Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a major concern for many families, especially while many of us are spending a lot of time at home these days. Your home’s heating and cooling system play a big part in the quality of the air in your home. If you have concerns over your home’s IAQ, here is how your HVAC company can help you improve it. Call us for a consultation!
You may be shocked to hear that the air inside your home could be five or more times more polluted than the air outdoors. As newer homes are built to be more airtight to be more energy-efficient, the trade-off is that they hold in more contaminants. This may include:
These contaminants can have a wide range of effects on your and your family’s health from annoying allergy symptoms to more concerning respiratory conditions. Therefore, you want to do what you can to make the air healthier in your home.
The number one thing that your HVAC company recommends to improve the air quality in your home is to frequently change the air filter in your heating and cooling system. It is crucial to inspect the air filter every month and replace it if it is dirty.
A dirty air filter can be a direct cause of poor air quality in your home. It can cause contaminants to get into your furnace and be continually recirculated throughout your home. You also should speak to your HVAC company to ensure that you are using air filters with the right MERV level to keep dust, allergens, and other contaminants out of the air.
Last month we told you about the importance of yearly furnace maintenance. It is also important to have your air conditioner serviced each spring by your HVAC company to make sure that it is running and draining properly.
A dirty air conditioner can quickly cause your home’s air quality to decline and cause or exacerbate existing allergy or respiratory conditions. It is important to check your air conditioner throughout the summer to make sure that its condenser line and pan are not clogged and drain properly. If they are not or if you notice your home has a musty, moldy, or mildewy odor, call your HVAC company right away.
Most air conditioners have a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years if they are properly maintained. However, if your unit is more than 10 years old and has not been maintained and cleaned regularly, it could cause your home’s indoor air quality to decline. Replacing your old air conditioning unit can help improve air quality. It also gives you the added benefit of lower cooling costs because newer systems are more energy-efficient than older units.
Your HVAC company can recommend other ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality. For example, A-1 Heating & Cooling offers such solutions as air purifiers and humidifiers as upgrades to your existing HVAC systems. Air purifiers remove microscopic particles from the air, including mold, pollen, dust, and bacteria. Adding a humidifier to your HVAC system is a great way to improve your home’s IAQ during drier times of the year.
If you are concerned about your home’s indoor quality and your family’s health, it is time to give us a call. Contact A-1 Heating &
Cooling to schedule an appointment for HVAC maintenance, repair, or equipment upgrades.
