If you’re like most people, you desire to keep the inside of your home as safe as possible. One factor you may not have considered is the ongoing quality of your indoor air. If you use an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system in your home, your indoor air quality (IAQ) can be impacted by the condition of this system. Homeowners who keep their HVAC units well-maintained can expect several health- and safety-related benefits.
Problems With Poor Indoor Air Quality
The indoor air of any given home can contain a range of substances that harm human health in one way or another. If you have allergies or asthma, substances that could potentially trigger an attack of minor to severe symptoms of your condition include pet dander, dust, pollen and mold. Even if you don’t have asthma or significant allergies, poorly controlled air inside your home may contain problematic substances such as stale, dusty air, mold, secondhand cigarette smoke or a toxic gas like carbon monoxide.
Main Benefits Of Healthy IAQ
If you keep your indoor air well-controlled, you can obtain the benefits of a health-supporting environment that keeps you and your family going strong. People in your household with asthma and allergies will have less of a chance of experiencing symptoms such as difficulties breathing, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and more. Healthy IAQ can also reduce your risks for serious short- and long-term problems linked to cigarette smoke exposure (if applicable) and toxic gas exposure.
How Your HVAC Affects Indoor Air Quality
The vast majority of heating and cooling systems in American homes are designed to operate with the windows closed. This means that, while in use, the typical heating and cooling system functions as the primary point of air flow between the indoor and outdoor environments.
If your HVAC setup is not well-maintained and if the filter isn’t changed regularly, it can directly contribute to air quality issues. For example, dirty filters can increase the amount of pet dander, dust and pollen in circulation since it can no longer remove those contaminants effectively. Moist insulation on your HVAC ducting can encourage the growth of mold. A damaged or improperly maintained propane- or gas-powered furnace can potentially release toxic gases into your home.
Your air conditioner helps remove uncomfortable and moist humidity while cooling the air. If your unit and filter are dirty, your system cannot properly remove the appropriate amount of humidity. This not only decreases you and your family’s comfort level, but can also increase the chances of mold developing.
Keeping Your Heating And Cooling System And IAQ Up To Par
The best way to keep your HVAC system up to par is to follow a regular maintenance schedule that includes a periodic check and cleaning of all system components, refilling (if applicable) and more.
Heating And Air Conditioning Maintenance & IAQ Services
A qualified HVAC specialist like Simply the Best Heating & Cooling, offers a heating and air conditioning maintenance plan which ensures that your system is in tip-top shape.
We can also equip your system with add-ons that will help keep your indoor air at its optimal quality. The list of possible air quality-supporting additions includes a toxic gas monitor, a humidity and temperature monitor and a microbe-killing UV light system. We also offer beneficial duct cleaning for your ductwork.
Call us now to schedule a maintenance appointment or to ask more about our IAQ services!
Learn More About Our Expert Indoor Air Quality Services