Indoor air quality can be impacted by several things. This includes the prevalence of particulate matter from things like pollen, dust, mold spores, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds. The humidity in a home can also impact indoor air quality. Anything higher than 50% relative humidity can result in mold growth, discomfort, etc. Dry air can irritate your sinuses. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality and protect your health and well-being.
The Health Impact
When you are constantly breathing in particulate matter, this can result in several physical symptoms. This includes headaches, fatigue, and allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, coughing, and a stuffy nose. People with asthma may experience an increase in attacks and respiratory symptoms when indoor air quality is poor. Those with chronic health conditions like emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may have trouble breathing when indoor air quality isn’t well maintained.
The Role of Ventilation in Air Quality
Proper ventilation is another critical factor in maintaining good indoor air quality. Ensuring a consistent exchange of indoor and outdoor air helps dilute indoor pollutants and brings in fresh air. Modern homes, which are often sealed tightly for energy efficiency, can trap pollutants inside, leading to stagnant air. Installing energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) or heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) can help circulate fresh air without significantly impacting your energy bills. These systems work with your HVAC system to maintain a balanced and healthy indoor environment while conserving energy.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
There are several ways you can improve the quality of your indoor air. A professional indoor air quality assessment can determine what contaminants are in your residence’s air. You can utilize enhanced filtration and purification to remove these particulates. You may be familiar with portable air purifier units that can be moved from one room to another. You can address all the air inside your home using a whole-house air purification unit that is installed right onto your HVAC system. Depending on the type of equipment you choose, you may be able to remove as much as 99.97% of particulate matter from your indoor air.
You can maintain healthy levels of relative humidity by monitoring moisture levels in your home using a hygrometer or smart thermostat that takes humidity readings. If you have too much moisture in your indoor air, a whole-house dehumidifier is an excellent option to consider. It removes moisture from the air that is circulating through your HVAC system and into your living spaces. A whole-house humidifier adds moisture back in if you’re experiencing very dry indoor air.
You should have routine maintenance performed on your HVAC system and ductwork. Annual inspections are ideal, with ductwork benefiting from an inspection and cleaning once every few years. This will improve your indoor air quality by removing the particulates that have accumulated in your ducts and are moving into your living spaces. This can also protect the integrity of your heating and cooling equipment, resulting in fewer repairs over time.
Don’t forget to change the filter in your HVAC system every 30 to 90 days. This time frame may be a little shorter or longer depending on the type of filter you have. Washable filters are also available, reducing the need for frequently replacing an expensive filter.
If you need assistance with HVAC system maintenance, including ductwork cleanings and service, reach out to the team. We bring to the table expertise, knowledge, professional equipment, and much more.