Do you find yourself often coughing, sneezing or having difficulty breathing when inside your home? These issues are all quite common and can be a direct result of poor indoor air quality. In terms of indoor air quality, your HVAC system can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. Here, we’ll explain why that is and show you the role HVAC systems play in air quality.
Common Contributors to Indoor Air Pollution
When it comes to indoor air quality, the first thing to know is that the air inside most homes and businesses is far more polluted than the air outside. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that indoor air inside the average building is usually around three to five times worse than outdoor air. This is because it contains a high concentration of certain pollutants. Indoor air pollution is especially an issue for many newer buildings due to them having a fairly airtight exterior structure that traps all of the contaminants inside.
One contributor to poor indoor air quality is the presence of various allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, pollen, etc. Nonetheless, the main reason many buildings have such poor indoor air quality is that there are so many things within the building that give off chemical fumes and other contaminants. Building materials and furnishings like flooring, glues, varnishes, carpets and furniture usually contain a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene that continually get released into the air. Most chemical cleaning products also release various VOCs. One of the biggest sources of VOCs in many commercial buildings is office equipment like copiers and printers. In homes, different VOCs and other contaminants often get released when you cook.
Continual exposure to a high concentration of pollutants is a major concern due to the impact it can have on your health. Indoor air pollution leads to some experiencing various symptoms related to what’s commonly known as sick building syndrome. This includes things like severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, memory difficulties, trouble concentrating, etc. An even more serious concern is that some of the most common VOCs are known carcinogens. Long-term exposure to some pollutants can also lead to cardiovascular and respiratory ailments or create an increased risk of children developing asthma.
The Effect an HVAC System Has on Indoor Air Quality
When in good condition and working properly, an HVAC system technically doesn’t create indoor air quality issues on its own as it doesn’t produce any pollutants or contaminants. Nonetheless, an HVAC system does contribute to poor air quality in a way since it continually circulates the air in the building as it runs. That means any contaminants that are present in one area eventually get spread throughout the entire building. For instance, pollutants in your kitchen get produced when you’re cooking. These end up getting drawn into the HVAC system and then blown back out of the vents in the bedrooms, living room, etc.
Another issue is that various allergens tend to collect inside a building’s air ducts. Some of these pollutants then start blowing out the vents when the heating or air conditioning comes on, which often exacerbates issues for people with allergies or asthma. Similarly, an HVAC system also spreads around bacteria, viruses and whatever other germs are present in the building. That’s why, if one person in a household is sick, everyone else will usually get sick as well even if that person stays confined to their bedroom.
One common misconception about HVAC systems is that they fully filter the air they circulate to get rid of all of the allergens and contaminants. This generally isn’t the case as the standard air filter you find in most HVAC systems isn’t very efficient. It mostly only works to keep large particles like dust and hair from getting sucked into the system. That means all of the other allergens and contaminants flow right through the filter and continually spread and circulate. However, there are ways that you can upgrade your HVAC system so that it tackles most air quality issues and contributes to a much healthier indoor environment.
HVAC Upgrades to Improve Indoor Air Quality
A range of equipment is available that’s specifically designed to help overcome various indoor air quality issues. For instance, different types of whole-home filtration systems can eliminate more than 90% of allergens within a building. Some of the best systems, such as a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system, are so effective that they can eliminate more than 99% of allergens and pollutants.
A whole-home filtration system is either mounted directly in the main return air duct or connected to it in a bypass using two pieces of flexible duct. In either case, the system takes the place of the standard air filter. That means it still keeps particles from getting drawn into the air handler and furnace to protect the HVAC system. Also, it provides a much more effective level of air filtration.
You can also find whole-home air purification systems that take things one step further. Many of these systems still contain an extremely efficient filter that eliminates particulate matter, including allergens, smoke particles, and exhaust fumes. They also often have a powerful germicidal UV (UV-C) light that destroys any bacteria, viruses and mold spores in the air. Some also have a carbon filter that’s designed to eliminate odors and keep the home smelling fresher and cleaner. There are even systems that produce oxidizing ions that attract and destroy VOCs and other gaseous chemicals that can’t be eliminated from the air using a physical filter.
In places like Texas where the weather is humid in the summer, installing a whole-home dehumidifier is another great option for improving air quality and indoor comfort. The main issue with high humidity is that it can often lead to hidden mold growth within a building. You also never feel as comfortable when it’s too humid inside as moist air always feels hotter than dry air.
A whole-home dehumidifier is also attached to the ductwork system and continually draws moisture out of the air flowing through the duct when the AC system is running. This allows it to effectively dehumidify the entire building and ensure that the humidity level never gets too high. This type of unit can even improve the energy efficiency of your air conditioning system. This is because air conditioning works more effectively and cools more quickly when the air coming into the system is drier.
Contact Us Today
If you’re looking for exceptional indoor air quality, air conditioning or heating services in Spring, TX, or any of the surrounding areas, turn to the professionals at ASAP HVAC. We offer a range of high-quality indoor air quality equipment, including air purifiers and dehumidifiers. We also specialize in professional indoor air quality testing, which is the first step toward determining what issues the building has. After performing the air quality test, one of our experts will then guide you through all of your options and help ensure that whatever one you choose effectively meets your specific needs. To schedule an air quality test, AC maintenance, or any other residential or commercial HVAC service, call us today.
