HVAC Expert Reveals Top Indoor Air Quality Mistakes Homeowners Commit

Expert Covers Indoor Air Quality Do’s and Don’ts

Depending on the season, homeowners often adjust their thermostat settings to stay comfortable. When the weather is mild at certain times of year, people can open their windows and depend on their HVAC system less. At the same time, summer and winter may cause problems for indoor air quality (IAQ) because the temperature extremes also mean keeping the home closed off—to retain the air conditioning during summer and the heat in winter.

It’s easier to achieve good indoor air quality if you don’t make common mistakes that many homeowners commit. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Chief Operating Officer Cary Reed discussed these mistakes and how to avoid them.

Not Changing Air Filters Frequently Enough

Changing your air filters lessens the dust particles and airborne pollutants that lower air quality in your home. For anyone with allergies, failure to change air filters regularly could exacerbate sneezing, watery eyes or even result in trips to the doctor. To ensure you’re employing the most suitable filter for your unique system and preferences, familiarize yourself with the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value ratings system, commonly known as MERV, Reed recommended.

“It’s based on a 1 to 20 scale, and ratings in the center of that range are usually the better home filters,” Reed said. “And, if you haven’t always been on time with filter replacement, I’d suggest duct cleaning service too. After that, establish reminders so you know when it’s time to swap out your air filter”

Ignoring HVAC Maintenance

Skipping preventive HVAC maintenance is often the first step toward jeopardizing your indoor air quality, Reed added. An annual tune-up helps it runs effectively and helps to prevent major repairs at some point. In addition to checking drain lines and the refrigerant supply, tune-ups involve cleaning coils and heating elements that air passes through before making its way through vents into your home. As long as your HVAC system isn’t running correctly, dust or moisture may accumulate and become the starting point for unwanted air particles making it into your home.

Buying Products that Lower the Quality of the Air Unknowingly

Many people are taken by surprise when they find out that some everyday products could be compromising their health and air quality. In general, there are three ways homeowners might be worsening their indoor air quality without realizing. The first is by using strong cleaners that emit fumes and substances known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If you can, opt for an eco-friendly cleaner instead, Reed recommended.

“Strongly scented candles are also a common air contaminant,” Reed said. “Even if you want a fresh smell in the home, this is it isn’t the best idea for air quality. I even warn homeowners against using many air fresheners.”

Another way people pollute their home’s air quality unintentionally is with indoor plants that may trigger allergy symptoms. The Ogren Plant Allergy Scale (OPALS) is a basic 1 to 10 scale that is widely used to determine a plant’s potential for creating problems for allergy sufferers.

“There are some varieties that are considered great indoor plants such as ferns, ivy, fig and yuccas, but these plants can also trigger allergy symptoms. It’s never a bad idea to do your research before selecting indoor plants,” Reed said.

Ignoring Mold and Humidity Problems

High humidity in a home can encourage mold and bacteria growth, which in turn could compromise indoor air quality. If you find a plumbing leak and water is accumulating in the walls or another area of your home, fix it as soon as you can, Reed cautioned. Dampness is often how the growth of mold begins, particularly when you live in a more humid part of the country.

When you notice a musty smell coming from somewhere, that’s a sign moisture may be trapped and unable to evaporate. Some homes also encounter issues with either too much or too little moisture in the air, which usually means adjusting humidity levels with a humidifier or dehumidifier, Reed added.

Not Taking the Opportunity to Open Windows When Possible

While it may be difficult to crack open the windows in the worst of a cold snap, there are plenty of days throughout the year when cracking open a few windows and letting in fresh air is a good idea. Not only is it beneficial for in-home air quality overall, but it can even reduce radon levels. This radioactive gas is emitted as a natural byproduct from soil. In fact, purchasing a basic detector from a home improvement store is a prudent investment, considering high radon exposure is responsible for roughly 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year, according to the CDC.

To refresh indoor air even when it’s cold outside, wait until the midday temperature highs to crack the windows in rooms and other spaces. In the summer, use the early morning hours when it’s cooler to refresh your indoor air, Reed suggested.

Not Taking Advantage of Technology and Services that Can Help 

Whether your home has “problem air” because of excessive humidity levels, mold, viruses and other airborne pollutants, there are many solutions available, outlined the HVAC pro.

Homeowners struggling with microorganisms often use germicidal UV light lamps, which are installed inside an HVAC system to eliminate bacteria, viruses and other microbes within seconds. There are also ventilation systems that exchange musty air for fresh air, or whole-home air purifiers that can provide a constant flow of fresh, clean air indoors.

“Your local indoor air quality specialists can also conduct testing to help you fully understand the depth of the problem,” Reed said. “Similar to HVAC system maintenance, letting these issues persist only makes them more frustrating to resolve in the future. Thankfully, there are many ways to address air quality concerns.”

For more ideas on how to reach peak indoor air quality, visit ServiceExperts.com/indoor-air-quality or request HVAC maintenance soon.