We tend to spend more time indoors as temperatures continue to drop during this time of year. However, this exposes us to several contaminants that linger in the indoor air for long periods. If not dealt with accordingly, you put yourself and your family at risk of respiratory problems, as well as other comfort problems.
Air Products & Services, a professional heater, and AC troubleshooting system expert discuss the indoor air quality issues you might face in the fall and how to deal with them.
What Issues May Affect Your Indoor Air Quality in the Fall?
Your indoor air is constantly exposed to plenty of contaminants, from the harsh chemicals you use in your cleaning products to the dander from your pets. In the fall, it can be difficult to remove contaminated indoor air. While air filters can remove some of the airborne pollutants in your home, they need to be changed regularly according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Furthermore, the dead leaves that trees shed during autumn bring more mold spores and other bacteria into the air. These contaminants can enter your home through open windows and doors or hidden gaps. Once they’re in, they can recirculate the air through your heating and cooling system. In the worst-case scenario, mold and bacteria can thrive inside your ductwork and cause a moldy odor. This can pose a risk to you and your family, especially those with allergies or respiratory issues.
What Can You Do to Improve Indoor Air Quality in the Fall?
In the fall, you need to take additional steps to ensure your indoor air quality is within acceptable levels. Here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Schedule HVAC inspection. Your HVAC system plays an important role in your home’s indoor air quality, so it is a must that you keep it in good condition. During the inspection, a professional technician can change your filters and perform heating and AC repairs as necessary. Before the temperatures drop significantly in the coming months, it’s also a good idea to have your heating system tuned up this fall. Apart from making sure that it runs properly, scheduling a maintenance check helps extend its life span.
- Use a humidifier. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the home’s humidity levels should be between 30 to 50 percent. Remember, the comfort inside your home is not only determined by the inside temperature. Dry air can cause a plethora of issues, including respiratory problems like cough, colds, asthma, and sore throat. Thus, it’s recommended to use a humidifier to make breathing easier for you and your family in the fall and winter.
- Open your windows. Fall temperatures in this part of the U.S. aren’t as harsh as in the north, so it’s a good idea to open your windows in every room even for at least a few minutes. This way, you let fresh air in and stale air out, keeping your home free from any toxic contaminants.
Turn to Air Products & Services for your home comfort needs! We provide heating repair, air conditioning replacement, and indoor air quality improvement services to homeowners in Tarzana, CA. Count on our team of technicians to ensure safe and healthy indoor air no matter the season. Give us a call at (818) 989-2030, or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment.
