, the signs tend to show up in practical, observable ways that point to how air is entering, moving through, and circulating inside the home.

Common health and comfort signs that urban pollution may be affecting your indoor air include:

Rapid dust buildup: Fine dust settling on furniture, electronics, and window sills soon after cleaning, particularly in rooms along exterior walls or near traffic
Dark residue near vents: Gray or black film forming around supply registers, return grilles, or ceiling fans where airflow deposits airborne particles
Persistent outdoor-related odors: Faint exhaust, asphalt, or chemical smells that drift indoors and linger, sometimes becoming more noticeable when the HVAC system is running
Stale or heavy indoor air: Rooms that feel stuffy or unpleasant despite regular cleaning and ventilation
Localized smell patterns: Odors strongest near entry doors, basements, or street-facing rooms, suggesting infiltration from outdoors
Increased allergy-like discomfort: More frequent sneezing, irritated eyes, or scratchy throats when spending extended time indoors
Headaches or general fatigue indoors: Symptoms that ease when leaving the space and return after being inside for a while
Uneven comfort between rooms: Areas closer to traffic or exterior walls feeling less comfortable than interior spaces

In Syracuse, many homeowners focus less on pollution metrics and more on day-to-day frustrations like constant dusting, rooms that never feel fresh, or repeated complaints from family members or coworkers. While only medical professionals can address health concerns, improving how air is filtered, sealed, and distributed can make a noticeable difference in comfort and cleanliness. Addressing these patterns helps create indoor spaces that feel calmer and more livable, even in urban settings where outdoor air quality is beyond your control.

HVAC & IAQ Strategies That Help Syracuse Properties Breathe Cleaner

Once you understand how outdoor pollution gets inside and mixes with indoor sources, the next step is to look at how your HVAC system and building can work together to reduce exposure. One of the most effective levers is filtration. Upgrading from a basic fiberglass filter to a well fitting pleated filter with an appropriate MERV rating can significantly increase the amount of fine particulate captured as air cycles through the system. In many homes and small commercial buildings, adding a deeper media filter cabinet provides more surface area, which helps balance better filtration with acceptable airflow.

Ventilation is another key tool, especially in a city environment. The goal is to bring in enough fresh air to dilute indoor pollutants without simply pulling polluted outdoor air straight into occupied spaces. Properly designed mechanical ventilation systems, including energy recovery ventilators or heat recovery ventilators, can exchange stale indoor air with outdoor air while moderating temperature and, in some cases, humidity. When paired with appropriate filtration and thoughtful intake placement away from direct exhaust sources, these systems can improve indoor air quality in a controlled way.

Sealing and maintenance round out the picture. Sealing leaky ducts, especially on the return side in basements, crawlspaces, or attics, reduces the amount of unfiltered air the system pulls in from those areas. Addressing gaps around penetrations, weatherstripping doors, and upgrading older windows where practical can cut down on uncontrolled infiltration. Regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning coils, checking blower performance, and confirming that filters fit snugly all help the system move and condition air more effectively.

Our highly trained technicians work with advanced equipment from brands like Lennox, Rheem, and Mitsubishi to design and service systems that balance filtration, airflow, and comfort for Syracuse properties. Because we have a large team, we can support both single family IAQ projects and more complex small commercial upgrades without long delays. When we evaluate a property, we look at building age, location, duct layout, and current equipment to recommend a mix of filtration, ventilation, and sealing strategies that address real world pollution exposure rather than offering a single off the shelf product.

Simple Everyday Habits To Reduce Indoor Pollution Exposure

Reducing exposure to indoor pollutants does not always start with new equipment or major upgrades. In many Syracuse homes and buildings, small, consistent habits play an important role in limiting how much pollution builds up indoors. When these everyday practices are paired with an awareness of local traffic patterns and seasonal conditions, they can help create a cleaner and more comfortable indoor environment.

Simple everyday habits that can help reduce indoor pollution exposure include:

Checking air filters regularly: Inspect filters often and replace them when they show visible buildup or reach the recommended service life for that filter type, rather than relying only on a calendar reminder
Adjusting filter change frequency by location: Homes and buildings near busy roads or commercial areas may need more frequent filter replacements due to higher particle levels in the air
Using exhaust fans during cooking: Run kitchen exhaust fans that vent outdoors when frying, searing, or cooking with oils to reduce particles and fumes before they spread through the space
Limiting indoor pollution sources: Reduce or avoid indoor smoking, frequent burning of scented candles, and heavy use of aerosol sprays that add pollutants to indoor air
Timing window ventilation carefully: Open windows briefly during times of lighter traffic and better outdoor air quality to refresh indoor air without drawing in excess exhaust
Using portable air cleaners strategically: Place appropriately sized air cleaners in bedrooms, nurseries, or offices near busy streets where added filtration can be most helpful
Choosing the right portable unit: Match the clean air delivery rating to the room size and select filters designed to capture fine particles
Positioning air cleaners properly: Keep units clear of furniture and curtains so they can circulate air effectively

We often share these practical habits with property owners regardless of whether they are pursuing system upgrades. Taken together, small operational changes in how filters, fans, and indoor sources are managed can make a noticeable difference over time. These steps offer a way to start improving indoor air quality immediately, while still leaving room to plan for broader, long-term solutions.

When To Call Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning For An Indoor Air Assessment

There comes a point where do it yourself steps are not enough to get indoor air where you want it to be, especially if your building is in a busier part of Syracuse. If you notice persistent exhaust or chemical odors, visible dust buildup that returns quickly after cleaning, rooms that feel stuffy or uncomfortable even when the thermostat reads the right temperature, or occupants who consistently feel better in other buildings, it may be time for a closer look at your HVAC system and building envelope. Properties located right on major roads, near bus routes, or close to commercial and industrial activity face particular challenges that benefit from a professional eye.

During an indoor air focused HVAC visit, our team typically starts with a conversation about your concerns, your building’s age, and its location. We examine the current filtration setup, look for signs of duct leakage, check equipment condition, and walk through spaces to identify obvious air pathways or pressure imbalances. In some cases, we may recommend relatively simple changes such as improving filter fit, sealing accessible duct joints, or adjusting fan settings. In others, we might discuss adding media filtration, considering ventilation equipment, or planning more extensive duct work or equipment upgrades.

Because we have been serving Central and Upstate New York since 1983, with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4.8 star Google rating backed by thousands of reviews, property owners across the Syracuse area know they can rely on us for clear communication and honest recommendations. We tailor our guidance to each property’s layout, location, and budget, outlining several options where possible and explaining the tradeoffs. Whether you manage a small office near downtown or live on a busy arterial road, we can help you chart a practical path toward cleaner, more comfortable indoor air.

Urban pollution is part of life in any city, but it does not have to define the air you breathe inside your home or workplace. With a better understanding of how outdoor air moves through your building and the right mix of HVAC and indoor air quality strategies, you can create an indoor environment that feels noticeably cleaner and more comfortable. If you are ready to take the next step, contact Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an indoor air assessment or HVAC consultation for your Syracuse property.

Impact of Urban Pollution on Indoor Air Quality