Your HVAC can do wonders for your health, but only if it is maintained regularly. HVAC systems filter air from outside, circulate air around the home and manage humidity and temperature inside. These functions can significantly improve indoor air quality and your comfort. Here are a few ways that your HVAC can negatively affect your health and how to fix them.
Your HVAC filters pollutants and allergens from outside. These include vehicle emission fumes, dust mites, pollen, and other contaminants. Your HVAC won’t be able to pull them from the air if the air filter is clogged. Filter manufacturers recommend that they are changed every three months. You might want to change your filters more often if you have a large family, pets that shed, or a lot of traffic that goes through your home. You also want to change your air filters more often if someone in your household has asthma, allergies or other respiratory disorders.
Dirty air ducts
All of the air that circulates through your home goes through the air ducts. You should have an HVAC professional to inspect them every year or if you notice air leaks or strange odors. The air filter won’t block anything that is already in the ducts, which means that it is circulated back into your home.
Ducts can become torn or wear with time, which can lower the efficiency of your HVAC. These tears can also allow for rodents to nest, which can significantly impact the air quality of your home. Your HVAC professional should also check for mold or mildew growing in the system. If you are worried about the quality of your air, schedule to have your air ducts cleaned.
Poor temperature regulation
The central purpose of your HVAC is temperature control. If you are noticing that the temperature in your home varies wildly or that it never reaches temperature, you should call an HVAC professional. You might need simple maintenance, such as refilling the refrigerant or replacing the heat pump. If your system is older than ten years, you might need to replace it. The good news is that newer systems are much more efficient than the older ones, and you can find systems that can help you manage respiratory concerns.
Keeping up with HVAC maintenance can make a huge difference in your home’s air quality. You should also call an HVAC professional if you notice your air is circulating poorly, you notice any strange smells or noises, or you start having more respiratory problems or headaches. You can also improve your indoor air quality by buying an air purifier or dehumidifier. Air purifiers remove any pollen, dust, dander, pet hair or other allergens from the air. Dehumidifiers regulate humidity. Both come in several sizes and price points so that you can choose the right unit for your family and budget. Air quality is an important concern, and these are a few easy ways to keep it better under control.
