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Our indoor environment is where we spend so much of our time, and our HVAC system helps shield us from the temps of the outdoor air, but if you find yourself feeling sick more often than usual, the answer may have something to do with indoor air quality. 

An enclosed space like a home or office can easily become a breeding ground for indoor pollutants and contaminants. Our ventilation system for our air conditioning and heating units can spread airborne allergens, dust mites, animal dander, mold spies, particulates and other indoor air pollutants. When immune systems are lowered, poor IAQ can contribute to the spread of bacteria and viruses from indoor air pollution and irritants, as well as rob us of better sleep and well-being. It can even exacerbate allergies and asthma.

Fresh air can truly do the body good, and the way to improve the VOCS (volatile organic compounds) for our indoor environments is to address indoor air quality as much as possible. Here are a couple of ways you can do that:

Air Filtration and Purification

A sure-fire way to protect yourself from illness is to get rid of those contaminants. You can do this with the help of air filters, air cleaners and purifiers. Some of their features do overlap, so you’ll want to speak with an indoor air quality expert to figure out which kind is best for your clean indoor air needs.

  • Electronic Air Purifiers: It sounds fancy—and it is. These purifiers charge the air with a static charge, allowing them to actively pull in contaminants. They’ll then get stuck to a metal plate, which can be cleaned and reused.
  • Air Scrubber by Aerus: These products are a bit more precise than air purifiers. They’re more useful in areas that are exposed to chemical pollutants, such as harmful odors, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOC).
  • UV Air Purifiers: For those guys that cause illness, such as mold spores, viruses, and other bacteria, you’re going to need a purifier with a UV light bulb. UV lights can eliminate 99.9% of the pathogens that can make you sick.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has guidelines around emissions of certain gases, like radon and carbon monoxide, designed to protect public health. These air cleaner systems can help improve your indoor air quality (IAQ).

 

Duct Cleaning

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to take their ducts for granted. You know, the ducts—the series of vents that run through your attic. Your furnace or heat pump blows hot air through them, and it sends that warm air into the rooms of your home, or cold air when using your air conditioner. 

Many homeowners don’t realize that the ducts can become collectors of dust and dirt. Combine that with steady airflow through the day, and you have a recipe for poor indoor air quality. With high humidity levels, additional mold growth can occur, no matter how energy efficient your HVAC system may be.

An expert of duct cleaning in Kansas City, MO can clean out the inside of your ductwork. They’ll use special vacuums and brushes that are designed specifically to clean out the tight and narrow duct spaces, we can sometimes even remove building materials from when the house was originally built! Of course, you wouldn’t want to try it on your own—an inexperienced hand can just make the problem worse.

 

If you want to keep your air clean through the cold season, we can help! Contact Climate Control Heating & Cooling today. Comfort & Care from the Team with the Bear.