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Air pollution is usually linked to poor outdoor quality factors, such as car exhaust and dirty factories. Many do not realize that indoor air pollution can happen as well.
This shouldn’t be ignored as the average individual spends most of their time indoors. The good news is that many strategies are available to improve indoor air quality so you can protect your loved ones’ health. Read on to learn the definition of indoor air quality, what causes indoor air pollution, and how to improve indoor air quality.
What Is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality or IAQ is the condition of the air we breathe inside a closed structure. Air quality can impact the health and well-being of the people inside. It can also impact their mood and comfort. Studies show that there is a higher amount of contamination inside than outside. This is an alarming situation, which researchers say happens due to current building construction practices.
People are likely to build more airtight spaces to achieve higher energy efficiency. We can reduce energy use when we do it this way, but we lose natural ventilation and fresh air in the process. Irritants in the air become trapped in the home and accumulate until they reach dangerous levels. The ductwork only redistributes the dust, dirt, and other debris that increase over time.
Causes Of Poor Indoor Air Quality
This issue is due to several ways we live. For instance, many homes adopt pets for their benefits, like security and companionship. However, pets shed high amounts of fur and generate dander. These can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Paint used on the walls may also emit volatile organic compounds. Dirt and dust can also get inside through your footwear and the HVAC unit. Persistent moisture in the air can also lead to mold and mildew growth. Household chemicals can have adverse effects on indoor air quality as well.
The Effects Of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Homeowners should be aware of their indoor air quality, or they may suffer from the consequences of its poor quality. You may notice that your family members may exhibit symptoms of respiratory problems, like persistent coughing, breathing issues, and asthma attacks. They can also experience digestive problems and fatigue. The worst cases of indoor air quality can even result in cancer.
How Does HVAC Ductwork Impact Indoor Air Quality?
The HVAC system utilizes ducts to distribute conditioned air throughout your home. The ductwork that has dust buildup will also result in your home being filled with contaminated air. This will impact all the people inside the enclosed structure until the root cause is resolved. It is a must to raise indoor air quality standards as well.
Ways Your HVAC System Can Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Here are several ways you can improve your home’s indoor air quality:
HVAC Air Filters
HVAC systems are equipped with air filters that capture air pollutants. However, particles accumulate on their surfaces over time and cause interference with the airflow, causing inefficiencies. Air filters require periodic cleaning and replacing. Ensure that you check them at least once a month to know when it is time to clean or replace them.
UV Lights
Ultraviolet light can have adverse effects on people. However, they can also be used as a solution to indoor air pollution when harnessed correctly. For instance, UV light can destroy dangerous pathogens like viruses, mold, and bacteria. Brief exposure to UV light can zap them instantly. Therefore, installing UV lamps across strategic locations in your HVAC system is greatly beneficial. Consult your HVAC technician regarding this matter.
HVAC Humidifiers & Dehumidifiers
The humidity level has a significant impact on your indoor comfort. Therefore, you should control it. Winter can result in a drop in humidity, resulting in dry air that can cause respiratory problems. A humidifier can resolve this. On the other hand, summer can have increased humidity. This creates the ideal conditions for harmful microorganisms like mold to grow. A dehumidifier can help balance the humidity. Modern HVAC systems can also control the moisture level in the air in your home. If you have an old HVAC system, it may be time to replace it with a unit equipped with a dehumidifying feature. Talk to your local HVAC contractor to help you.
Ductwork Inspections
The ducts direct where the conditioned air needs to go. They can be found in each room in the house so that all occupants remain comfortable. Therefore, you should conduct ductwork inspections periodically to ensure the system stays clean and pollutant-free.
A leak in the ductwork system allows dirt and pollutants to enter the system. These are then recirculated into the air you breathe. Therefore, ensure that your ductwork receives regular upkeep if you have a forced-air HVAC system. Book a ductwork inspection with your local, trusted technician today.
HVAC Tune-Ups
Regular HVAC maintenance helps your unit stay energy efficient and free from issues. A professional can find issues linked to your home’s indoor air quality and immediately resolve them. Moreover, maintenance lets homeowners comply with the unit’s warranty conditions and prevents it from becoming void. Remember that maintenance needs to be done annually for your heating and cooling systems.
Conclusion
Residential indoor air quality directly impacts the occupants’ comfort, health, and well-being. Therefore, homeowners should be concerned regarding its improvement. You can enjoy breathing in clean air and living stress-free when you have a bit of vigilance and some help from HVAC professionals.
Tevis Energy’s sister company, Modern Comfort, performs HVAC installations, replacements, tune-ups, and more. Our technicians can provide you with expert HVAC services to ensure that your system provides you with the comfort and efficiency you deserve. Call now to schedule an appointment.
Call Tevis Energy For All Your Home Comfort Needs
For outstanding heating and cooling services in the area, call Tevis Energy. We have the best professionally certified technicians who are knowledgeable and experienced in conducting high-quality HVAC replacements, installations, tune-ups, and repairs. Each of our friendly techs can service your HVAC system correctly. We always prioritize your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and more.
When you need to improve your indoor air quality, call Tevis Energy for a free consultation. We can recommend the best solutions for your home within your budget. Moreover, your satisfaction is important to us so you can be sure that all our work is guaranteed. You can also call us today to learn more about what Tevis Energy can do for you.
You can click here to contact us now or call us at (410) 876-6800 to find out more!
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