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HVAC System and Indoor Air Quality Health

Written by Comfort Solutions HVAC on . Posted in .

Your Easton, PA HVAC Experts Explain Factors that Impact Air Quality

No matter what the weather outside, your home’s heating and cooling systems keep your living spaces warm and toasty, or crisp and cool, based on your preference and thermostat settings. Essentially, your HVAC system is responsible for creating a comfortable and inviting environment for all the time that you spend indoors. However, did you know that your HVAC system could also be responsible for the deterioration in the indoor air quality (IAQ) of your home?

The licensed and qualified technicians at Comfort Solutions throw light on the IAQ health factors that your HVAC system could negatively impact, and possible solutions to combat these problems. 

A Quick Guide to Maintaining Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

Are you or other occupants in your home experiencing increased instances of allergies or respiratory problems when you spend time indoors? If yes, then it may be time to evaluate the IAQ levels in your home.

What Is Indoor Air Quality? IAQ is the quality of the air inside your home, as represented by the temperature, humidity, and concentration of pollutants. Poor quality air would mean the presence of a high levels of contaminants, such as allergy-inducing dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and more. This issue of air quality tends to worsen during the winter months since there is no flow of fresh air from the outside, causing allergens to stay trapped inside your home.

What is the Impact of Poor IAQ? Poor quality indoor air could cause a number of health problems that range from mild to severe. This includes:

  • Breathing discomfort, headaches, or aggravation of chronic problems, such as asthma
  • Fatigue or concentration problems that inhibit your ability to perform routine indoor tasks
  • Skin rashes, or irritation to the eyes, nose or throat
  • Medical experts believe that prolonged exposure to certain contaminants could also lead to heart and lung disease, and other life-threatening conditions, such as cancer.

How are HVAC Systems Connected to IAQ? Your HVAC system consistently maintains the desired indoor temperature by filtering air from outside to inside. During this process, it brings external pollutants and contaminants into your home. While a well-designed and regularly serviced HVAC system works hard at removing these pollutants from the inside air through the process of ventilation, a sub-par system fails to reduce the untreated outdoor air that deteriorates your home’s IAQ. Moreover, your HVAC system’s duct line may be contaminated, drain pans could be dirty, and filters could be dusty, which could further impact ventilation and indoor air quality. Insufficient insulation, or improperly sealed ductwork may also contribute to poor IAQ.

How to Improve IAQ? There are a number of steps that you could take to reduce the allergens that may be lurking inside your home. 

  • Good indoor hygiene can significantly reduce the accumulation of dust or pet dander. Regularly vacuum carpets and rugs, clean the bedding and drapes, and keep your home clutter-free.
  • If you have indoor plants, make sure that they do not collect or foster mold growth. 
  • If you have a forced-air heating system, change your air filters at timely intervals. Switch to electrostatic filters that can trap airborne irritants, and prevent them from recirculating inside your home. 
  • In damp areas, such as the basement, consider using a dehumidifier to prevent mold growth.
  • Even in the colder months, try to open up the windows from time to time to let in fresh air.
  • Get a preventative maintenance service for your HVAC system at regular intervals.

 At Comfort Solutions HVAC, we offer affordable and reliable maintenance services for both, heating and cooling systems. Our highly experienced service technicians thoroughly clean the relevant components of your HVAC system in order to reduce the airborne pollutants that enter your home. From changing filters, cleaning drain pans, and keeping the duct line dry, to fixing leaks, checking flues, evaluating the thermostat, we address numerous aspects related to your HVAC system’s health and performance.

For prompt and efficient system tune-ups, rely on the experts at Comfort Solutions HVAC. We also offer high-quality HVAC system installations and 24X7 emergency repair services. To book a maintenance service call 610-438-9300 or contact us online.