Indoor air quality (IAQ) in homes is crucial for the health and well-being of all occupants. Local heating and air conditioning expert American Refrigeration Heating and Air Conditioning Company, Inc., understands the implications of poor indoor air quality and strives to educate homeowners on common mistakes that lead to it. Drawing from our extensive experience in the HVAC industry, we have identified several crucial errors that homeowners frequently commit.
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Not Changing Air Filters Regularly. One of the most significant yet often overlooked tasks is the regular changing of air filters within the HVAC system. Many homeowners either forget or delay this critical maintenance step, which can lead to a buildup of airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, and pet dander. The type and quality of your air filter also play a vital role in maintaining indoor air quality. Opting for filters with a higher minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating can significantly enhance your home’s air quality by trapping smaller particles.
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Ignoring HVAC Maintenance. Scheduling annual maintenance checks for your HVAC system is another crucial step in ensuring high indoor air quality. These checks can diagnose and fix issues before they become severe, ensuring your system operates efficiently. Maintenance tasks include cleaning coils and heating elements, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring there is no accumulation of dust or moisture that could harbor pollutants.
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Using Products That Pollute Indoors. Many household cleaning products, candles, incense, and harsh chemical-based aerosols significantly contribute to indoor air pollution. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from these products can deteriorate air quality and lead to health issues. Opting for green or natural cleaning alternatives and ensuring adequate ventilation when using any aromatic products can mitigate these risks.
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Poor Ventilation Habits. Failing to take advantage of your home’s ventilation capabilities can lower indoor air quality. As the trusted heating and air conditioning service provider in the area, we advocate for opening windows when weather permits for a few minutes a day. In doing so, you let stale indoor air out and allow fresh breezes in. It also helps to utilize exhaust fans in your bathroom or kitchen, just to get rid of any airborne particles from these areas.
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Overlooking Humidity Control. Another common mistake is neglecting humidity levels within the home. Both high and low humidity can impact indoor air quality adversely. High humidity fosters the growth of mold and mildew, while too little humidity can exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms. Utilizing humidifiers or dehumidifiers, depending on your home’s needs, can create a more comfortable and healthier living environment.
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A Lack of Regular Cleaning. Regular cleaning and dusting can dramatically enhance your home’s indoor air quality. Dust accumulation contributes to poor air quality and can harbor allergens. Ensuring your home is regularly cleaned, paying special attention to ventilation systems, and using a vacuum with a HEPA filter can reduce the quantity of airborne pollutants significantly.
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Improper Use of Indoor Plants. While plants can enhance a home’s aesthetics and some aspects of IAQ, it’s crucial to choose them wisely. Some plants can trigger allergic reactions or harbor mold if overwatered. Selecting indoor plants that don’t aggravate allergies and maintaining them properly can aid in keeping the air in your home clean and fresh.
Keep your home’s indoor environment in check with assistance from the cooling and heating service pros at American Refrigeration Heating and Air Conditioning Co., Inc.! Our team is committed to keeping the air you and your family breathe inside your home free of airborne contaminants. Call us at (662) 895-7204, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
