September 16,2023

How Your HVAC Unit Can Affect Your Health

Your HVAC unit plays an integral role in providing optimal indoor comfort in your home, from keeping temperatures cool in summer and warm in winter to improving air quality year-round. But did you know it can also have negative repercussions for your health? Zion Custom Air explores seven ways an HVAC unit may impact well-being and how an HVAC company is crucial to avoid expensive AC repair.

1. Indoor Air Quality

Maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ) is critical to good health. Your HVAC system plays an integral role here; when not maintained correctly, it can exacerbate IAQ by dispersing dust mites, allergens, and pollutants throughout your home - leading to breathing issues, allergies, or other potential health concerns that require medical intervention.

For optimal indoor air quality, change your HVAC filters regularly. This simple task will help trap airborne particles before they recirculate your home environment. Investing in high-quality filters that capture even minute particles may also prove invaluable; an HVAC company can assist in choosing appropriate options for your system.

2. Mold and Mildew

A poorly maintained HVAC system can quickly become the ideal environment for mold and mildew growth, especially when left exposed to dark, damp air ducts. Mold spores released into the atmosphere may trigger allergies and respiratory conditions as they spread further throughout the environment.

To limit mold and mildew growth, schedule regular HVAC maintenance. An HVAC provider can inspect your system for signs of moisture buildup, clean its ducts, and ensure everything runs efficiently.

3. Temperature Extremes

Exposure to extreme temperature changes caused by either an improper HVAC system or insulation can have devastating results on health and comfort levels, potentially leading to heatstroke, hypothermia, or other weather-related illnesses that impact quality of life and well-being.

If your HVAC system struggles to keep a consistent temperature, AC or heating repair services must be sought immediately. A malfunctioning system compromises comfort and could put health at risk.

4. Carbon Monoxide Leaks Are Hazardous

Carbon monoxide, commonly called CO, is an invisible and odorless gas that can be fatal if inhaled in large enough doses. HVAC systems that burn fuel such as natural gas or oil may produce CO when not functioning correctly - an HVAC leak could result in CO poisoning with headaches, dizziness, nausea, or even death as possible outcomes.

An HVAC company must regularly service your HVAC system for maximum CO reduction. Their inspector can identify potential issues like cracked heat exchangers and ensure your system runs safely.

5. Allergen Circulation Worsens Allergies

Your HVAC system could help relieve them or worsen things by spreading allergens around the home and worsening symptoms. A properly maintained HVAC can filter out allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites for relief, while failing systems may amplify symptoms by spreading allergens further than desired. If this sounds familiar...

To reduce allergen circulation, adopt a regular cleaning schedule for your HVAC system - including its ducts and vents - which includes air purifiers where possible in high-traffic areas of your home or workplace. An HVAC company may recommend appropriate products or practices to alleviate allergies.

6. Humidity Levels Impact Health

Maintaining ideal indoor humidity levels is crucial to comfort and health. Low humidity leads to dry skin, itchy eyes, respiratory irritation, and respiratory discomfort; excessive humidity creates a breeding ground for mold growth or dust mite infestation.

Your HVAC system should help regulate indoor humidity levels to do its job effectively. If your home seems too dry or humid, seek guidance from an HVAC company; they may recommend and install humidifiers or dehumidifiers that meet health and comfort criteria.

7. Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial to maintaining healthy indoor air quality in any home and is of particular concern in today's energy-efficient, tightly sealed homes. Without sufficient ventilation, homes may quickly become stuffy and trap pollutants indoors - especially as energy efficiency increases.

As one solution to this issue, consider investing in an HVAC system with enhanced ventilation capabilities. Modern units offer better air exchange while remaining energy-efficient - an HVAC company can assist you with choosing and ensuring its correct installation.

Zion Custom Air

Our top priority is your health and comfort. Our knowledgeable team specializes in comprehensive HVAC services such as air conditioning repair and maintenance to maintain outstanding indoor air quality for optimal system functioning.