The main reason that any homeowner installs an HVAC system in their home is to make the indoor temperature comfortable all year round. But, there are indoor air quality (IAQ) issues to consider too. If you have poor quality air circulating throughout your home, it can lead to a number of health problems. In this article, we will look at the importance of IAQ and three good reasons to schedule an appointment to improve it in your home.
The Importance of IAQ
Most people that are running an HVAC system are primarily concerned with its heating and cooling properties. This is essential if you want to have a comfortable indoor temperature all year round, but IAQ is extremely important. We tend to think of pollution as something that happens outdoors, but scientific studies have shown that our indoor spaces are often more polluted than the air outside!
- You Deserve Cleaner Indoor Air
Every home contains some pollution, from sources, including dust, dirt, pet hair, skin cells, bacteria, mold, pollen, and others. When the air is kept in an enclosed system, it gradually degrades in quality over time. The air in your HVAC system is circulated constantly, and this means that every room in your home will be equally affected. The first people to notice poor IAQ are those suffering from allergies and pre-existing breathing conditions.
The easiest way to clean your air is to open your windows every evening for an hour or two to freshen the air. But, when it’s cold outside, this isn’t possible because it will cost a significant amount to get your home warm again. For this reason, many people invest in a system that will make their indoor air cleaner and easier to breathe. After an air purification system is installed, many homeowners are astonished at the improvement. The air is cleaner and fresher, and allergic reactions are limited to trips outdoors.
- Saving Money
A poor level of IAQ could indicate a problem with your HVAC efficiency that needs to be addressed. These types of problems don’t self correct, and the longer they are ignore, the worse the problem will become. A more extensive problem is often harder and more expensive to fix, so it’s crucial to call a local HVAC specialist asap.
The most common cause of poor IAQ are clogged filters and dirty outdoor units or ductwork. Cleaning or replacing filters should happen at least once per month and more often if you have pets because their hair clogs up filters quickly. Every HVAC system relies on a steady supply of air to run efficiently, and when the filters are clogged, it will have a drastic impact on your energy bills. But this isn’t the only problem. When the air cannot circulate effectively, it will cause the heating and cooling equipment to be overworked. This makes certain key components prone to failure, and this can lead to an expensive repair bill or even an entire replacement. If you only take one thing away from this article, clean or change your filters regularly. The full instructions are detailed in your owner’s manual, and if you’ve misplaced this document, check the manufacturer website for a free pdf copy.
Dirty ductwork can also impede the flow of air, and they can be breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. If you have gaps or cracks in your ductwork, the treated air can escape making your HVAC system less efficient. It costs money to treat that air, and if it can escape, it is money wasted. Ductwork can be repaired with duct tape, but this is only a temporary fix, and it will be less effective over time. In many cases, ductwork can be sealed or repaired, but if the damage is extensive, it’s usually cheaper to install a new ductwork system. It’s a great idea to get your ductwork cleaned each year, and many people are surprised at the difference it makes to the IAQ. The other key benefit is the improved energy efficiency leading to lower energy bills.
- Getting Informed About Your HVAC System
Let’s face it. Like many industries, the HVAC industry has its own unique language that can be hard to understand. This can make it hard to explain what’s wrong with your HVAC system, and it’s harder to understand warning signs. In the vast majority of cases, an HVAC system doesn’t simply stop working overnight. This is typically a process that occurs over a longer period of time, and it is possible to notice indicators if you know what to look for.
Regular HVAC maintenance can locate any minor issues before they can develop into more extensive problems. Smaller issues are easy and less expensive to fix, and they don’t cause extensive downtime. The last thing that you need when the weather is too cold or too hot outside is an interruption in heating and cooling. An HVAC system always seems to fail at the most inconvenient times, and this can introduce unexpected fees. HVAC experts recommend that your system is serviced at least annually and ideally before the commencement of each heating and cooling season. A well serviced HVAC system will run reliably, and the IAQ will be significantly improved.
In Conclusion
Many people neglect their HVAC systems and expect them to work without any cleaning or maintenance. This is an unrealistic approach, and prevention is always better than the cure. When it comes to IAQ, cleanliness is important, but you can make your air much cleaner if you install an air purification system. There are many types of systems on the market, and they are a cost effective way to make your indoor air clean and fresh. When you make proactive decisions that improve the IAQ, you can have a positive impact on the lives of everyone living there. The reactions to allergies are minimized; people suffering from breathing difficulties will breathe easier, and the air will feel fresher and cleaner.
If you’re interested in better IAQ for your home, contact your local HVAC specialist today.