What is Indoor Air Quality, and how does it affect you in your home? Indoor Air Quality, also known as IAQ, refers to the quality of air inside or around a residence. The air quality in a home can affect an individual’s health and cause long-term and short-term side effects. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of potential pollutant sources that may cause irritations or reactions to you or any other individual inside your home. Potential pollutants can include tobacco products, hazardous household cleaners, fuel-burning combustion appliances, harmful building materials (such as asbestos), certain indoor plants, pet fur, and excessive moisture in the air. Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling is here to help you identify these pollutant sources and look for ways to improve the air quality in your home.
How Does Changing Out Air Filters Help IAQ?
The simplest way to improve air quality in your home is by changing out your media and/or air filters every 30 – 60 days. The purpose of an air filter is to trap and hold any loose dust particles, fur, and any allergens floating in the air. However, if the filter is not changed according to the recommended amount of time, the air blown from your HVAC system will pass through the vents as dirty air thus, defeating the filter’s purpose. In addition, a clogged and dirty air filter will place extra strain on your HVAC system resulting in a lower lifespan on your system.
How Do UV Lights Help IAQ?
The function of HVAC UV lights is to attack airborne bacteria at their core. Attacking the DNA of the microbe with UV rays prevents the microbe from being able to rejuvenate and infiltrate the rest of your home. Eliminating the bacteria at its core reduces its risk comprising indoor air quality.
How Does a Humidifier Help IAQ?
Dry air can be an issue in households, especially during the wintertime. Dry air causes uncomfortable side effects like bloody noses, breathing problems, sleeping issues, and dry skin. If you encounter these symptoms, a humidifier is an excellent choice. It is recommended that the level of humidity in a home be kept around 30% – 50%.
How Does a Dehumidifier Help IAQ?
If dry air is not an issue for you, but excessive moisture is a recurring problem, it would be wise to get a dehumidifier in your home. Mold and mildew growth happens when a home is too humid and contains excess moisture in the air. A dehumidifier will also help eradicate stubborn musty odors.
How Does the iWave-R help IAQ?
If you are in the market for a whole home air purifying system, your Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling experts highly recommend the iWave-R. The iWave-R works together with your current HVAC system. It is the optimal choice for your home due to its self-cleaning and low maintenance upkeep.
Keep in mind that everyone reacts differently to different pollutants. So if there is a pollutant causing an adverse reaction for a particular individual in your home, it may not cause a negative response for another. Preexisting medical conditions and age are huge factors as well. If you are looking for ways to improve the air quality in your home, or you have any more questions about the iWave-R, UV lights, or need to schedule an appointment, please, give us a call. Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling is here to assist you as you start your journey to improve the air quality in your home. You can reach us at (513) 540-1716 or schedule an appointment online by clicking here!
