Your indoor air quality is essential to your overall well-being. Inhaling toxic air leads to a host of issues. However, before you open the windows or turn on an air purifier, look closely at your HVAC system. Consider the following ways that your heating and cooling system impacts your indoor air quality.
1. Ventilation
Poor ventilation can hurt indoor air quality as it can compromise the health of anyone in the household. It’s essential to maintain efficient airflow to avoid the accumulation of dust, pollutants, and allergens. When these harmful particles increase, this can lead to severe concerns such as respiratory problems. Poor ventilation can exacerbate or worsen symptoms if anyone under your roof suffers from pre-existing health conditions. If you don’t have adequate ventilation, mold, mildew, and other harmful substances can also grow. When you’ve cultivated a space where mold can grow, the indoor air quality is more dangerous.
How does your HVAC system play a role in poor ventilation? Frequently running an HVAC system can result in a high energy bill. In an effort to save money, it’s common for homeowners to keep windows and doors closed and sealed. If you’re running the heat or cool air in your home, it’s still important (and healthy) to open the windows for a few minutes each day. Try to do this consistently. When you’re consistent with this effort, it will make a significant difference as you enhance the ventilation experience in your home.
2. Dust, Allergens, and Mold Accumulation
Behind the walls of your home, various ducts efficiently help disperse hot and cold air. However, those ducts need to be cleaned on a routine basis. Just like any other surface, they can get dirty, too. When those ducts collect dust and debris, they can become a breeding ground for harsh contamination. Depending on the time of year, you might also experience an influx of tiny allergens, such as ragweed or pollen, in the HVAC system of your Dallas, GA, home.
If you find that your allergies persist despite taking allergy medication and maintaining a closed environment, your HVAC system may be contributing to the problem. As the air gets pumped through the HVAC system and throughout your home’s ducts, it’s easier for allergens and irritating particles to get dispersed throughout the air in your home.
You’ll want to focus on getting your ducts sealed first to prevent this issue. When there are leaks in your ducts, it’s much easier for them to become contaminated. When you invest in a professional sealant process, you’ll be able to maintain airflow as you keep dust accumulation to a minimum. Other ways to address dust contamination include getting a routine HVAC maintenance plan. By taking care of regular servicing, you’ll keep dust accumulation to a minimum.
It’s also essential to replace your air filters routinely and invest in professional duct cleanings. Additionally, consider investing in a whole-home air purifier to reduce allergen production. It’s essential to be mindful of the impact of cleaning solutions, scented air plug-ins, and candle usage on indoor air quality. These products contain harmful volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs, which can damage a person’s health over time.
3. Carbon Monoxide Concerns
An older heating system can often be neglected. Many homeowners assume that their HVAC system is working correctly as long as it’s running and isn’t making any odd sounds. Unfortunately, some issues can occur without warning. Unexpected HVAC problems include a heating system that releases carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas. Exposure to carbon monoxide can be hazardous as it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.
To avoid dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home is essential. You should also invest in routine HVAC services from a reputable company like Precision Heating & Air. A professional technician can easily detect any issues with your heating system and ensure it operates at its best. When dealing with the health and well-being of you and your loved ones, it’s better to hire a professional than attempt DIY repair projects.
4. Infrequent Air Filter Changes
When your HVAC system circulates air throughout your home, the air first passes through the filters. These air filters are the primary defense against dust, allergens, and other particles. They safeguard the air in your home. However, neglecting to replace these air filters regularly poses a risk to your indoor air quality. Furthermore, when the HVAC system pushes air through a clogged filter, it has to exert more effort, leading to increased energy consumption.
To enhance your indoor air quality and avoid increased energy consumption and higher bills, make it a habit to change your air filters every one to three months. The exact time frame will depend on the type of filter that you’re using. If you have pets or allergies, consider changing the filters more frequently. Whether you choose a monthly or quarterly schedule, the key is maintaining consistency in replacing your air filters.
5. Humidity
When an HVAC system isn’t maintained well, several risks can potentially manifest. One of those risks is the production of too much humidity. While a certain amount of moisture is healthy, too much humidity leads to mold production, mildew, and other issues. When mold spores develop and spread, this can result in various health concerns, such as allergic reactions and respiratory problems. It’s helpful to focus on monitoring the humidity levels in your home. If you don’t already have a hygrometer, it’s time to invest in one to make sure your humidity levels remain healthy and normal. Also, a dehumidifier helps remove excess moisture and maintain healthy levels.
6. Controlled Environment
Compared to outdoor air, the HVAC system is a helpful mechanism providing a sense of control. An HVAC system can facilitate a safe haven that keeps allergens and dust at bay when it’s well-maintained and efficient. Use high-efficiency particulate air filters, known as HEPA filters, in tandem with your HVAC system to promote cleaner air. Minimum efficiency reporting value or MERV filters are known to provide the same level of filtration. Depending on how old your HVAC system is, these modern filters might require some retrofitting to be effective.
Utilizing Professional Assistance
Whether you’re looking for professionals to care for the HVAC maintenance or replace the HVAC system altogether, contact Precision Heating & Air to gain access to NATE-certified technicians, free estimates, and emergency services. In addition to full-service repairs, maintenance, and installation care for your HVAC system, our team provides expertise in servicing water heaters, thermostats, duct cleaning, and any indoor air quality concerns. Enroll in our exclusive Protection Plan for regular maintenance. We also have online coupons, a referral program, rebates, and financing options for those with approved credit.
Contact us today for more information on how our team can provide excellent indoor air quality service to meet your needs.
