How can you improve the quality of your indoor air during the cold-weather heating season? The more time you spend indoors, the more the indoor air impacts your health. From common allergens such as pet dander to aerosols from household hazardous waste products, take a look at what you need to know about pollutants, the indoor environment, and how an HVAC contractor can help.
What Does Your Home's HVAC System Have To Do With Pollutants?
You have a clean home and aren't sure how pollutants could get in. Even though you may wipe down surfaces, use disinfectants, dust, and sweep regularly, your home's HVAC system can still carry pollutants.
The cleaners you use to keep your home germ and dirt-free may pollute the air. Harsh chemicals and aerosols can enter the HVAC system and circulate throughout your home. Along with chemicals and other cleaners, dust, pet fur/dander, and pollen (that enters from an open window) can also pollute the indoor air. An HVAC system can pick up these pollutants and constantly push them throughout the indoor space.
Why Should You Think About Your Home's Indoor Air?
Even though your home's air may look and smell clean, potential pollutants could trigger allergies or other health-related issues. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollutants can irritate the nose, throat, and eyes, and cause dizziness or headaches. Over time, exposure to some pollutants can lead to long-term or chronic conditions, such as heart or respiratory disease.
Should You Stop Using the Furnace To Reduce Indoor Air Pollution?
If the HVAC system can constantly re-circulate pollutants and these pollutants can cause health problems, does it make sense to use the heater? While an HVAC system can lead to poor indoor air quality, it is important to keep the heat on during the fall and winter. Both your home and your health could suffer without adequate heating.
Not only will the furnace keep your home comfortable, but it can also potentially prevent burst pipes, cracks in plaster, and other cold/dryness-related home issues. It can also reduce the risks of hypothermia. This serious issue is a medical emergency that can cause symptoms such as slurred speech, weak pulse, decreased coordination, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
How Can An HVAC Contractor Help To Improve the Indoor Air Through Furnace Maintenance?
Routine furnace check-ups are a first-line defense against indoor air quality issues. If you haven't already scheduled a pre-season maintenance appointment, now is the time to call the contractor. The HVAC professional can inspect the system, clean the furnace, and replace dirty filters. These services allow the system to work at peak performance and can help to reduce the re-circulation of pollutants.
Reach out to an HVAC contractor to learn more.
Share27 September 2022
Does your air conditioner smell, make loads of extra noise, or fail to cool your home? If you have noticed any of these problems, there might be issues with your air conditioning unit. Fortunately, you don't have to let a bum system make your home stuffy and uncomfortable. Professional heating ventilation and air conditioning contractors can snap your AC unit into shape in no time. By carefully checking your condenser and evaluating your refrigerant levels, the experts might be able to dramatically improve the cooling capacity of your home unit. Read here to find out how to spot problems before they make your space uncomfortable.