Heating and air conditioning systems not only provide a comfortable environment in your home, they can affect the indoor air quality. How they can affect it depends on the type air filter you use, and whether or not the unit receives routine maintenance. The following information can assist you in identifying potential contaminants in your home. Contact Minutemen Heating & AC for additional information and solutions. We can provide annual maintenance to your unit for cleaner air, and offer clean air technology used in conjunction with your home’s heating and AC in Arlington, TX.
Sources of Indoor Air Quality Problems
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stunned the public when it announced that the air inside many homes is more highly polluted than outdoor air. The pollution is related to two main factors, toxins in building materials and a lack of fresh air ventilation in energy efficient homes. In addition, other factors, such as increased humidity levels can also increase the concentrations of specific contaminants. Potential sources of indoor air pollution, as identified by the EPA include:
- The duct system can distribute dust, mold and other allergens throughout the home
- Dangerous radon and outdoor pesticides can enter your home
- Combustion sources from fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas or propane, wood and tobacco products produce dangerous carbon monoxide
- Carpets, linoleum, paint, air fresheners, household cleaning products, pressed wood furniture, cabinets, and other building materials can produce high levels of toxins that can accumulate inside the home without adequate ventilation
Ventilation vs. Energy Efficiency
Newer homes are constructed tighter to increase energy efficiency. Without the “drafts” and air leaks, air contaminants can accumulate to dangerous levels that pose a threat to the health of your family.
Indoor Pollution and Health Effects
Poor indoor air quality can cause unexplained headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be lethal in minutes, and is often the result of faulty equipment, and damaged or clogged ventilation pipes. The potential long-term effects from indoor air pollution include chronic respiratory diseases, heart disease, or even cancer.
Signs that your home may not have adequate ventilation include moisture condensation on windows or walls, a musty odor and mold.
Biological Contaminants
Biological contaminants that may affect the air quality include bacteria, mold, mildew, viruses, animal dander, dust mites, dried rodent urine, cockroaches, pollen, and others. Routine professional service of your home’s heating and AC in Arlington, TX can help to prevent the accumulation of biological contaminants, and the development of mold and mildew in the air handler. Call today to schedule maintenance of your heating and AC in Arlington, TX.
Maintaining a relative humidity of 30-50 percent will minimize the growth of some biological contaminants. Standing water, saturated materials, and wet surfaces are an incubator for mold, mildew, bacteria, and insects. Dust mites thrive in damp, warm environments, and many people are allergic to them. The repair of leaks and humidity control can assist in preventing these issues. If you need a solution for controlling humidity, our NATE certified technicians can provide the service you require for your home’s heating and AC in Arlington, TX.
The Solutions for Cleaner Air
Fortunately, your home’s air quality can be improved.
- Use natural cleaning products.
- Open windows and doors when the weather permits to allow fresh air in. Run bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans occasionally, and operate window or attic fans when possible.
- Air cleaners can be integrated with your heating and AC in Arlington, TX to filter out contaminants and improve the indoor air quality. Routine filter changes keep indoor air cleaner, and are beneficial to the system.
- A clean home reduces many of the contaminants.
A HEPA filter removes as much as 99% of the contaminants in the air moving through the system. If you are not sure if it’s safe for your system to use a HEPA filter, contact the manufacturer, or your Minuteman Heating & AC technician.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a chemical commonly used in the manufacturing process of building materials and household products. It is often contained in construction glues and adhesives, and as a preservative in some paints. Due to the adhesives used in pressed wood products, they are a top source of formaldehyde. Pressed wood products include particleboard, plywood panels, cabinets, and medium density fiberboard (MDF) used in the construction of furniture.
HVAC Installation
When it’s time to replace your home’s heating and AC in Arlington, TX, you have the opportunity to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency and air quality. Modern systems offer improved temperature and humidity controls, ventilation without a loss of efficiency, and filtration systems capable of providing cleaner air. When you’re ready for an upgrade in energy efficiency and cleaner air, contact our NATE certified technicians for installation of heating and AC in Arlington, TX.
Solutions for poor indoor air quality include:
- HEPA filters for qualifying HVAC systems, and pleated filters for those that don’t
- UV air purification
- Air exchangers
- Humidifiers for winter
- Dehumidifiers for summer
Contact Minuteman Heating and AC for additional information on improving the indoor air quality in your home. Our certified specialists can recommend heating and AC in Arlington, TX that will deliver both comfort and optimal air quality. Minuteman Heating & AC serves Arlington, Mansfield and the surrounding areas, and is a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.