Improve Your Indoor Air Quality With These Simple Steps
Most homeowners understand how important their HVAC ductwork is to the function of their heating and cooling systems. What many don’t understand, however, is the effect that dirty HVAC ductwork has on the indoor air quality of their home.
Dust, dander, pollen, mold, dust mites, and many other unwanted particles accumulate in HVAC ductwork, but since the debris isn’t visible, it isn’t taken as seriously as it should be by homeowners.
Meyer Heating & Air is here to help St. Louis homeowners understand the importance of maintaining clean HVAC ductwork and methods to follow to keep their ducts clean in between professional ductwork cleanings.
Dirty HVAC Ductwork is Detrimental to Indoor Air Quality
All of the air that enters your home passes through air ducts, so debris and contaminants directly taint the air your family breathes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollutants spread up to 100 times more than outdoor pollutants, and exposure to these pollutants has a more negative effect on your health.
The specific health impacts of air pollution will depend on the type of pollution that enters your home. It may include any of the following:
- Cancer
- Pneumonia
- Asthma
- Allergic reactions (skin rashes, itching)
- Heart disease
- Low birth weight
- Respiratory illnesses (runny nose, watery eyes, sore throat, sneezing, etc.)
If you have family members with respiratory or heart conditions, dirty HVAC ductwork places them at a greater risk of complications.
Follow These Tips to Keep Your HVAC Ductwork Clean
Homeowners have several options to slow the accumulation of dust and other particles in their ductwork and protect their indoor air quality.
1. Change Air Filter Regularly – Regularly changing your air filter is the easiest and most effective way to minimize allergens, dust, and other debris in your house. Though often overlooked, the air filter is a vital component of your HVAC system. Air filters are the first line of defense against any particles that will negatively affect the air supply in your home. All of the air that enters your home passes through the air filter. The more unwanted particles that the filter catches, the more clogged it becomes, blocking clean air from passing through freely. Neglecting to change your air filter can also have costly consequences as the top cause of HVAC failure is a clogged or dirty air filter.
2. Keep Dust Low – Most of your home’s air is recycled through the HVAC system. Managing dust levels in your living space helps keep dust from entering the HVAC ductwork. Regularly vacuum, sweep, and dust your home, especially the areas around the air vents.
3. Keep Vents Open – Don’t fall victim to the myth that closed air vents reduce your HVAC bills. In fact, closed air vents increase the pressure on your HVAC system and negatively affect its performance. Additionally, closed air vents slow the airflow through your system. The longer air is caught in your HVAC ductwork, the more susceptible it is to accumulating dust and other particles. Keeping air vents open and clear of blockages promotes the best indoor air quality and performance of your HVAC system.
4. Purify Your Air – Installing air purification systems is a great way to improve indoor air quality. Good air purification systems keep dust and debris out of your home’s air as well as providing other indoor air quality benefits. Meyer installs Sanuvox systems that kill over 99 percent of harmful germs and particles in your air. Contact Meyer for indoor air quality services from the experts!
5. Control Humidity – Humidity has a large effect on indoor air quality. Dust sticks to water vapor in the air, so take measures to manage the humidity levels in your home. Minor tasks like using your bathroom vent fan or kitchen exhaust go a long way to maintaining your humidity levels. Additionally, our indoor air quality services include humidifier and dehumidifier options that can be installed to complement your HVAC system. Reach out to Meyer for more info.
6. Regular Maintenance – Have an HVAC professional perform an inspection and maintenance on your HVAC system every year. Your Meyer technician will alert you to maintenance concerns, component problems, and any other indoor air quality concerns.
Let Meyer Help You Breathe Easier With Improved Indoor Air Quality
Meyer Heating & Air takes pride in being the St. Louis HVAC company you can rely on for all of your HVAC and indoor air quality needs. We are authorized to install any product we carry and will provide the best service you’ve had in St. Louis.
reach out online today and we will be happy to connect you with a technician that will come to your home and inspect your HVAC equipment. Meyer technicians will help you select the best equipment that works for your budget and the air quality needs of your home.
We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us anytime at (314) 845-1929 for assistance.
