Spring is here. It’s time to bask in the sun and start enjoying the weather! That being said, this is the time of year that pollen and allergens are at their peak. Many people who suffer from allergy symptoms try to gain relief in the springtime by staying indoors more. While this can provide relief, studies have shown that indoor air quality is five times more polluted than the outdoors. Indoor air quality has been linked to health issues related to respiratory and heart conditions. Poor indoor air quality or IAQ can also produce short-term side effects. It’s essential to be aware of IAQ, its effects, and how to improve it as needed. For this reason, your Milford Heating & Cooling family has compiled the following information for you.
What is Considered a Pollutant Source?
It is important to know what counts as a pollutant source so you can identify it and remove it from your home. These are the most common pollutant sources, but the following is not limited to what is listed here:
- Mold & mildew
- Second-hand smoke
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Radon
- Building materials (i.e., asbestos)
- Lead particles
Remember that age and preexisting medical conditions are factors in what pollutants cause negative reactions for an individual. That pollutant source may only irritate one individual and not the rest of the household.
What Methods Can You Apply to Raise Indoor Air Quality?
Whether you are experiencing dry air, overly moisturized air, or irritation caused by an allergen or contaminant, there are several ways you can raise the IAQ levels in your home based on your need:
- How Do HVAC Air Filters Help to Raise Indoor Air Quality?
HVAC systems come with air filters that are meant to trap and hold airborne particles, dust, pet fur, and other allergens. This process prevents the trapped contaminants from being circulated throughout your home. HVAC industry standards state that air filters should be changed every 30-60 days. If an air filter is not changed as recommended, it will become overloaded and bogged down, making it unable to do its job efficiently. Choosing not to change out air filters will not save you money in the long run, as dirty filters will strain your HVAC system, ultimately decreasing its lifespan. Simply changing your air filters regularly is such an easy way to keep those IAQ levels raised and maintained.
- How Does a Smart Thermostat Assist with Indoor Air Quality?
In 2022, smart thermostats are a prominent technological upgrade that many homeowners have embraced. Due to their affordability and energy efficiency features, smart thermostats have continued to make their rise in popularity. But the advantages don’t stop there. In addition, most smart thermostats, such as The Nest Learning Thermostat, have an IAQ feature where the thermostat frequently measures the indoor air quality within the home. When a poor reading is received, the smart thermostat will communicate with the HVAC system accordingly. This signal leads to the fan automatically getting turned on and fresh air circulated throughout the home while redirecting the negative air back to the return ducts.
- How Will a Humidifier Raise Indoor Air Quality?
Suppose you are encountering issues with the humidity levels in your home. If so, this is where a humidifier will come into play. During the wintertime, moisture is naturally sucked out of the air due to freezing temperatures. This weather change creates short-term side effects such as nose bleeds, sleeping or breathing issues, and dry or cracked skin. To counteract the uncomfortable symptoms, you will need to raise humidity by using a humidifier. There are various models available on the market that can fit any budget or need.
- How Will a Dehumidifier Raise Indoor Air Quality?
Professionals say that a healthy level of humidity in your home is right around 30%-50%.
Perhaps dry air is not an issue for you, but excessive moisture is. High humidity levels
are also considered a pollutant source because when moisture is present within a home, it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. These pollutants are
linked to heart and respiratory conditions. Therefore, if this is an issue you encounter,
it must be resolved right away. A dehumidifier will help reduce the moisture in your home and bring the IAQ back to a balanced state.
- How Does the iWave-R Improve Indoor Air Quality?
If you are looking for a whole home system that can purify the air in your home, then the iWave-R is an excellent option! It is a whole-home air purification system that replicates nature and the use of positive and negative ions. This is an optimal solution for individuals or families that deal with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory-related conditions. If this intrigues you and you would like more information, please feel free to contact us!
Raising the IAQ in your home does not have to be complicated. Milford Heating & Cooling is here to serve as your trusted HVAC professional. We would love to team up with you to get your home’s IAQ to a more balanced and healthy level. If you have any other concerns with your HVAC system, call us, and we will get you booked for our soonest available appointment! Call (513) 655-5112, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
