The problem with air is that it’s invisible, and if the air quality in your home has started to deteriorate, you have no way of telling unless you investigate. Fortunately, HVAC systems have a way of showing you your air quality might not be up to par by merely exhibiting changes you can see for yourself. Keep your eye out for some of these signs so you’ll know to call an HVAC contractor right away.

3 Ways to Gauge Your Indoor Air Quality

1. Your Home Feels More Humid

Humidity is measured by the amount of water vapor in the air. Usually, your HVAC unit controls humidity levels by maintaining air moisture levels. If you start to feel damp and muggy indoors, it’s because the air has become saturated with water, which is an early sign that your air conditioner isn’t running efficiently.

Humidity can cause more of a problem than making you feel a little uncomfortable, however: Mold spores and dust mites thrive in high humidity, and these put your family at risk of severe respiratory issues.

2. There’s a Bad Smell

Clean air never smells bad, so if you’ve noticed a recent unpleasant odor that won’t shift—or smells that linger—it may be that your air quality is compromised. If an odor lingers long after the initial scent was produced (for example, when you spray a perfume), you likely need to look at your ventilation.

If you can smell something musty and unpleasant coming from your HVAC systems, it could be more serious. An old, stale smell could mean that you have a mold problem inside your AC unit. If it smells quite putrid, the wires might have burned out. Call an expert to take a look, as you’ll need to repair your unit in either scenario.

3. You Have Uneven Room Temperatures

Pay close attention to uneven room temperatures. A working HVAC unit will distribute air equally around the home, ensuring every room is a comfortable temperature.

If, however, you find that temperatures change considerably from room to room, it means the air isn’t circulating properly. While static air isn’t an issue in itself (other than feeling stale), if there are toxins in the air, they’ll linger and possibly cause health problems.

When you need an expert in HVAC systems, look no further than Robert L. Shealy Heating & Air Conditioning, the most dependable heating and air specialists in West Columbia, SC. Servicing Columbia and Lexington, SC, and all of Lexington and Richland counties, this proficient team provides comprehensive HVAC services when you need help most and at an affordable price. Your comfort and safety are their priority— request a free estimate today by calling (803) 796-1923 or visit their website to learn more about their services.