The quality of your indoor air can affect your home in many ways. For example, a high presence of particulate matter can increase allergies and asthma. Also, poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can raise your HVAC expenses, including increasing the need for repairs. There are ways you can achieve cleaner air to keep these costs at a minimum.
Change Your Filter Regularly
The filter inside your HVAC system needs to be replaced every 30 to 90 days. If you’re using your heating or cooling equipment frequently, you may need to change it more often. Also, allergy sufferers benefit from changing their filters every 30 days or so.
In between filter changes, inspect its surface. Look for visible clumps of debris or physical damage to the filter. If you have a washable filter, make sure you wash it thoroughly. Allow it to completely dry before you put it back into its housing.
If you keep a dirty filter in your HVAC system, airflow may not be sufficient through it. This leads to equipment strain and potential repairs. Consider upgrading your filter to help trap more particulate matter when your heating and cooling equipment is running.
Consider Relative Humidity
Your home’s relative humidity should be between 30% and 50% to achieve ideal IAQ. High levels of moisture cause more particulate matter to be in the air. Humid air can also make your home feel warm and uncomfortable. Too much moisture in the air can increase the number of particles in your HVAC system. These particulates can accumulate on interior components and cause strain and damage.
Monitor your relative humidity by using a standalone hygrometer or a smart thermostat, which calculates this information. You can use a whole-home dehumidifier to eliminate excess moisture. A whole-home dehumidifier adds moisture back into the air. You will probably notice that your home feels more comfortable when the relative humidity is balanced. You’ll run your HVAC system less to compensate for poor IAQ.
Thermostat Malfunctions and Issues
Volatile organic compounds can negatively affect the sensitive components in your thermostat. If your thermostat isn’t working properly, this can lead to overuse of your HVAC system. Frequent repairs may be necessary, or you may experience a shorter system life span. Erratic thermostat behavior and incorrect temperature readings may result in you frequently calling a professional for assistance.
Maintain a healthy and safe IAQ to lower your HVAC repair bills. Contact us at Marshall Services in Skippack, PA for more information on how important it is to have good IAQ in your home.