We all want a dependable HVAC system for our homes or businesses. Feeling warm? Flip on the AC. A little chilly? Fire up the furnace. Unless something breaks, we don’t think much about the mechanics.
But did you know your HVAC system also plays a crucial role in indoor air quality? We spend up to 90% of our time inside, inhaling dust, pet dander, mold spores, chemicals from cleaning products, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Poor air quality can cause health problems, ranging from allergies and asthma to serious respiratory issues.
Here’s how your HVAC system should work to maintain fresh, healthy air in your home and tips on improving indoor air quality.
It’s Not Just About Heating and Cooling
Your HVAC system does more than just regulate the temperature; it also filters and circulates the air throughout your home. Here’s how:
- Filtration: Most HVAC systems have air filters that trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles. These filters play a crucial role in maintaining clean air by preventing these pollutants from circulating through your home.
- Ventilation: Good ventilation is critical to maintaining indoor air quality. HVAC systems help by bringing in fresh outdoor air and exhausting stale indoor air. This exchange of air reduces the concentration of indoor pollutants and keeps your home feeling fresh.
- Humidity Control: Too much humidity can affect indoor air quality. An HVAC system helps maintain a balanced humidity level, essential for reducing mold growth and dust mites, which thrive in high-humidity environments.
Tips for Cleaner Indoor Air
While it’s best to partner with an HVAC pro for cleaning, inspecting, and ongoing maintenance, you can do plenty of things yourself.
- Change Your Air Filters Regularly: Your HVAC system’s air filters should be checked monthly and replaced every three months (or more often if you have pets or allergies). A clogged filter won’t effectively trap pollutants and can strain your system, leading to higher energy bills and potential breakdowns.
- Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance: Like your car, your HVAC system needs regular maintenance to run efficiently. This includes cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring all parts work properly. A well-maintained system is more efficient and keeps indoor air clean.
- Consider Upgrading Your Air Filters: Not all air filters are created equal! Filters are rated using the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) scale. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at trapping small particles. A MERV rating between 8 and 13 is a good choice for most homes.
- Use an Air Purifier: Add a whole home air purifier for extra protection. These devices can control germs, viruses, fungi, odors, and volatile organic compounds and help remove additional pollutants your HVAC system may not capture.
- Keep Your Ducts Clean: Dust, mold, and other contaminants can build up in your home’s ductwork over time. Having your ducts professionally cleaned every few years can help reduce the dust and debris circulating throughout your home.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Make sure your HVAC system is adequately ventilated to the outside, especially when cooking or using cleaning products. Using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms can help remove contaminants and reduce humidity.
It’s About You
Keeping your indoor air fresh isn’t just about comfort—it’s about your health.
Your HVAC system is your first line of defense against indoor pollutants, so it’s worth taking steps to ensure it works efficiently. By keeping your filters clean, scheduling regular maintenance, and considering some additional air quality tools, you can be sure the air in your home is as fresh and healthy as possible. Here’s to breathing easy!
Partner with the Indoor Air Quality Experts
At Stacy Heating & Air Solutions, we understand the importance of healthy indoor air. We pride ourselves on listening to customers’ concerns and have the expertise to ensure your HVAC system is in top shape. Schedule an appointment today!
