While breathing is a natural function, healthy indoor air quality inside your house isn’t necessarily something that happens by itself. Most people spend more than 60% of their time inside their residence and take anywhere from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This means that the state of your indoor air quality is a major factor impacting health and comfort.
Factors affecting your home’s indoor air quality vary according to season. Here are some ways to improve the quality of each breath you take during the air-conditioned summer months.
- Install a new air filter. ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, recommends that for best air quality and temperature control, the entire air volume inside your home should be replaced with filtered air at least three times per hour by HVAC system circulation. To support this volume of airflow, a clean system air filter is critical. An HVAC professional can provide more information about the type of air filter to purchase and how often a new filter should be installed. Keep in mind that your HVAC provider will change the filter with every maintenance tune up service.
- Check the ductwork. The ducts circulating air throughout your home are a vital part of the HVAC system. Every breath you take is affected by the condition of your ductwork. Issues such as dust accumulation, mold growth, insect contamination, and duct leakage compromise air quality and affect air circulation. Duct inspection is also a part of the system maintenance service by your local HVAC contractor.
- Air Purification System. Air purification systems will help control everything from microscopic dust mites and mold spores to infectious bacteria and viruses. There are also systems that effectively and safely remove and destroy odor and chemical vapors. Air Purification systems are often the solution in keeping indoor environments clean and healthy. Your HVAC professional can provide more information, recommendation, and installation for you.
- Control indoor humidity. A humid indoor environment usually feels warmer and less comfortable during summer. In addition, high indoor humidity spawns the growth of mold, mildew, and other contaminants that can trigger respiratory symptoms such as allergies and asthma. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Where this goal is difficult to maintain, consider a whole-house dehumidifier for maximum accurate humidity control. This is also a service your HVAC provider can provide for you.
For indoor air quality solutions, contact the professionals at Jackson & Sons. Serving Eastern North Carolina since 1974.
