Providing your family with the best indoor air quality may not seem like a priority to most people, but when you consider the potential health risks involved with airborne contaminants, it is one of the most important home maintenance tasks to take seriously. Here are some tips for preserving and improving indoor air quality that can make a world of difference:
- Keep up with HVAC maintenance – Your home’s HVAC system should be serviced twice a year: a heating inspection on gas and oil furnaces before the temperature turns colder, heat pumps or package units when the outside temperature is below 65, and a cooling inspection on straight air conditioners, heat pumps, or package units when the outside temperature is above 50. This will ensure that it is running properly before you turn on the cooling or heating function. It is also an important time to replace the filters and then continue to do so throughout the season. A clogged filter cannot remove the contaminants that a new one can, so you’ll enjoy improved indoor air quality if you keep up with this important task.
- Keep AC running in the summer – One of the contributors to poor indoor air quality is humidity and the potential growth of mold that can occur in a high-humidity situation. Be sure your AC system is in top condition to run efficiently and keep it on during those months when humidity is at its highest. Ideally, you want to be sure your home never has more than 50% humidity and lower is even better. In addition, always use vent fans in the bathroom when showering and in the kitchen to remove vapors from cooking.
- Use natural cleaners – It might surprise you that harsh chemicals can adversely affect indoor air quality. Even air fresheners that use artificial ingredients can be problematic. They may make your home smell like it is clean, but the reality is that you are breathing things you might not want to. The more natural products you use, the better your home’s indoor air quality will be.
Here at Piedmont Sheet Metal, we have been protecting our customers since 1928. We do quality work and employ a staff that has over 600 years of combined service experience. If you want to be sure your HVAC system is not contributing to an indoor air quality issue, give us a call, and we’ll check it out and handle any maintenance or repairs it needs to give you the best performance possible.