Managing Indoor Air Quality With HVAC

Dust is an unavoidable part of owning a home. Every time you sweep or vacuum, it becomes airborne and recirculated throughout your house.

You likely take steps to keep your house clean, but what about your AC system and ductwork? Dusty HVAC equipment can affect indoor air quality and health, including causing allergies and respiratory issues.

1. Air Filters

Air filters do more than just catch dust, dander and other pollutants. They also extend the lifespan of HVAC equipment by keeping contaminants from accumulating on the blower, coils and ductwork.

Filters usually work by forcing expended air to pass through a filter medium with fine openings that separate out unwanted particles. They are often made of cotton, polyester or synthetic fibers that are pleated to provide more surfaces for capturing particulates.

Standard filters are typically rated MERV 1 through 4. These offer a basic level of filtration that improves indoor air quality and helps to reduce asthma and other respiratory ailments. Higher-rated filters are available, however, that can remove more contaminants from the air. These are generally referred to by their MERV rating, which is determined by the dust spot efficiency and the maximum particle size they can remove from filtered air. Those with a higher MERV rating are more efficient. They will cost more upfront, but they may save money in the long run by reducing the need for costly maintenance or repairs.

2. Leaky Ductwork

Leaky ductwork allows conditioned air to escape into areas where it does not belong, causing the HVAC system to struggle and consume more energy than necessary. The result is increased energy bills that can become unsustainable and even lead to equipment breakdown.

In addition, leaking ducts can disturb hidden accumulations of dust in the home and force them into open areas. This can trigger allergies, asthma and other respiratory distress in family members.

In some cases, duct leaks cause back drafting that draws in exhaust from fuel-burning appliances such as the furnace and water heater. These fumes contain toxic gases such as carbon monoxide that can poison family members. Leaky ducts can also suck in moisture from damp crawl spaces and garages, compromising humidity control. This may contribute to the growth of mold and mildew and cause other indoor air quality problems.

3. Refrigerant Leaks

Dust is a common household problem that affects all homeowners. It’s important to understand that your HVAC system does not cause the dust in your home. However, when your system has leaky ductwork or a dirty air filter, it can make things worse.

Regardless of the type of dust you have in your house, it can irritate you and your family members. This is especially true if someone has allergies or a compromised immune system. Inhaled dust particles can also contribute to hay fever, runny noses, coughing, and eye irritation.

If you have a refrigerant leak, it will negatively impact the efficiency of your air conditioner and the quality of your indoor air. Leaks can be difficult to identify, but a hissing sound usually indicates the presence of a leak. If you notice this, call an HVAC professional right away. They can quickly repair any leaks in your air conditioning system. Taking care of these issues will save you money and protect your health.

4. AC Coils

The air conditioning coils in your indoor and outdoor units play an important role in heating and cooling your home or commercial space. However, the coils can become dirty over time due to dirt and debris accumulation. This causes your AC system to work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures as it attempts to absorb or release heat.

An HVAC dealer can clean your coils by blowing compressed air across the surface to remove dust, dirt and debris. They can also clean the outdoor condenser coil to help improve your system’s efficiency and prevent refrigerant leaks. If your coils are filthy or clogged with debris, they will be less effective at transferring heat and may even freeze over, which is dangerous. Regular coil cleaning can keep your system running longer, reduce energy usage and prevent other problems that increase the cost of repairs and replacement parts. This is why routine air conditioning maintenance is so important.