Your home’s air quality not only affects your comfort, but it can also impact your health. Taking steps to improve air quality in your home starts will help to keep contaminants under control and ensure your HVAC system is operating efficiently.

What is IAQ?

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) measures the air quality in or around a building or structure. It determines how the air affects the health and comfort of its occupants. Several factors influence indoor air quality, including outside contaminants. Seasonal changes, such as hot temperatures and humidity, can also contribute to your home’s air quality.

What Affects IAQ?

According to the EPA, the primary causes of indoor air problems are:

  • Fuel-burning appliances
  • Tobacco products
  • Certain building materials and furnishings
  • Household cleaning or personal care products
  • Excess moisture
  • Central heating and cooling systems
  • Pollution, pesticides, or pollen from outdoor sources

Hazards of Low Air Quality

Air quality carries both long and short-term effects on the health of you and your family. Excess pollen or dander can cause irritations to the eyes, nose, and throat. Additionally, a lower IAQ may also cause headaches, dizziness, or even fatigue. Left unaddressed, these problems may grow more serious leading to respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer.

How Does Your HVAC System Affect Air Quality?

Heating and cooling systems are designed to circulate air throughout the home. However, they do not bring new air in. This means your HVAC unit will continue to recycle contaminated air if problems are not addressed.

Regular maintenance on your HVAC system will help to improve and maintain your home’s air quality. Service includes increasing air circulation throughout the home by cleaning air ducts and vents. It also involves checking and replacing filters and investing in quality products. If you own an outdoor unit, it’s important to clean out any built-up debris, dirt, leaves, or sticks.

Tips to Improve Air Quality

In addition to keeping up with your HVAC maintenance, there are other ways you can improve air quality in your home.

Limit Contaminants in the Home

One of the best ways to improve air quality is to start at the source. Controlling exposure to common pollutants can reduce changes to your IAQ. An easy way to do this is through regular cleanings. This limits the amount of pet dander, dust and other allergens circulating through the air. Cleaning also prevents the possibility of mold. 

Keep Your Home Sealed

Escaped air causes your HVAC system to work harder to maintain temperature. Leaks or cracks also allow outdoor contaminants inside your home. Even the smallest of particles can affect the quality of the air. First, check all your home’s doors and windows for any leaks or cracks. Next, seal and protect against future damage.

Consider an Air Filtration System 

The right filtration system significantly impacts your home’s air quality. Because they are specifically designed to remove pollutants, they reduce potential allergy and even asthma triggers. This includes dust, pollen, mildew, lint, fungus, and even bacteria.

Find an HVAC Contractor You Can Trust

At Viviano, we offer a selection of indoor air products, filters, and humidifiers that can help you and your family breathe easier. Our highly trained HVAC technicians are also available to service your unit year-round. Improve air quality and maintain peak efficiency. Call us today to schedule an appointment. 618-345-7498