Seasonal changes can affect not only indoor comfort, but also the air you breathe at home. In today’s blog post, trusted HVAC contractor McMaster Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. explains the impact of fall weather on indoor air quality, as well as how to deal with the problems associated with poor indoor air quality.
The Threat of Indoor Pollution
Even under normal circumstances, the air inside our homes tends to be more contaminated than the air outside. This is because it’s a composite of many sources, including the outdoor air that comes through the open windows, dander from your pets, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household items and mold spores from damp areas of your home.
We tend to spend more time indoors as temperatures continue to drop at this time of year. This exposes us to the aforementioned contaminants in indoor air for longer periods of time, increasing the likelihood of aggravating respiratory issues like allergies and asthma.
Improving Indoor Air Quality This Fall
Since your air conditioning unit won’t be used again until next year, you need to take additional precautions to protect the air you breathe in your home. You can prevent or minimize the potential for health-related issues due to poor indoor air quality by following these tips:
- Invest in a humidifier. Air in the cooler months tends to be dry, which is why you need a humidifier to keep your home’s humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent.
- Clean or replace your HVAC filters. Changing your filters regularly will help increase your HVAC system’s lifespan by preventing contaminants from running through the unit and negatively affecting indoor air quality. Do so at least every three months, or as frequently as possible.
- Open your windows. It pays to air out your house to get rid of stale indoor air. Open your windows for at least a few minutes every day to invite some fresh air into your living spaces.
- Keep your house clean. Regular house cleaning, especially vacuuming and dusting, will prevent dust from building up indoors.
For your heating and air conditioning needs, turn to the expert HVAC technicians at McMaster. We can properly evaluate your home and implement steps to improve its overall indoor air quality and comfort levels all-year-round. Call (949) 481-7995 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve Orange County homeowners.
