Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the air quality of living spaces are provided. These systems and methods utilize improved filtration media and electronic control of the speed of the air handler to minimize the presence of contaminants in the air while optimizing the efficiency of the operation to the air handler. In one aspect, the speed of the air-handling device is controlled in response to the concentration of a contaminant in the living space. In another aspect, the speed of the air-handling device is controlled to optimize the filtration efficiency of the filtering medium. The systems and methods disclosed may be used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, for example, in hotel rooms as well as for an entire home.