What does Indoor Air Quality Mean?
While the main focus related to a home comfort system is usually temperature, it’s important to recognize the role the HVAC system plays in affecting your indoor air quality. The circulation of air throughout your home carries many unseen materials from room to room. When these materials are trapped in your home, they can affect your health and your decor. Additionally, there are conditions that can make your home environment uncomfortable in spite of appropriate temperatures. Understanding these issues will affect the care of your existing heating and cooling equipment. In some cases, you may want to investigate additional air quality products.
Determining Airborne Materials Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality
Modern homes are more efficient because of advanced options for sealing and insulating. While these materials and techniques keep heat exchange limited, they also limit the influx of fresh air from outside. Pollutants, allergens and germs get in and stay in. They can become very concentrated, affecting health.
The best way to know what materials are present in your airstream is to schedule an indoor air quality evaluation. An HVAC professional takes air samples from your home, sending them for lab analysis to pinpoint pollutants. With this information, specific steps can be taken to reduce indoor air pollution.
Filtration and Quality Improvement
A simple step to limit indoor pollution is the selection of a high-efficiency air filter. Residential filters range from five to 12 in MERV ratings, and the higher ratings indicate better performance for removing particulates from circulation. Not only do these options improve air quality, but they can also improve the function of the HVAC system by limiting buildup on coils and in ducts.
Advanced filtration is possible with air purifiers. A germicidal unit can be good in a home with individuals suffering from allergies or dealing with susceptibility to colds and flu. These systems exceed the MERV ratings of residential filters. Additionally, they use capture and kill features to destroy germs and other hazardous particulates.
System Cleaning and Maintenance
Keeping your HVAC equipment well-serviced can improve your indoor air. Preventive maintenance on your system includes cleaning of coils and condensate pans. These areas can harbor mold and bacteria, leading to the spread of spores and germs in your home. Buildup of materials on your coils can also affect your system’s efficiency, leading to a stressed compressor and higher energy bills.
Ducts gather dust much as other out-of-reach fixtures do. During your spring cleaning, you may concentrate on tops of bookshelves and light fixtures, removing layers of dust that have accumulated over the year. Your ducts are likely to mirror the dusty conditions of these furnishings, demanding similar attention.
Mold and Moisture
The humid climate of Sarasota FL can lead to problems with discomfort and mold growth in your home. Both issues can be handled with a variety of air quality products. A dehumidifier can provide control of moisture throughout the year. UV lamps can kill mold that develops on your coils. Custom Air Heating & Cooling can assist you in determining the best options for your home’s unique issues. Call us to schedule an appointment.