Even if your air conditioning is keeping your house comfortable, you could still be overlooking the air quality. With all the time we spend inside, it’s never been more important to keep your indoor air clean. If left unchecked, air pollutants can lead to allergic reactions and even breathing disorders in some people. Here are a few ways to tell if your air quality has declined. 

Symptoms That Indicate Poor Air Quality

1. Inconsistent Temperatures 

When your home has some areas that are warmer or colder than others, it may be an indication of air quality problems. Since there isn’t a proper distribution of warm or cold air throughout the house, the HVAC system could be having difficulty pushing air. 

Typically, air conditioning systems that aren’t properly circulating air to regulate the home’s temperatures have vents that are blocked by debris, such as dust and grime. This is becuase HVAC filters that are clogged with dirt and dust can’t allow air to pass through, resulting in only pollutants being passed through the system and accumulating on vents, preventing warm or cold air from getting to your rooms. Since your HVAC system will detect that the temperatures have not changed, it will continue to try and regulate them, resulting in a worn-down system, higher energy bills, and poor air quality. 

2. Dusty Air Vents

If you’ve noticed an increase in dusty surfaces around the house, especially around air conditioning vents, it could be an air quality issue. This could also explain any allergy symptoms you’ve been experiencing. When ductwork accumulates dust and allergens, it will continually distribute them throughout the house. 

Adding high-efficiency filters could help the issue, but it’s important to consult with a professional before doing so. Otherwise, the airflow within the HVAC system could become too restricted, causing your equipment to work more and wear down faster. 

3. Unpleasant Smells

Your indoor air quality can suffer due to unpleasant fumes being circulated through your vents. These odors can come from everyday household items, like cleaners, paints, air fresheners, and adhesives. You might also notice musty or damp smells, which are indicators of mold and mildew growth within your vents and air ducts. 

Removing these problems at the source can help improve your air’s quality and smell. Switch to natural cleaning ingredients, and ensure your home’s humidity is between 35% and 50% to prevent fungal growth within your ducts and on the vents. You could also use an air purifier to remove unwanted elements from your air, such as spores and pet dander. 

For improved air quality and a wide range of HVAC services, turn to the team at Rick Ogden Heating & Air Conditioning in Loveland, OH. Since 1982, this family-owned company has provided customers in the surrounding Tri-State area with reliable repairs, maintenance, and installations. Visit their website for information on their services, or call them at (513) 683-3714 to schedule an appointment today.