If you’ve reached out to us for heating and cooling services near Armstrong County before, then you know we’re passionate about keeping your home healthier and as comfortable as possible.
…which leads to an important question: Did you know your vents and air ducts can affect the quality of your indoor air?
Throughout a long, cold winter, many welcome the respite of a not-so-distant spring: warmer temperatures, more sunshine, the opportunity to open up the windows and breathe in the fresh air. But, with the change of seasons also comes a change in air quality – indoor and out. So, while you’re tallying up the list of areas in your home that need purging and things that need a good, deep clean, don’t forget to check on your HVAC system.
That’s right – the cleanliness and condition of your vents actually contribute quite a bit to the quality of air they carry in and out of your home. Read on to learn more about indoor air quality (IAQ) and some tips and good practice for maintaining proper home care so you can enjoy the cleanest air possible.
Looking to have your vents, ducts, and filters included in your pre-spring cleaning routine? Trust the pros here at 1 Stop Heating & Cooling for the best HVAC services near Armstrong County and beyond. Give us a call at 724-664-1976 or reach out online to get started today.
How Can I Check the Air Quality in My Home?
Similar to the way a thermometer measures temperature in degrees by reading a certain environment, air quality is determined by the amount of pollutants or particulate matter found in the air.
This is measured by a device called a pollution monitor, which is created with sensors that detect and audit the overall quality of the air. These meters give us insight into the makeup of different gases, chemicals, and other particles and pollutants commonly found in our homes.
While these handy tools were once only able to detect highly dangerous gases and harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO) and fire smoke, thanks to innovation and technological advancement, air quality sensors are both more affordable and capable of reading more.
Nowadays, you can expect detectors to measure everything from the odorless, colorless CO to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – human-chemicals in solid or liquid form that vaporize at room temperature and are commonly found in many household cleaning products.
What Are the Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality?
In many cases, unless the level of pollution is exceptionally high, it can be a bit tricky to know when your indoor air quality is poor. However, there are some signs that might indicate your current IAQ is substandard:
- Family members experiencing a variety of health conditions/concerns including coughing and sneezing, dizziness, fatigue, and more
- High amounts of dust accumulation, requiring a greater or more frequent need for cleaning
- Unpleasant, strange, or stale odors
- High levels of humidity
- Condensation on glass (such as windows)
- Any vegetative growth, like mold or mildew
Are There Ways I Can Improve My Indoor Air Quality?
Absolutely! Check out this short list of things you can do to keep your air quality in a healthy range:
- Avoid smoking inside
- Allow outside air in (through doors or windows) for at least 10 minutes a day
- Limit the use of cleaners and fresheners that contain chemicals and high levels of VOCs
- Vacuum regularly, with particular attention to high traffic areas and floors with carpet and/or rugs
- Dust your surfaces frequently to remove and eliminate buildup
- Change your air filters on a consistent basis
Though there are a handful of ways you can improve your IAQ by changing up or adding on new home maintenance habits like any of the above, one of the most important factors to keep in mind is – you guessed it – the quality and cleanliness of your vents.
Considering our various venting systems are designed to filter and transfer air from place to place, it makes a lot of sense that keeping them as clean and as debris-free as possible will help you maintain a safe and healthy indoor air quality.
And the only way to ensure your vents are effectively cleaned out and cleared of any buildup is to have all your vents professionally serviced on a regular basis. By trusting HVAC and venting experts like the techs here at 1 Stop, you’re ensuring that, at least in terms of your vents and ducts, your air quality is safe and healthy.
In Need of HVAC Services Near Armstrong County? Call 1 Stop Heating & Cooling
While we still have a few more months of winter to endure, it’s never too early to set yourself – and your home – up for springtime success. So, whether you’re looking to schedule a vent cleaning service or have any other questions or concerns about your HVAC system and how it might be affecting the quality of your air, our team is here to help.
Get in touch through our website, or give us a call at 724-664-1976. We want to help you and your family live your best and healthiest lives, by keeping those vents clean! Let’s prepare for spring and improve your indoor air quality today.
Recent Comments