HVAC Expert Shares Top Indoor Air Quality Mistakes Homeowners Make

HVAC Pro Reveals Top Indoor Air Quality Mistakes Homeowners Commit

Expert Shares Indoor Air Quality Do’s and Don’ts

No matter the season, homeowners need to regularly tinker with their thermostat settings for year-round comfort. Because the weather is mild during spring or fall, people can open their windows and rely on their HVAC system less. At the same time, summer and winter can often cause issues for indoor air quality (IAQ) because the more extreme temperatures require keeping the home sealed up—to retain the air conditioning during summer and the heat in winter.

It's easier to achieve good indoor air quality if you don't make common mistakes homeowners can make. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Chief Operating Officer Cary Reed points out these missteps and how you can avoid them.

Not Changing Air Filters Consistently Enough

It’s crucial to use the best air filter for your specific air quality needs.

Replacing your air filters minimizes the most common airborne contaminants hiding in your home. For anyone with allergies, failure to change air filters Consistently could exacerbate sneezing, watery eyes or even require trips to the doctor. To make sure you are employing the most suitable filter for your specific system and air quality needs, familiarize yourself with the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value ratings system, commonly shortened to MERV, Reed recommended.

“It’s based on a 1 to 20 scale, so ratings in the center of that range are usually the higher quality home filters,” Reed said. “And, if you struggle to stay on top of filter replacement, I’d consider scheduling duct cleaning service too. Afterward, set up a system that reminds you when it’s time to swap out your air filter”

Neglecting HVAC Maintenance

Neglecting routine HVAC maintenance is often the first step toward compromising your indoor air quality, Reed added. ensures it continues to deliver comfort effectively and helps to avoid major repairs at some point. Along with checking drain lines and the refrigerant supply, tune-ups also consist of cleaning coils and heating elements that air passes through before circulating throughout your home. When systems aren't running correctly, dust or moisture continues to build up and eventually will become the starting point for contaminants making it indoors.

Continuing to Use Products that Pollute the Air Unknowingly

To avoid VOCs and chemical pollutants, try and stick to green cleaners at home. Getty Images. Posed by Models.

Many people are surprised to find out that some everyday products could be harming their health and air quality. There are three ways homeowners might be worsening their indoor air quality without realizing. The first is by always using aggressive cleaners that release fumes and what are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If you can, choose an environmentally friendly cleaner instead, Reed suggested.

“Scented candles are also a common air pollutant,” Reed said. “Even if you want a fresh smell in the home, this is not the best option. I even advise against many air fresheners.”

Another way people pollute their home’s air quality inadvertently is with indoor plants that may trigger allergy symptoms. The Ogren Plant Allergy Scale (OPALS) is a straightforward 1 to 10 scale that is commonly employed to determine a plant’s potential for creating problems for allergy sufferers.

“There are some varieties that are considered great indoor plants such as ferns, ivy, fig and yuccas, but these plants can also cause more allergy symptoms. It’s a good idea to do your research before adding a bunch of indoor plants,” Reed said.

Neglecting Mold and Humidity Problems

Many homes see improvements from a humidifier or dehumidifier. Getty Images. Posed by Model.