Tuesday 31 July 2018

Tips To Ensure Your Heating And Air Conditioning Unit Doesn't Put You At Risk

By Kenneth Gray


Similar to how air travel shrunk distances across the planet, heating and cooling technologies played a vital role in the development of modern civilization. The familiar combination that is heating and air conditioning PA is what sustains the high population densities typical of modern cities, as well as the habitation of areas with harsh climates. So it's fair to say that your HVAC system is the most important piece of equipment in your home, isn't it? This means you pay lots of attention to its performance, especially with regards to comfort. That's great, but it's also important to think about the quality of the air distributed in your home by the unit.

On the surface, it's easy to assume that only outdoor air can be affected by pollution. As multiple studies have shown, however, air pollution isn't just an outdoor problem. Indoor air quality (IAQ) can be in much worse shape than its outdoor equivalent. What makes it such a pressing concern is the obscure nature of the culprits of indoor pollution. Still, there's much you can do to combat this situation:

Balance Moisture Levels: Keep in mind that the word here is "balance, " not "limit" or "eliminate." Why? Because the harmful effects of insufficient humidity don't get as much attention as its tendency to fuel mold growth when in high amounts. So think of your ideal solution here as a dehumidifier, rather than a dryer.

Clean Fabrics Regularly: Fabrics are just as likely to collect air pollutants as carpets are. The same can be said of your bedding and upholstered furniture. It only takes a while for particles to accumulate and reach unhealthy levels in these places. Improving IAQ requires that these items be cleaned on a regular basis, ideally using hot water.

Invest in Clean Air Plants: Just like rain forests suck up carbon from the atmosphere to mitigate global warming, the presence of certain plants in your home could enhance your IAQ. Not to forget that they'll make your space look more inviting as well. Your options here include peace lily, aloe vera, English Ivy and spider plants -- studies have shown that these are quite skilled at purifying air.

Upgrade to Specialty Filters: Think of this as an investment in your family's health. While standard models prioritize the filtration of large particles, their allergen-rated counterparts don't discriminate based on size. Just make sure to read labels carefully when shopping, as not all varieties are similarly effective.

Avoid Toxic Cleaners: Research suggests that household cleaners are among the leading contributors to poor air quality. Still, you'll be more surprised to learn that your cleaning needs can actually be taken care of by a combination of hot water and natural cleansers (vinegar, baking soda). Otherwise, make sure to use eco-friendly detergents.

In a nutshell, maximizing comfort should always go hand-in-hand with enhancing indoor air quality. Even so, there's only so much you could do as a homeowner to keep pollutants out of your space. With this in mind, it's worth expanding your HVAC maintenance plan to include frequent IAQ check-ups. Think of this combination as an investment in your household's well-being.




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