It’s National Clean Air Month! One of the most underappreciated aspects of home comfort and health is the quality of the air you breathe. Often out of sight and out of mind, we take a lot of things for granted until we notice a problem. However, the air we breathe is pivotal in maintaining our overall well-being. In this extensive guide, your Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning professionals will unpack the most common mistakes homeowners make that can drastically lower their indoor air quality (IAQ).
Stop Skipping Your Air Filter Changes
Changing your air filters might seem like a trivial chore, but it’s one of the most significant factors in maintaining good IAQ. Air filters are your first defense against airborne contaminants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles. When these filters get clogged, not only does the airflow become restricted, but the accumulated debris can also circulate back into your home.
To do this, consider the following:
- Follow manufacturer guidelines – filters should be changed every 1 to 2 months, depending on factors like filter type, pets, allergies, and regular usage.
- Set a schedule – establish a routine to check the filter monthly. One great tip is to use a calendar reminder if you tend to forget. By committing to filter changes, you’ll ensure better airflow and raise the overall air quality in your home.
Stop Ignoring Moisture in Your Home
Installing a whole-home dehumidifier: Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, which is a significant IAQ concern and allergen trigger. If high humidity levels in your home are a regular occurrence, it may be time to invest in a good, whole-home dehumidifier. Excessive moisture is not only uncomfortable to dwell in, but it also isn’t good for your respiratory system. Don’t know where to start? No problem! Give us a call and we can guide you in the right direction!
Stop Allowing Odors to Stuff Up Your Home
In-home odors are more than just a nuisance; they could be indicative of poor IAQ.
Combat these odors and their underlying pollutants by:
Installing a whole-home air purifier: Consider getting a whole-home air purifier installed. Whole-home air purifiers are designed to work with your HVAC system to catch and eliminate odors and contaminants. Furthermore, systems like the iWave-R are air-purifying devices that we highly recommend. It successfully utilizes ions that reduce allergens and kill mold, bacteria, and viruses. Plus, we love the convenience of the iWave-R whole-home air purification system as it has a self-cleaning feature, which means our customers don’t have to do anything maintenance-wise beyond scheduling the initial installation process. Easy peasy!
Installing UV Lights: UV lights can be installed to work in conjunction with your HVAC system. They are purposely designed to be installed inside your air ducts or the air handler so that they can zap and kill airborne bacteria and pollutants as air passes by and before the air is dispersed throughout your home. As an added bonus, they are pretty low maintenance due to the fact that their bulbs only need to be changed once every 2-3 years, and this can be done by your HVAC technician during your yearly tune-up and safety check.
Your home is your sanctuary, a place where you should feel safe and comfortable. A significant part of creating this environment is ensuring the air you breathe is not contributing to health problems. By being attentive to the details and taking these proactive measures, you can significantly improve your home’s IAQ. Remember, it’s the small, consistent efforts that add up to make a big difference in the long run.
Let us help guide you on your air quality journey! Call Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning today at (740) 625-2320, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
