While it is important to keep up with AC maintenance to preserve your HVAC system, improve performance, and reduce energy costs, it is also important for improving indoor air quality. When you consider that indoor air can be more contaminated than outdoor air, it is critical to take steps that will have your family breathing the best air possible. Here are a few tips, some related to AC maintenance and some not, that can improve the indoor air quality in your home.
- Houseplants- Just as our planet’s trees and plant life work at cleaning, the same is true for houseplants in your home. When your home is closed up, the people and pets in it take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, without a way for more oxygen to be present. Houseplants reverse the process, taking in the carbon dioxide and creating fresh oxygen.
- Let in Fresh Air- It isn’t a good idea to leave a window open all the time, as that can result in more AC maintenance issues, but there is nothing wrong with letting a bit of fresh air in every once in a while, so your system isn’t recirculating the same stale air over and over again.
- Keep the Filters Changed– Part of AC maintenance is regularly changing the filters. This isn’t just good for protecting the AC system, but also to get more contamination out of the air.
- Clean the Ductwork– Ductwork can get filled with contaminants despite the use and regular changing of filters, so have your ductwork inspected and cleaned regularly.
- Control Humidity and Mold– The ideal humidity level in a home is 45 to 55 percent. Consider installing a thermostat that monitors the humidity level, as well as the temperature, to control the AC system. If necessary, install a dehumidifier and exhaust fans.
- Beware of Carbon Monoxide– Install a carbon monoxide alarm to monitor this colorless and odorless gas.
- Keep Floors Clean– Vacuum, sweep, and mop regularly to control dust, dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens. A good practice is to have rugs at the access points to grab dirt off feet.
- Perform AC Maintenance– Your HVAC system should be inspected and have maintenance performed no less than twice a year – once for the AC maintenance and once for the heat maintenance.
- Consider an Air Purification System– There are several types of air purification systems on the market that can trap pollen, mold spores, and other threats to indoor air quality.
Here at Custom Air and Heat Inc., we want to assist you with improving indoor air quality by providing quality AC maintenance and any additional tips that may apply to your situation. Let our more than 30 years of experience provide you with solutions that make a difference in the comfort level of your home or business.
