Indoor Air Quality Got You Down? These HVAC Tips Can Help.

Simple Fixes and Easy Upgrades Can Improve the Air in Your Home

To be sure, healthy air has never been more of a concern for our communities than it is now. However, few really consider what the impact of poor indoor air quality has for us at home, too. For example, even with an otherwise perfectly functional HVAC system, just a dirty air filter can send mold, dirt and bacteria into the indoor air you and your family breathe. This in turn can trigger allergies, asthma symptoms and exacerbate any existing lung disease. Why risk it?

There’s enough to worry about out in the world today without having to think about what might be lurking in your indoor air at home. Take a look at the suggestions below for improving indoor comfort and air quality. While some require the help of a certified HVAC technician, other fixes can make the air inside your home significantly cleaner almost immediately, all for less than the price of a full tank of gas.

Change Your Air Filters!

As mentioned above, replacing a dirty air filter is among the easiest fixes you can make if you’re concerned about indoor air quality. You’d be amazed how many people don’t seem to realize that these mechanical filtration devices must be changed regularly to be effective. We’ve seen homes where the filter has never been changed!

Don’t let a buildup of outdoor and indoor allergens make you sick. The great news is that in most cases, changing an air filter is a simple task anyone can do. When examining your existing air filter, take note of the size and product information on the filter itself. Then take a look online or in your local hardware store. Chances are a replacement is both readily available and extremely inexpensive. Change this filter at least once every three months, or even more often if you or someone in your household is particularly sensitive to pollutants or possible allergens. While forest folk in rural Alaska may not have to change their filters much, those of us who live in Southern California should probably get used to frequent filter changes as part of regular, routine maintenance around the home.

Consider an Air Sanitation Device

As you might imagine, the pressure is on the HVAC industry to create inexpensive, effective air cleaners for both their residential and commercial customers. Luckily, there have been significant technology breakthroughs in recent years that make indoor air sanitation an affordable reality, with multiple options available using UV technology. These lights are strategically placed to kill germs and other pathogens that pass through your HVAC system. Indeed, some models have been shown to kill up to 99% of mold spores. Installed over the coil where moisture (and bacteria) can gather, it’s a way to ensure the cleanest possible air is circulating throughout your home.

Have Your Ductwork Inspected

If it’s been some time since you’ve had your HVAC inspected, now is the time to do so. Debris from unwanted household pests, excess dust and smoke particles, or even irritants and microscopic leftovers from a home renovation project may be in your ductwork.  Have a certified technician give your system a solid inspection to insure peak performance.

Your home is your castle, as the old adage says. Keeping your HVAC system clean and safe is a habit that pays off for everyone, every day of the year.

 

Call Air-Tro today for help with improving the air quality inside your home. We’ve been the HVAC resource for the San Gabriel Valley since 1969! Get in touch today at (626) 357-3535.