How to Control Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is an important issue for many home owners. If you are concerned about your home's air quality, it is a good idea to consult a qualified HVAC contractor.
Controlling the amount of pollution from sources in your home is the most effective way to improve indoor air quality. This can be done by minimizing the emissions from specific sources or by increasing ventilation.
1. Ventilation
Ventilation is a key component to controlling your home's indoor air quality. Without proper ventilation, pollutants can build up throughout your house and a number of health problems can result.
It also plays a significant role in regulating temperature and controlling moisture levels. Too much moisture can cause mould and mildew to grow, which can damage drywall, wood supports, and other surfaces.
If you're looking to control your home's indoor air quality, a qualified hvac contractor can install a system that will do the job. It will take care of excess humidity and condensation, which can be major triggers for a number of health problems like allergies and asthma.
Depending on the climate of your home, you can choose from either natural ventilation or mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). These systems bring fresh air in and cycle out stale air without losing heat or cooling, saving energy and reducing costs.
2. Air Filters
Choosing the right air filter for your home can have a significant impact on your health. Many air pollutants, such as pollen, dust, pet dander, mold spores and gases like carbon monoxide, smoke and cooking fumes can contribute to respiratory ailments such as allergies and asthma.
Having your HVAC system professionally cleaned can also help improve your indoor air quality. It removes irritants and debris that are trapped in your ductwork and allows them to be eliminated from the air in your home.
Filters are rated using the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), which was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The ratings range from 1 to 16, with 16 being the most effective.
The MERV rating is important for determining which type of air filter is best suited for your needs. The MERV rating is based on the strength of the filter's ability to capture particles between 0.3 and 10 microns in size.
3. Furnace
A furnace is a heating system that circulates warm air throughout your home. Its main parts include a thermostat and electrical controls, gas valve, burners, heat exchanger, blower and duct and ventilation system.
Furnaces run on natural gas, propane or oil to create heat. A furnace's fuel source determines the type of combustion and the efficiency of its operation.
Choosing the right furnace for your home is critical to energy efficiency and comfort. It should also meet local building codes and comply with state regulations.
Installing a new furnace is a complex process and requires the expertise of a qualified hvac contractor. It's not recommended that home owners attempt it themselves because of flammable materials and toxic exhaust, as well as the risks associated with improper installation.
Many problems that homeowners experience with their furnaces aren't the result of inevitable wear & tear but from poor installation practices. This is why it's important to make sure your hvac contractor performs proper load calculations before installing the unit.
4. Air Conditioning
There are several ways to control your home's indoor air quality. Some of the more popular include using air filters, installing humidifiers and ventilation systems.
A good way to do it is by contacting a qualified hvac contractor about installing a system in your home. This can save you a lot of money in the long run, as well as provide peace of mind that your home's air is clean and healthy.
Make sure you choose a reputable one with the proper licensing and insurance in place, and check out their credentials before hiring them to do the job. You'll be glad you did! The best ones also have a stellar customer service record, so you'll be able to count on them when it comes to any issues down the road. For example, if your system breaks down after the cold weather sets in, they'll be there to get you back up and running as quickly as possible.
Indoor air quality is an important issue for many home owners. If you are concerned about your home's air quality, it is a good idea to consult a qualified HVAC contractor. Controlling the amount of pollution from sources in your home is the most effective way to improve indoor air quality. This can be done…