Much of the air pollution that we are exposed to today doesn't come from external sources. It's inside of our homes. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that poor indoor air quality is one of the top five environmental risks in the country. If you are suffering from allergies or breathing problems, could your old HVAC system be to blame? Here are some things to consider:
Improper Ventilation. A building that isn't properly ventilated won't have enough fresh air coming in to move contaminants out of your home, and your health can be impacted. Make sure that you always use kitchen and bathroom fans. Have your basement, crawl space and attic checked to ensure that each is properly ventilated. When using household cleaners or chemicals, open windows or doors to remove pollutants as quickly as possible. Following these simple steps will make a big difference in your indoor air quality.
Age of Your HVAC System. Over time, dust and debris can collect in air ducts. Heating and cooling coils may become dirty or collect moisture, which encourages mold growth. Having your older HVAC system inspected and maintained annually will ensure that it is operating efficiently and make you aware of any problems that might negatively impact your home's indoor air quality. If you need a more efficient system to help address specific problems, your HVAC technician will be able to point you in the right direction.
Duct Maintenance. When the flow of air coming into or out of air ducts is obstructed, or when moisture begins to collect in the system due to a leak or a damaged duct, the air inside of your home will be affected. An HVAC professional can quickly assess the health of your ducts and identify if any repairs need to be made. Properly sealed and insulated ductwork, especially in non-air conditioned spaces, is a must.
If your HVAC technician discovers a problem, there are great products on the market to help. Get expert advice on heating and cooling systems, as well as indoor air cleaners, from your friends at Air Assurance. We're happy to help.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.