When it’s working as it should, your HVAC unit has a positive effect on your indoor air quality. After all, removing airborne particulates is one of its regular jobs. However, there are some issues that may arise that can make your HVAC system more harmful than good. Fortunately, if Gurnee, Illinois, residents have any issues with their indoor air quality and/or HVAC unit, they can reach out to [company_name]!
Is Your HVAC System Harming Your Indoor Air Quality?
It is imperative to have your Gurnee, Illinois, HVAC system professionally maintained at least once a year. Preventative maintenance of this type needs to happen regardless of any current issues you’re having with your unit. Failure to keep up with regular preventative maintenance can cause your HVAC system to die prematurely. It can also allow lingering odors to spread throughout your home, which isn’t pleasant!
1. Humidity Problems Due to System Inefficiency
If you have a properly working air conditioner, it should regulate enough of your home’s humidity to allow it to stay cool. The problem, though, is that if your HVAC system becomes outdated, it can introduce either too much or not enough humidity.
One prime sign that there is not enough humidity in the air is a build-up of static electricity. You may also experience itchy skin, allergies, sore throat and respiratory issues. Conversely, if your HVAC has allowed too much humidity to enter your home, you may notice fungi and other unusual growths. Additionally, bacteria and viruses may become more prevalent.
If your HVAC unit isn’t working efficiently, contact the Gurnee professionals at [company_name]. A whole-home dehumidifier may be just what you need!
2. Your Duct Leaks Are Causing Back-Drafting
Back-drafting refers to combustion gases, including those produced by water heaters and furnaces, re-entering your home. This highly dangerous situation can occur when there is not enough indoor air pressure. As a result of this compromised pressure differential, it’s possible that your HVAC will release combustion gases. This can be a major problem because it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Also known as the ‘silent killer,’ carbon monoxide can’t be seen, smelled or tasted. What it can do, though, is kill you in a matter of minutes.
Sadly, your duct system can make back-drafting even worse. Negative pressure can build up from doing something as simple as closing one of your interior doors. However, the good news is that installing a carbon monoxide detector and getting your ducts regularly checked by a professional should help prevent a back-draft from happening.
3. Critters Can Infiltrate Leaky Ducts
Another duct issue that can happen to your home is the introduction of unwanted animals. It is quite common for a possum, squirrel or other rodent to get inside your crawl space via disconnected return ducts. From there, the unlucky critter will often get stuck and die. If the thought of this happening alone makes you feel queasy, imagine what will happen once the air passes over their droppings and/or remains. That’s right; the unbelievable stench of death will enter your home, and there is no HVAC system strong enough to filter the smell.
Even if an animal doesn’t access your leaky ducts, you’ll still need to be aware of smaller contaminants that may end up polluting your indoor air. Viruses, pet dander, bacteria, dirt, pollen, dust mites, pollution, bio-aerosols and other microorganisms can end up in your system, which will make you more susceptible to allergic reactions and/or respiratory problems.
4. Odors and Chemical Vapors Are Redistributed by Sealed Ducts
What happens if your properly sealed ductwork allows your system to recirculate poor indoor air from room to room? You would think that your HVAC system would step up, but the reality is that it can’t purify perfumes, pet odors, paints, chemical vapors and cooking fumes without assistance. This is the reason it’s so critically important to get a whole-home purification system professionally installed in your Gurnee home. Otherwise, your indoor air quality will suffer.
5. Poor Airflow From Lack of Ventilation
Newer homes often experience issues with poor airflow. Why does this happen? Because newer construction focuses on being tightly sealed to conserve energy, but it doesn’t allow for proper ventilation. In other words, builders traded in one problem for another.
Even if you purchased the most energy efficient HVAC unit available, your house will require proper ventilation to ensure you don’t receive stagnant air. Contaminants can also be an issue, especially because they have no way to leave your home until your ventilation problem is solved.
6. Your Air Filter is Clogged
Have you ever wondered why HVAC experts put so much emphasis on cleaning or replacing your air filter? The reason is quite simple. Allowing your air filter to become clogged means your HVAC unit will be pushing dirt and debris into your home. This can cause your home to become dustier, and it can also cause breathing issues. To avoid these issues, consider signing up for the Gold Star Savings Program. That way, you can get an annual tune-up, including a cleaned or new air filter.
7. Mold and Bacteria Control
If you’ve got mold or bacteria in your basement, it can lead to your ventilation system pushing spores into the rest of your house. The best way to stop this from happening is to ensure that your filtration system is well-maintained and clean.
What Airborne Particles May Be in My HVAC System?
There are a wide variety of airborne particles that can enter your HVAC unit. Even worse, if your HVAC system is faulty, it can actively make your indoor air quality worse by releasing:
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Mold spores
- Pet dander
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Don’t allow any of these particles to make your life more difficult. Instead, contact [company_name]!
How Can I Improve My Indoor Air Quality?
Want to avoid all the issues you’ve just read about? Be sure to keep your HVAC system in top-notch order!
Schedule Regular Tune-Ups
[company_name] is here to take care of all your HVAC needs, including performing regular tune-ups!
Control Your Humidity Levels
Many houses need a humidifier or dehumidifier to keep humidity levels properly aligned. Ask [company_name] about installing either one of these systems.
Have Air Purifiers Installed
Air purifiers make it easier for your HVAC system to provide you with quality indoor air.
Change Air Filters Regularly
A clean filter is better able to trap particulates and dirt, which can then prevent them from entering your home.
Keep Your Ventilation System Cleaned
Just as you should get regular tune-ups, it’s also necessary to have your ventilation system professionally cleaned on a regular basis.
Open Your Windows
Nothing makes your home smell quite as nice as simply opening some windows. This will bring in fresh air, and it’ll also help remove dirty, stale air.
Keep Your Indoor Air in Great Shape
[company_name] is your HVAC one-stop resource in the Gurnee, Illinois, area! We provide HVAC repairs, installation and maintenance, plumbing, RTU systems and humidifiers and dehumidifiers. Contact us today to make sure you’re getting the best possible indoor air quality!