Maintaining Your Air Filters
An average HVAC system air filter needs to be removed and replaced every thirty to ninety days. The difference relies completely on the type of filter that is being used. All filters will tell you how often you need to replace them. If you leave the filter in too long, a dirty filter can lead to poor indoor air quality. A clogged air filter can also damage your unit if you leave it in for too long. Opt for a quality filter that will remove the most particles from the air in your home so you can maintain a healthier indoor air quality.
Replacing Old Air with New Air
Each day, open up your windows and let some fresh air inside. It is recommended to do this for at least thirty minutes each day. In the cold winter and hot summer months, you might end up leaving them open a little less. Pay attention to when you open up, though. Don’t air out your home during the middle of a hot afternoon when outside air quality is likely worse than what is inside of your home. Open up in the late evening or very early morning hours when the temperature is still cool and humidity is at a minimal level.
Extra Equipment for Healthier Indoor Air Quality
There are a number of different air purification units that you can have permanently installed onto your HVAC system. These filtration systems will remove additional particulates like dust, dust mites, pollen, and mold spores from your indoor air that your stand-alone filter can’t effectively remove on its own. Air purification units with antimicrobial HEPA filters also help control the spread of bacteria and germs indoors.
Moisture Levels
Pay attention to humidity levels inside of your home and manage the property to maintain healthier indoor air quality. It is ideal for the humidity inside of your home to remain below sixty percent. If you allow moisture levels to go above that, you may soon be dealing with mold growth. Bacteria can also multiply much easier at these levels.
If you live in a home that frequently has high humidity, you may want to consider having a dehumidifier installed onto your HVAC system. You can turn this unit off in colder weather months when the humidity levels are lower, just be sure not to let the air get too dry. This isn’t good for your home or your health either.
Use the services of an indoor air quality professional or a home inspector to assess the current status of your indoor air quality. This can help you determine the best plan of action moving forward so you can maintain healthier indoor air quality. You might not think that making a few changes will affect how you feel each day, but indoor air quality has a significant impact on our health and wellness.
Aztec Home Inspections serves Harrisonburg, VA and the surrounding area with home inspection services, including mold testing and radon testing. Contact us to schedule your appointment.