Table of Contents
- Is Your Indoor Air Quality Hurting You?
- Signs Your Home Needs An Air Quality Upgrade
- Indoor Air Pollutants
- How Poor Air Quality Affects Your Health
- Air Purification and Covid-19
- Ways to Test Your Indoor Air Quality
- Ways to Improve Your Home’s Air Quality
- Preventive Maintenance Tips
- How to Clean Your AC Unit
- Finding the Right Air Purifier
- How Does Air Filtration Work?
- The Merv Scale
- What is a Whole Home Air Purifier
- Installing a Whole Home Air Purifier
- IQ Air PerfectPro
- Benefits of a Whole Home Air Purifier
- Request Indoor Air Quality Test
Is Your Indoor Air Quality Hurting You?
Indoor air quality impacts the health of everyone inside. Whether you’re at home or in the office, the air you breathe affects how you feel every day. It’s common to believe your HVAC system keeps the indoor air clean, but many factors might stop it from doing so, leaving your air contaminated and unhealthy.
Understanding how to support your HVAC system, maintain the cleanliness of your space, and spot signs of poor air quality goes a long way in making cleaner air possible.
Signs Your Home Air Quality Needs an Upgrade
1. Lingering Odors
Does the smell of dinner stick around long after the dirty dishes are clean? Or are there unexplained odors that you can’t seem to find? Unwanted smells can mean that your space is poorly ventilated, leading to subpar filtration. This lets dust, dirt, and other particles, like food and mold, remain in the air.
2. Frequent Sickness and Worsening Allergies
Poor indoor air quality may be to blame for severe allergies or near-constant illness. Are you sneezing and coughing more? Do you catch every cold you come across? Keep an eye on your symptoms. Notice if they get worse in specific areas. This can help you understand what might be causing them.
Read further down to learn How Poor Air Quality Can Affect Your Health.
3. Recent Construction and Renovation
During a renovation, it’s normal to have construction debris and industrial chemicals build up. Demolition, cutting, and sealing can release tiny particles into the air you breathe. It’s always important to deep clean after a renovation and replace your HVAC filters. Hiring a professional to test the air for contaminants is the best way to gain peace of mind. Since most pollutants are invisible, testing is often the only way to be sure.
4. Finding Abnormal Amounts of Dust
Every home contains dust; it’s inevitable. But be aware if you find yourself dusting more often than usual. Discovering dust in areas that are usually cleaner is a good indicator that there is an air quality issue. Dust is the perfect breeding ground for tiny biting bugs called dust mites, and living with excessive dust can be particularly harmful to those with allergies and asthma.
Struggling with allergies or asthma? The Perfect 16 IQ AirPro System can eliminate allergens and may decrease the number of episodes per year. RSC Heating and Air Conditioning is the only HVAC company in the Susquehannah Valley currently installing these low-maintenance, no-noise state-of-the-art units.
5. Uneven Heating in the House
Do some rooms in your house stay uncomfortably warm, while others remain chilly? Uneven heating suggests that your air may be dirty, as it is common when an HVAC system is operating inefficiently.
6. High or Low Humidity
Very high or low humidity inside your home is another hint of bad air quality. Each presents unique problems and health risks, and makes the air more vulnerable to holding on to impurities.
- High humidity allows mold, mildew, and other allergens to thrive. These mostly imperceptible particles cause health complications that range from subtle to extreme. Read more about that later in this article.
- Low humidity can also be problematic. Leading to issues such as dry skin and an increased risk of becoming ill.
Track the humidity in your home by using humidity gauges and running a humidifier or dehumidifier for support. Explore available machines here.
7. Unexplained Increase in Energy Costs
Some of the indicators listed above can stress the efficiency of an HVAC system, forcing it to work harder and use more energy. This often brings the cost of your energy bill up. Addressing the root cause of the issue is the best way to save yourself from future strife. Certain situations do require a new HVAC system to prevent future issues.
If you feel that your indoor air quality could be improved, consider the services of RSC Heating & Air. Our team has decades of experience providing HVAC maintenance and repair services. Find out more by calling us at 717-299-3914 or by submitting a contact form below.
Indoor Air Pollutants
It’s difficult to know if your indoor air is clean given that the majority of pollutants are invisible to the naked eye. And when it comes to odors, we often get used to them and no longer notice them, even if we wish we could. Oftentimes, the problem is invisible, but the solution is as easy as routine maintenance.
Here is a list of common airborne contaminants that could be polluting your air:
- pet dander
- pollen
- dust buildup
- dust mites
- mold and mildew
- carbon monoxide gas
- radon gas
- smoke from cooking oil, candles, fireplaces, coal and wood stoves, cigars, and cigarettes
- volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in cleaning products, paints, spray fresheners, pesticides, and other industrial chemicals
- uncleaned or old HVAC ducts
- construction and renovation debris
- some insulation and building materials
- temperature inversion (layers or pockets of warm air or cool air that trap particles and disrupt normal airflow patterns)
How Poor Air Quality Can Affect Your Health
Research shows that indoor air pollution can be several times higher than that outside. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the effects of these pollutants range from mild to severe, and the intensity varies based on the presence of any pre-existing conditions.
Indoor air pollution can cause:
- worsening allergies
- a weakened immune system
- bacterial and viral infections
- worsening asthma
- dry or wet irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat
- sneezing
- rashes
- dry or cracked skin
- headaches
- dizziness
- fatigue
- feeling groggy
- poor or restless sleep
- the development of respiratory disease, heart disease, or cancer
The more severe forms of pollution can cause long-term health effects or fatalities. For example, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and high levels of carbon monoxide in your home can cause death.
Children are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of bad indoor air quality. Their bodies are still developing, so they don’t process toxins as easily as adults. This can be a huge motivator for parents, grandparents, and daycare centers to take their air quality seriously.
Air Purification and Covid-19
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners and businesses are more conscious than ever about what pollutants come in. Poor indoor air quality can expose you to unwanted germs and illnesses that pass from one person to another.
We install air purification systems that limit contact with contaminants and can kill viruses and bacteria before they are sent through your HVAC system and back to your lungs. This kind of protection may reduce the chances of contracting an infection while indoors.
2 Ways to Test Your Indoor Air Quality
- There are indoor air quality monitors that you can buy and install on your own. These types of devices continuously assess your air quality by testing levels of particulate matter, humidity, temperature, harmful gases (like radon and carbon monoxide), and chemical pollutants (including VOCs).
- While self-installed monitors are a great first line of defense, there may be times when the meter reports a problem. Always call a licensed HVAC technician right away to evaluate the severity, risks, and best solutions.
The Benefits of Clean Air
- It saves you money – energy expenses are lower when an HVAC unit is running smoothly.
- You’ll have fewer sick days – people breathing clean air are healthier and less prone to illness.
- It makes you happier and more alert – experience less lethargy and increased productivity by lowering the carbon dioxide levels in your air.
How to Keep Your Air Clean
There are a lot of ways to upgrade your air quality no matter the time or money available to invest. In this next section, we offer tips and preventative measures so that you can get started in whatever way is best for you.
Quick Ways to Improve Your Home’s Air Quality
1. Start by Testing for Serious Gases
Both carbon monoxide and radon are odorless gases that can be dangerous to breathe. These are not uncommon to find and adversely affect your brain and nervous system. Alarm sensors are pretty affordable ($6-$30) and offer a peace of mind that can’t be matched. Take these pollutants seriously and address them at the source if you discover hazardous levels in your space.
2. Open Your Windows
Homes are stuffier when there’s less airflow. While we understand that opening windows for long periods of time can affect your energy bill, we recommend opening windows on opposite sides of the house to create an air channel and allow air to flow through for thirty minutes to an hour. This helps circulate fresh air throughout your home and blows away some of the larger particles that pollute your air.
3. Change Your Air Filter
Changing your HVAC air filter is a seasonal maintenance chore that is generally as easy as sliding your old air filter out and sliding a new air filter in. While this may require a trip to a local hardware store, it is the best place to start tackling your indoor air quality problems.
The simplest way to ensure you buy a correct new air filter is to inspect your current one and look for any identifying brand or label markings. The cardboard frame of your current air filter usually lists the size as well as the longevity of the filter. When you replace the filter, write the date on the new filter frame so that you can easily reference when it was last replaced.
Any routine cleaning you do or changes you make to improve your indoor air quality won’t amount to much if your air filter is already overloaded from a full season of use. Starting with your air filter will increase the efficiency of your other indoor air purification methods.
4. Leverage the Power of Plants for Air Purification
Bringing houseplants indoors can improve your air quality by absorbing harsh chemicals and decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. It is recommended that you place a plant every 50 square feet to make the most of this living air purifier.
Some of the most effective plants for this purpose include:
• Bamboo palm
• Peace lily
• Snake plant
• Philodendron
• Dracaena
5. Groom Your Pets
Pet dander floats around and clogs the filters on your HVAC system if it’s not maintained. Brushing your pets and washing their bedding reduces the need for frequent deep cleans later.
6. Clean Up Dust
Dust builds up every day from dead skin cells, pet dander, and clothing fibers. Creating a system to manage dust decreases the contaminant load on your filters and improves everyone’s health, including children and animals.
7. Seal Up Holes, Cracks, and Crevices
Another way to make your space more energy-efficient and clean is by sealing up any areas that leak air in or out. Completing this task leads to fewer pests, less debris, and less stress on your HVAC system.
8. Go Green When You Clean
Picking cleaners that lack harsh chemicals or strong odors actually improves your air quality and contributes to a better-smelling home. Some of the best options are DIY solutions that rely on salt, lemon juice, baking soda, and more.
9. Upgrade to an Air Purifier
One of the easiest ways to improve indoor air quality is to add an air purifier. These devices remove harmful contaminants that affect humans, including those originating from chemical cleaners and paint. They are the most thorough way to reduce airborne particles in your home.
Preventive Maintenance for Optimal Indoor Air Quality
Putting time aside for intensive spring cleaning is good, but to cut down on indoor allergens and air pollutants, it’s better to clean periodically. Keep in mind that even the cleanest lifestyles accumulate dust and pet dander.
Here are some suggested routines to cut down on pet dander and dust:
- Dust and Vacuum (Weekly)
The simplest way to prevent dust accumulation is to dust and vacuum 1-2 times per week. Synchronize your dusting and vacuuming so that you can dust all the surfaces and furniture of a room, and then vacuum it all off the floor immediately afterward. When starting, this process may be time-consuming, but once you start to practice it on a weekly basis, you should notice a reduction in the number of times you need to empty your vacuum cleaner while cleaning.
- Wash Bedding (Weekly)
If you have pets and they lie on your bed, it’s important to wash your sheets, blankets, and comforters weekly to cut down on pet dander. After all, you spend nearly a third of your day in bed sleeping, so you don’t want to be breathing in all those allergens. The easiest way to maintain this routine is to buy multiple sets of bedding. This way, you can change your sheets and blankets and still have time to wash the used bedding.
- Ceiling Fans and Curtains (Every Other Week)
Dust ceiling fans and curtains biweekly to remove any dust buildup. Both of these items quietly collect dust and are often overlooked during regular cleaning sessions.
- Air Out Your Bathroom (Daily)
It’s essential to sanitize and “air out” your bathroom. Bathrooms tend to experience the most moisture and the least ventilation in a home. This creates an atmosphere for mold to grow. The mold then releases spores that can lead to illness. Being aware of the moisture in your bathroom can go a long way toward improving air quality in your home.
- Groom Pets And Clean Their Bedding (Weekly or More Often for Breeds That Shed a Lot)
Shedding pets leads to hair and fur coating your furniture and floors. Getting your pets groomed regularly, especially when losing their winter coats, can lead to less hair in your air and air filters.
Even if your pets show no sign of shedding, bathing them periodically can decrease the amount of invisible dander in your home. This is especially important if your furry friends spend time outside. This can bring in dirt and allergens, which may affect your home’s air.
- Clean Your AC Unit (Annually)
We added a clear how-to guide below. This way, you can feel sure you’ve cleaned every nook and cranny. Avoid finding an overburdened filter (like the one below) by regularly replacing them. A regular Spring maintenance call will also ensure your air conditioner is in optimal working condition for the Summer.
How to Clean Your AC Unit: A Step-By-Step Guide
- Investigate your AC unit: First, you will need to look at a few features around your unit. Whether your system is located outside of your home or in the attic, you will need to check the unit’s surroundings. Keep an eye out for any overgrown grass or hedges, loose debris, or boxes that may be crowding the space around your unit. Anything within a three-foot radius needs moved away.
- Check the ductwork: The main contributor to poor air quality in a home is dirty and leaking ductwork. Make sure to have your ducts checked for leaks too. If your ductwork is pulling air from or spilling air into an unconditioned space like an attic, your cooling system is working much harder and dust and dirt will be pulled into the system and distributed throughout your home. Did you ever wonder why dust builds up so quickly in your home? Chances are that your ductwork is leaking.
- Replace the air filter: If you suffer from allergies, install high-quality air filters in your home. With a high-quality air filter, the air will be much cleaner. Keep in mind that a main contributor to allergen-filled air inside the home is keeping the windows open. If you keep your windows shut, you will decrease the amount of pollen that creeps inside your home during spring.
- Purge humidifier lines: Lastly, if your unit has a humidifier looped into it, you will need to check those lines and close the bypass damper. The lines are responsible for transporting moisture and adding water vapor into the atmosphere of your home. Just like the ducts, these lines can collect mold and mildew, which are harmful to your health. If you notice anything, have the humidifier lines purged to ensure cleaner air.
RSC is happy to assist you with any preventative maintenance that your unit may need. Contact us with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment.
Hiring a professional HVAC technician to inspect your space and HVAC system is worth it. Whether you want to make things more efficient, quieter, or just want to ensure that it’s all working properly, having a pro survey your air quality can be the difference between clean and dirty air.
Finding the Right Air Purifier for Your Home
There are generally two types of air purifiers:
- Stand-alone units that are placed in a single room.
- Systems that connect to your HVAC system and purify your entire space.
The second type needs to be installed by HVAC professionals.
There are a variety of factors to consider when shopping for an air purifier. You want to make sure you buy a model with reputable certifications such as the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers’ AHAM Verified Seal.
Some other things to consider include:
- Recommended room size (if using a one-room purifier)
- Clean air delivery rate (CADR) – higher CADRs indicate better performance
- Noise
- Energy efficiency
If you want to be confident that you’re breathing in the cleanest air, we recommend investing in a purifier that treats your entire house.
How Does Air Filtration Work?
Air purifiers and air filters are particulate reduction systems that are very effective at reducing airborne pollutants by trapping them. Their effectiveness varies by type and model. The MERV scale scores the level of filtration and helps to determine the rating you need for your space.
What is a MERV Scale?
The MERV scale, or minimum efficiency reporting value scale, is a way to measure how much a filter will take out of the air based on particle size. Depending on where a filter ranks on the MERV scale, it could filter large particles like dust mites all the way to airborne viruses.
In other words, a filter that is a 3 on the MERV scale will take large particles out of the air, like pet hair. A filter that is a 16 will filter out much more, including smaller indoor air pollutants.
For optimal indoor air quality, you’ll need a purification system that can both filter and sanitize the air you breathe.
Installing an air purifier can be particularly beneficial to those with asthma, allergies, pets, kids, or compromised immune systems. Luckily, you don’t need to have any of those things to enjoy the gift of breathing easier.
What is a Whole Home Air Purifier
A whole home air purifier is a device that removes pollutants from the air to improve indoor air quality. They’re capable of sanitizing the air (goodbye bacteria and viruses) and at removing finer particles like tobacco smoke, dander, and unexplained odors.
Why Whole Home Air Purifiers Are Superior
This is not the case for a standard air filter or HVAC system, as filters and purifiers perform differently. While filters are skilled at removing larger particles from the air, they cannot remove finer particles or the airborne pathogens that can make us ill.
Air purifiers with higher MERV ratings are able to remove all sizes of particles and masterfully freshen your space.
How Much of a Hassle Is it to Install a Whole Home Air Purifier?
It’s not a hassle at all. Scheduling an appointment with a licensed professional will take care of this upgrade for you. They’ll arrive on-site to retrofit the unit to your current HVAC system, and there’s no welding or complicated dismantling involved. Because it’s connected to your HVAC system’s return air duct, it purifies the air before heating or cooling. The clean air is then pushed back through the ducts of your house by your HVAC system.
This natural flow-through is the reason why a whole home air purifying system can operate without increasing your electricity bill. There’s no electricity involved in the purification process, no noise produced by the purifier, and it requires minimal maintenance.
How Adding a Whole-Home Air Purifier Can Improve Your Home
Our most recommended air purification system is the perfect example: The IQ Air PerfectPro Filter can stop particles responsible for airborne germs, viruses, and bacteria linked to illness.
IQ Air PerfectPro
The PerfectPro whole home air purifier works better than a HEPA filter and functions without creating any additional noise or needing any additional electricity.
How Whole Home Air Purification Works
A whole home air purifier is retrofitted to your current HVAC system, unlike air purifiers that you place on a room-by-room basis. This is how a whole home air purifying system can operate without increasing your electricity bill.
It is connected to your HVAC system’s return air duct, purifying the air prior to it being either heated or cooled and then pushed through the ducts of your house. This ensures that clean air is circulated through each of the vents inside your home rather than being restricted to a single floor or area.
Better than a HEPA Filter
The difference between the whole home air purifying system and a HEPA filter is that HEPA filter systems typically lower the force of your system’s airflow due to their design.
The PerfectPro patented filter design provides up to fifty times the filtration power thanks to its microfiber filtration technology. Even better, it provides superior filtration without restricting airflow. Your HVAC system won’t have to work any harder to deliver pure, clean air.
This system also requires no moving parts which allows it to function in total silence. It will not add any sound to your current HVAC system, or add more to your monthly energy costs.This is one of the biggest benefits of the PerfectPro system. If you’ve ever had a single-room air purifier unit you know how noisy they can be.
Without any motors or fans, this system provides some of the cleanest air possible while remaining totally silent and energy free.
Schedule a Home Air Purifier Estimate
Benefits of a Whole Home Air Purifier
Installing an air purifier will do more than just benefit your lungs.
Some of the potential additional benefits include
- Better, More Restful Sleep
- Less Irritation During Allergy Season
- Less Dust & Dander Overall
The PerfectPro whole home air filter can stop particles as small as .003 microns. Airborne germs, viruses, and bacteria linked to illness are all caught by this filter.
From Simple to Smart Home Air Purification
The IQAir system is perfect whether you’d like a low-maintenance air filter or a state-of-the-art piece of home comfort technology.
Keep it simple and change the filter according to the regular maintenance schedule. Take comfort in knowing that it’s working every time you turn on your HVAC system. You can also connect the system to a smart thermostat that updates your cell phone with air quality alerts.
Breathe Easy and Healthy
While installing a whole home air purification system will require a professional, it’s a relatively simple process that once installed will require minimal maintenance.
Schedule a demonstration with RSC Heating & Air Conditioning to see how these incredible systems can improve the air quality of your home. We’re the only Lancaster HVAC contractor certified to install these state-of-the-art Swedish systems.
