Even if you don’t have asthma or other respiratory problems, you can easily be aggravated by indoor pollutants. Fortunately, a working residential HVAC system will eliminate these contaminants to improve air quality. Check out the guide below to learn more about common problems with indoor air quality and how HVAC system maintenance relates.

Common Issues With Indoor Air Quality

The most common airborne pollutants are dust, pet dander, pollen, and microorganisms like viruses and bacteria. Exposure to these pollutants can cause health reactions like headaches, fatigue, and breathing problems.

The biggest concern for air quality is usually mold, which typically grows in dark, cool environments. When these spores are inhaled, you may exhibit symptoms like an irritated throat, itchy eyes, and nasal drip. More severe respiratory problems like lung infections or asthma attacks can also occur.

How Residential HVAC Systems Make or Break Air Quality in Your Home

When properly maintained, your HVAC system filters the air you breathe and mitigates indoor air quality issues. However, when an HVAC system isn’t properly maintained, problems can occur.

Outdated Air Filter

A filter needs to be changed regularly, and you should check it first if you notice lower air quality in your home. Low-efficiency air filters keep dust and lint from clogging the cooling coils of an HVAC system, while medium and high-efficiency filters are more commonly used for removing bacteria, pollen, and other small particles.

System Inefficiency

Your HVAC system helps regulate humidity, but an outdated or worn-out system can lead to too much or too little moisture in the air. Too much moisture can make your home feel stuffy and promote the growth of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Too little moisture can trigger allergies, sore throats, irritated skin, and a buildup of static electricity.

Faulty Ductwork

A telltale sign of faulty ductwork is uneven temperatures throughout your home. Any openings in the ducts can allow allergens and other pollutants to enter a household.

Additionally, duct leaks can lead to back-drafting in which combustion gases from fuel-fired appliances, such as water heaters, re-enter the house. Back-drafting can let carbon monoxide leak into your home, which is a potentially life-threatening situation.

 

If you’re experiencing poor air quality in your home, seek a solution from Air Conditioning Unlimited in Aiea, HI. This locally owned company has provided residential HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair throughout Oahu for more than 20 years. Call (808) 455-3128 to schedule an appointment with an HVAC contractor, or visit their website for more information on their offerings.