What is the indoor air quality emitted by your HVAC System and how to improve it in 4 points
Many people spend the majority of their time inside buildings. At school, at work, or at home, as well as many other places.
HVAC units help to keep building occupants more comfortable, maintaining thermal comfort through heating and cooling. And though one may feel good, people who are sensitive to indoor allergens or have respiratory problems may not have as good a time.
Poor Indoor Air Quality can increase the number of dust mites, mold spores, and other pollutants circulating through your home interior.
In the previous blog, we talked about four effective air conditioning maintenance essentials. But how can you use your HVAC to improve Indoor Air Quality and keep a comfortable indoor environment? Let’s take a look.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality inside and around homes, schools, offices, and other buildings and structures.
It’s known to have an impact on the health of people.
Poor IAQ exists when a limited amount of fresh air is circulated indoors, pollutants are present in the work or home environment, or outside air circulated into the building interior is polluted. Poor IAQ can cause scratchy throat, burning of the eyes, blocked nose, and headaches. It’s also been linked to reduced productivity and sick building syndrome, though factors including the workplace design, lighting, noise, and thermal environment, among others, have to be considered as well.
Know about pollutant sources
Indoor air pollution can come from many sources. These can include:
- Tobacco smoke: This includes second-hand tobacco smoke, which includes both a gaseous and a particulate phase and affects people other than the active smoker.
- Indoor combustion: This refers to fuel-burning combustion appliances, like ovens, furnaces, gas water heaters and fireplaces, among other things. The common fuels burned in these appliances are natural or LP gas, fuel oil, kerosene, wood or coal.
- Radon: Every building material contains a natural share of uranium and radium. When they decay, radon is formed and released from the building materials into the building. It is an invisible, radioactive atomic gas and a serious health hazard.
- Carbon monoxide: It is a colorless, odorless and tasteless toxic gas. It is produced by the burning of gasoline, propane, charcoal and other fuel. High levels of carbon monoxide can lead to nausea, unconsciousness and death.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are emitted as gasses from certain solids or liquids. Sources can include a range of household products like paints and solvents, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, pesticides, hobby supplies and disinfectants. Some of these chemicals may have adverse health effects in the short and long term. Certain indoor materials can trap VOC vapors for extended periods of time and then release them into the building.
- Outdoor sources: Common sources of air pollution include emissions from motor vehicles, factories, refineries and power plants. Natural substances include pollen, dust, mold spores and some airborne bacteria and pathogens.
Concentrations of certain pollutants (such as VOCs) are consistently higher indoors than outdoors. This may be caused by having inadequate ventilation.
High temperature and humidity levels can contribute to increased concentrations of some indoor pollutants.
Malfunctioning or neglected appliances won’t be able to do enough to dilute emissions from indoor sources or to carry indoor air pollutants out of the area.
This is why it is important to keep your HVAC unit working in optimal condition.
The importance of cleaning or replacing your air filters.
Cleaning filters in your HVAC system can help you improve Indoor Air Quality by effectively removing particles from the air.
On the other hand, dirty or clogged filters can return dust and grime to your indoor environment while forcing your HVAC system to work harder, negatively impacting the quality of the air you breathe.
Changing or replacing your HVAC air filters can prevent health problems and reduce your energy bills.
Invest in a portable air cleaner for better results
Having a portable air cleaner can help to improve indoor air quality together with the air filter in your HVAC system.
Portable air cleaners, also known as air purifiers or air sanitizers, filter the air in a single room or area. When used properly, they can help reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses and other pathogens.
If you live in an area where adequate ventilation is difficult to achieve, consider investing in a portable air cleaner as a complement to your HVAC unit.
Schedule Regular Maintenance for your HVAC system.
Maintenance will ensure your HVAC unit operates safely and efficiently, but it also will help to improve indoor air quality.
Not only do HVAC technicians look for possible problems with your system, their services also include cleaning. Dust, debris, pet hair and other contaminants circulating in the air can be collected in your system and affect its performance.
If you notice increased energy costs, decreased airflow, or odors (due to mold or bacteria) while running your system, please call us to schedule a cleaning time.
If you are concerned about poor Indoor Air Quality or/and interested in a regular HVAC system maintenance program, give Jamison Air a call. We’ll be happy to discuss it with you.
Our professional technicians are always ready to help our valued customers from LA and Inland Empire.
Reach us at (833) 472-1530 and find out why “Taking Care of People” is more than just a slogan! Stay cool with Jamison Heating & Cooling Services!
