Indoor air quality often doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but recent events — shelter in place orders, working from home whenever possible, masks everywhere — has brought air quality to the forefront of everyone’s mind. In the HVAC industry, we know that breathing stale, humid, debris-infested air can have serious health consequences, especially for those with respiratory problems. As consumers, we’re ready to answer your questions and discuss the many options available to you to improve your home’ indoor air quality so you breathe better air every day.
Many people don’t even realize just how bad their indoor air quality is. Some common signs are a persistent stale or musty smell, having to dust more frequently than normal, or having allergy problems even when it’s not allergy season. If you suspect there’s a problem, a call to A/C Contractors can set up a time for one of our technicians to assess the situation.
If your home’s indoor air quality is a problem, there are a number of ways to deal with it. Typically the best results come from using several different products and services, each with its own purpose, for the greatest possible overall benefit.
A common problem is the buildup of dust, mold, particulates, pollen, dander and other pollutants in the ductwork of your HVAC system. An average home accumulates 40 pounds of dust and debris every year, and without proper cleaning, this circulates throughout the home every time the HVAC unit turns on. This not only can affect the breathing of everyone in the home but can also increase energy costs as the unit has to work harder to move the air. Thorough cleaning and sealing of the ducts, done by A/C Contractor’s expert team can produce a dramatic improvement in air cleanliness that you’ll notice immediately.
Many homeowners are choosing to have positive pressure ventilation systems installed, similar to those used in hospitals and industry. Positive pressure systems use fans and ducts to push fresh (usually filtered) air into the home throughout the day, pushing the stale air out. These systems typically have a humidity control system integrated with them, which can also have positive effects on the breathing of those in the home.
Stand-alone humidity control systems may also be an option for you to consider. Air that is too dry can make it hard to breathe, while air that’s too humid can promote the growth of mold and mildew. Extreme humidity, be it high or low, can damage your belongings and be detrimental to your health. Most humidity control systems can be integrated into your existing system, and work to control the spread of pathogens, protect your furniture, books and other belongings, and even help your dry skin and make you more comfortable.
Air purification, above and beyond the typical air filters we’re all familiar with, is another common addition to home HVAC systems. UV germicidal lights, again similar to those used in hospitals and industry, can limit the growth of mold and bacteria by degrading the DNA of these pathogens. These lights safely kill germs and sanitize the air, resulting in a cleaner, healthier home environment.
Some homeowners go a step further, choosing a carbon “Matrix” system along with the UV germicidal lights. This system captures contaminants and slows them down as they pass under the UV lights. This allows more exposure time to the light, which gives better sanitization. This higher level of sanitization is why it’s highly recommended to combine UV and Matrix systems, to give the best possible results.
As we all adjust to the times, ensuring your home contains clean, healthy air must be a priority. If you have any questions or concerns about the quality of your indoor air or want to take the steps to improve it, call A/C Contractors today! Our skilled, highly-trained technicians and representatives will work with you to give you the high quality, economical home HVAC system you and your family deserve.