As we round the corner into the month of June, we can say with confidence that summertime is here. With it comes changes in temperature, and naturally, changes in how we use our HVAC systems. It also means that there will be changes to the quality of air in your home.
Indoor air quality can have an enormous impact on your overall quality of life, so making sure that your indoor air quality is good should be a priority for your home this summer. Here are three things you should keep in mind that could impact your indoor air quality.
#1: HUMIDITY
As the temperatures outside begin to rise, so to do humidity levels. While you might have developed ways to deal with the humidity, your home can’t escape it the same way you can. As the humidity in your home begins to rise, it creates more opportunities for the growth of mold and mildew in your home. Molds can lead to a variety of respiratory health concerns like asthma, sinus infections, and congestion.
Beyond just mold and mildew, dust mites also flourish in a humid environment, especially in places like your kitchen, basement, or bathroom. A more humid home can also lead to sleepless nights. To combat this, consider installing a dehumidifier and placing it in the rooms where you sleep.
#2: Allergens
In summer, plants and vegetation blossom and bloom, creating a dazzlingly verdant landscape for us to enjoy. What we don’t enjoy, however, are all of the allergens they release. We carry things like pollen, dirt, and debris into our homes on our shoes and clothes. These can eventually build up and cause a host of health issues.
But the source of allergens in your home this summer isn’t limited to just things outside. Your pets will begin to shed more in response to the warmer weather. That means more pet dander will be released into the air, which can irritate some people’s allergies.
#3: Increased AC Usage
This might sound backward, but your AC can actually diminish the quality of air in your home. That’s because your AC works by recirculating air throughout your home to keep it cool. However, that also means it’s moving the same contaminants in and out of your home each time the AC cycles.
Left unchecked, this can eventually create clogged filters in your AC unit. This means that the unit will catch fewer pollutants and allow more of them to enter the home. Once the filters are clogged, your AC will have to work harder to cool the air in your home, which can cause the unit to fail or break.
QUICK WAYS TO IMPROVE THE AIR QUALITY THIS SUMMER
Fortunately, addressing these issues is fairly straightforward. You can start by opening your windows. That might sound counterintuitive to some, after all, opening the windows leaves your house vulnerable to bugs, dirt, and more. But if you want to keep your home feeling and smelling fresh this summer, a little fresh air every now and then is good for you and your HVAC system. You’ll circulate the old air your AC was recycling out of the home, letting new air in. Do this in the evenings or early mornings when it’s coolest so you don’t let in warm air.
Another way to maintain the quality of air in your home is to have an indoor air quality test conducted. We use EPA approved ultraviolet lights, Medical Grade air purifiers, HEPA media filters, and ERV fresh air systems to address any indoor air quality issues you might have in your home. We can also replace and repair your air ducts materials to ensure they aren’t the source of your air quality concerns.
In addition to getting an indoor air quality test, it’s a great idea to have your AC maintained. Regular air conditioning repairs can keep your unit running at peak efficiency, limiting the amount of dirt and debris that is allowed into your home.
Looking to breathe easy this summer? Then connect with the HVAC specialists at Legacy Services. We offer routine maintenance and we can even install a brand new AC unit should you need one. Contact us today to schedule your air conditioning repair in New Braunfels.
