How to Improve Indoor Air Quality With Your HVAC System
The air we breathe is one of the biggest concerns in our lives. Poor air quality has been linked to more than 5 million premature deaths annually worldwide. Indoor pollutants like cigarette smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold, and viruses linger in a building’s ventilation system and are recirculated throughout ductwork. HVAC upgrades and other simple habits can help improve indoor air quality.
Install an Air Purifier
Air contaminants such as skin flakes, chemicals, mold, pet dander, and cigarette smoke can cause or make existing respiratory conditions like asthma worse. An air filtration system works to remove these contaminants from the home as they circulate, keeping the lungs healthy. You can find the most alarming pollutants and the ideal filtration and air purification technology for your system with the assistance of a Denver HVAC Company. They will also check your system for compatibility with the device and assess any electrical connections that need to be made. Once installed, your new air purifier should work alongside your existing filter to keep your ductwork clean and your lungs healthy. Be sure to check your filters regularly for clogs and consider upgrading to HEPA or MERV 13 filters for additional filtration with less airflow restriction and strain on your system.
Replace Your Filters
Getting fresh air into your home is the best way to combat indoor pollutants. Simple fixes like opening windows and doors and turning on the attic or window fans work well. However, this is only sometimes possible in humid or hot climates. Clogged or dirty filters can harm your system by limiting filtered air flow. To prevent this, change your filter every 1-3 months. Locate the area that houses your filter in your HVAC unit and open the vent cover. Remove the old filter and discard it carefully. Place it into a garbage bag to prevent dust and debris from spreading around your space. Before inserting the new filter, check that the airflow arrows on the frame are pointing toward your fan. After you install the new filter, shut the vent cover and turn the unit back on. Changing your filter is an easy and efficient way to raise indoor air quality.
Install Humidifiers
Humidity is often overlooked when it comes to improving indoor air quality. While many indoor air quality guides focus on opening windows and using houseplants to clean air, humidifiers are a great way to maintain optimum indoor humidity levels. High humidity levels prevent symptoms like dry skin, irritated nose and throat, chapped lips, frequent nose bleeds, and aggravated asthma and allergy symptoms. A whole-home humidifier mounts to your furnace and adds water vapor to the air as it circulates through your ductwork. Installation is easy if your HVAC system is equipped with a ductless system. Install a saddle valve on the water line and connect the humidifier. Make sure to shut off your HVAC system before you begin, and use a template to mark where the holes should be cut in your ductwork. After installing the humidifier, use the correct-size wire nuts to attach it to the solenoid valve and turn them until they’re tight.
Install a UV Light
Mold and mildew are examples of microorganisms that UV rays can penetrate and kill, preventing them from spreading throughout your house. They can also kill bacteria and viruses that can cause illness or allergies. The UV light should be located downstream from the air handler and coils. It helps kill bacteria and other contaminants growing on the evaporator coil. It’s easy to install a UV light in your HVAC system. It usually involves cutting a hole in the metal cover where you plan to place the light, then using screws to attach the light housing to the air conditioner. You can then plug the light into a regular outlet. If you’re handy with tools, you can even hardwire the light so it only turns on when the AC unit starts running. It will save you energy costs and make the light more effective. Just remember to clean the bulb and replace it when needed regularly.
