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Indoor Air Quality Tips

Home indoor air quality products are by far some of the most important components of your home comfort system. Sure, your furnace and air conditioner represent big investments in equipment and monthly energy bills, but your indoor air quality system represents an investment in your health. To help get the most out of your indoor air quality, here are some valuable tips for how to maintain your system.

Mold

One of the most common issues with indoor air quality is mold. This unwanted spore-based contaminant grows rapidly and spreads easily inside your ductwork if you’re not careful. And unfortunately, because mold thrives in damp, dark environments, it’s very hard to find the source so that you can remove it.

To avoid indoor air problems involving mold, you need to not only filter and purify your air, but kill biological contaminants with a powerful germicidal system. Mold can grow nearly anywhere in your system and then blow out into your air supply when you turn on your furnace or air conditioner – so it needs to be removed before it becomes an issue.

Humidity Control

Of course, if you want to avoid problems with mold in the first place, the easiest thing you can do is control the humidity in your home. High humidity is a primary cause of mold growth in ductwork, vents, and your filters. It’s nearly impossible to bring mold problems under control without proper humidity control.

In fact, maintaining the right level of humidity will help with many other problems as well. High humidity – over 50% – allows dust mites to thrive in your home. That same high humidity makes it harder to cool your home as higher humidity holds heat more effectively. In the summer, high humidity levels will lead to overuse of your cooling system. It will also cause damage to your furniture and put anyone with allergies or asthma at risk of increased discomfort.

In the winter, low humidity can be a problem. If humidity gets too low, it cannot hold enough heat and your furnace is forced to work harder. Additionally, cold and flu symptoms are often worsened in low humidity environments. Overall, proper humidity control is a big factor for your home’s comfort level.

Air Testing

Most homeowners assume that the worst thing they have to deal with is high humidity and some dust in their ductwork. However, some homes are filled with potential issues that put your health at risk. Specifically, the materials used to construct your home are a major concern. Flaking paint, lead, asbestos, and cheap drywall are all problems that can lead to direct contamination or development of dangerous mold spores behind your walls.

Fumes from exhaust hoods that don’t exit your home properly are also a major problem. If you have gaps or leaks in your ductwork, fumes can back up and release smoke and exhaust into your house. This is not only uncomfortable but dangerous too. A carbon monoxide detector is a must for any homeowner with an old home and gas exhaust.

Heating & AC System Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning your home comfort system is important, but make sure you use environmentally and health friendly materials to do so. Ideally, you’ll hire a local York dealer and contractor to service your indoor air quality system, but even when doing simple cleaning tasks like dusting or washing of the floors or counters, avoid products containing toxic chemicals that can get into the air and make you sick.