The fall season quickly approaches, which means crisp air, lower temperatures, and more time spent indoors. While we revel in the joy of all things pumpkin-spice-flavored and cozy-up in the confines of our living room, we forget about the need for indoor air quality products to help us breathe easier in the coming months.
The air we breathe every day inside our homes, schools, and workplaces may contribute to asthma, allergies, and more. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, “Americans, on average, spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.”
If you’re unsure whether your HVAC system is ready for fall, contact the friendly experts at Absolute Air for a tune-up and learn more about our indoor air quality solutions.
HVAC Indoor Air Quality Solutions
A few different HVAC solutions can help improve the air quality in your home or business. Each may have different purposes, along with varied pros and cons, so it’s important to learn about your options before deciding which is best for you. You may also find that a combination of several components will create the most effective system for your needs.
High-Efficiency Air Cleaners
One of the most important jobs you have as a home or business owner is keeping the air clean. Since this isn’t something you can do yourself with a mop or sponge, and individual units can only clean one room at a time, you may want to look into high-efficiency air cleaners for the whole building.
With indoor air quality products like air purifiers, filters, and humidifiers, you can eliminate many allergens, mold particles, and dust mites in every room. You may even be able to get rid of odors, such as those from smoke or pets.
Pleated Air Filters
Air filters trap small particles of dust and other items in the air before they travel into your home. Choosing the right air filter will ensure you get the best possible results. A pleated air filter used with an indoor air purification system will help to eliminate contaminants and keep your air clean.
Ventilators
Ventilators are a great way to bring some of the fresh, outdoor air into your home. Many systems will even remove air that is not clean and replace it with something better. Another great way to do this is to open your windows during nice weather and allow the air to flow through the rooms. Of course, this is not possible during the winter and colder days of fall, so having a ventilation system that achieves the same result is a great way to enjoy these benefits year-round.
UV Air Treatment Systems
Mold and mildew can build up over time on the cooling coil of your HVAC system. When this happens, your system has to work harder, using more energy and costing you more money. It is also risky because these contaminants can become airborne, enter the HVAC system, and be carried throughout your house.
Strong UV light can kill the bacteria before they have a chance to grow or escape. For this reason, UV air treatment systems are an important part of indoor air quality solutions.
Humidifiers
In Utah, the air is extremely dry. This can be a problem when it comes to the lifespan of a virus, which thrives in this type of environment. You are also more susceptible to catching common winter viruses when your sinuses are dry. To reduce the chances that your family will become ill, you can use whole-home humidifiers to manage the moisture in the air before it gets too dry.
As a bonus, humidified air can be more comfortable at lower temperatures, so you won’t need to keep the heat as high. Keeping your thermostat at a cooler temperature in the winter will help you save money on your energy bills.
How to Get the Most From Your Air Filters
Your home should have air filters in place as part of your HVAC system, which will need to be replaced regularly. Use the answers to these frequently asked questions to ensure your air filters are working efficiently and effectively.
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?
Fiberglass air filters are less expensive than some alternatives but will need to be changed about once a month. Pleated filters are of higher quality and should last 2 to 6 months.
Ultimately, it will depend on the amount of pollutants in the air, the size of your home, whether
you have pets, and whether anyone in your home has allergies or asthma. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use your best judgment to avoid waiting too long between changing filters.
How Do I Know if My Air Filter Needs Changing?
If you notice any of the following signs, it is time to change your filter:
- More dust-gathering than usual
- Increase in asthma or allergy symptoms
- Visible dirt on the filter
- A burning smell when the HVAC system is running
- A hot AC unit (unit is working too hard)
What Happens if You Don’t Change the Air Filter in Your House?
There are several reasons you will want to make sure you change your filter periodically, including:
- Higher energy bills
- Dirtier air
- Worsening asthma and allergies
- The increased likelihood of illness
- Faster wear and tear on your HVAC system
Does Changing the Air Filter Really Make a Difference?
If you don’t have asthma or allergies, you may be less aware of the difference a clean air filter can make, but the answer is an absolute yes. Your air filter catches all kinds of dirt and grime that can cause illness and prevent your HVAC system from working efficiently.
What Can I Do to Keep the Air In My Home as Clean as Possible?
There are a few ways to help keep contaminants out of your home. For example, removing your shoes when you enter will ensure that you are not tracking dirt and germs all over the house and spreading them around through the air. It is also helpful to “air out” your home periodically when the weather is nice. The fresh outdoor air helps clean out the stale indoor air and improves the HVAC indoor air quality.
It is also wise to get regular HVAC system tune-ups and install efficient indoor air quality products that keep your air clean. Learn more about HVAC solutions from Absolute Air and get started improving the air quality in your home or business right away. We’ll also provide a free second opinion if you have any questions or concerns about your HVAC system.