With all the time you spend indoors, it’s important to maintain good air quality in your home. The quality of the air you breathe directly affects your respiratory system, so your heater and air conditioner play an important role in your overall health and well-being. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips to help you improve the air quality of your home by effectively utilizing your HVAC system.
#1. Regular Maintenance Matters
Keeping your HVAC system in good condition is one of the most important things you can do to improve your home’s air quality. Regular HVAC maintenance, including changing air filters, cleaning out ducts, and inspecting components, helps the whole system operate effectively and efficiently and protects you from the dangers of bad air quality.
Experts recommend professional HVAC inspection every year or so. This allows technicians to check the equipment’s condition, perform tests, identify any safety concerns, and tune up any components of your air conditioner or furnace that need attention.
#2. Invest in High-Quality Air Filters
Air filters are especially important because they stop dust, pollen, and other particles from circulating through the air, which improves your home’s air quality. Not all air filters are created equal, though. When your goal is to improve indoor air quality, look for high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. According to the EPA, these filters can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles such as dust, mold, pollen, and bacteria of a certain size.
Additionally, you should look for filters with a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating between eight and 10. This means that the filter can effectively capture larger particles, as well as smaller ones.
If you’re not sure how often to replace your air filters or which kind is right for your home, check the manufacturer’s guidelines or consult an HVAC professional for advice.
#3. Use Ventilation to Your Advantage
To prevent the air in your home from becoming stagnant and stale, you need proper ventilation. Exchanging indoor air with outdoor air improves indoor air quality. In addition to ventilation, consider using exhaust fans in areas of your home that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, in order to decrease your risk of mold growth and maintain a healthy indoor environment for you and your family.
#4. Consider Air Purifiers
Although HVAC systems play a significant role in improving air quality, they can become even more effective when used in tandem with air purifiers. These devices operate independently of HVAC systems and can capture even smaller air particles than air filters, further increasing indoor air quality.
Air purifiers are especially beneficial for people with allergies or respiratory conditions. For best results and maximum effectiveness, place air purifiers in the places you spend the most time, like living rooms and bedrooms.
#5. Manage Humidity Levels
In Utah, we don’t usually have to worry about high humidity levels; however, we do get the occasional day with high humidity when it’s stormy. Excess humidity can lead to mold growth and dust mites in your home, which are not healthy to have circulating in the air because they can cause respiratory problems.
Your HVAC system should have settings to help you manage your home’s humidity levels. For optimal air quality, try to keep humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent to create an environment unsuitable for mold and dust mites.
#6. Seal Ductwork and Leaks
Leaky ductwork can undermine your efforts to improve your home’s air quality. When your ducts have leaks, they can introduce contaminants from unconditioned areas into your indoor air. To prevent this from happening, regularly inspect all your ducts for areas that have come unsealed in order to protect your home from pollution, allergens, and even pests.
If you notice any problems with your ductwork, contact a licensed technician for help. They can determine the root of the problem and repair your ducts to prevent any further leaks.
Improve Indoor Air Quality With Services From R&D Heating and Air
If you want to improve the air quality in your home, you need services from a professional HVAC technician. At R&D Heating and Air, we use only the highest-quality parts, so you can be sure your HVAC system will run optimally and efficiently, saving you money on your energy bill and ensuring your home’s air quality stays healthy. To request a service from our experienced team, contact us today!
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