Did you know that in some cases the air pollution is worse inside your home than it is outside? When you shut the windows for the winter, your air quality is at risk of diminishing if you don’t take proactive steps with your HVAC system for cleaning and maintenance.
It is especially important if you or your family members suffer from asthma or allergies to incorporate these HVAC tips into your ongoing maintenance.
Unit Cleaning & Mold Inspection
Your HVAC unit is comprised of a number of separate, but very important parts. Over time, residue and grime can build up in these components, meaning that they may not be working as well as they could. Having your system cleaned and inspected means that it will operate as efficiently as possible, which will save you money. This efficiency will assist with superior air quality as well.
Mold growth is one of the greatest threats to your indoor air quality and can pose a serious health threat to you and your family. It is worthwhile to have a throughout mold inspection done of your HVAC unit and of your ductwork to see if any mold growth has started. This is something that you’ll want to identify and remove as soon as possible.
Duct Cleaning
The first item on your to-do list should be to have your ducts cleaned. If you have just moved into your home, or if you’ve just done some renovations, it is even more important to get them cleaned out. There are potentially dangerous levels of dust and debris lingering inside, which isn’t good for your health.
It’s a good idea to have this done regularly (annually at least) because you’d be surprised at what ends up in your ducts; paper, toys even animals.
Hire a professional that you trust to do a comprehensive job, which includes inspecting work when it is done and possibly spraying with an antimicrobial agent for extra protection.
Dehumidifiers and Humidifiers: Benefits of Each
Dehumidifiers can actually help inhibit mold growth, especially if the air in your home is too humid. At the very least, they can be helpful in reducing the musty smell that you often get in a basement. They are unobtrusive, usually pretty quiet, and are inexpensive to run.
A dehumidifier can help your A/C unit run more efficiently, so there is a money-saving opportunity there as well.
There are definite health benefits to owning a humidifier. In the winter, in particular, when the heat is running, overly dry air can cause itchy skin and respiratory irritations. A whole-home humidifier works efficiently right with your HVAC system at the source to re-introduce the appropriate levels of moisture back into the air.
Want to learn more about how you can get your HVAC system to support your family’s health at home? Call First Mate Heating & Cooling today at (816) 601-5621. We’re pleased to offer service to all of the Lees Summit, MO area.