When most people think about poor indoor air quality, they think about winter and having to seal their homes from the cold outdoor air and severely limiting the amount of fresh outdoor air that enters their homes. Unfortunately, summer can be just as bad for indoor air quality due to high heat, humidity, and pollen. This is true even in areas that experience warm weather conditions for most of the year. Reach out to the Air Pros team when it comes to your concerns involving your indoor air quality.
Factors that Affect Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in the Summer
Three primary factors affect indoor air quality in the summer, namely high humidity, weather, and pollen that can each find its way into your home.
High Humidity – When the air is warmer, it is able to hold more moisture. This means that there is more water in the air when it is 80 degrees than when it is 30 degrees, even if the humidity for both temperatures is 60 percent. Excess humidity can increase mold growth, which can negatively impact indoor air quality. Individuals with preexisting lung conditions, like asthma and COPD, may experience an increase in symptoms if indoor humidity is not controlled via the HVAC system. The good news is that HVAC systems are designed to remove excess humidity and mold spores from indoor air. Nonetheless, the air filters must be changed regularly and all drain lines and pans in the HVAC system must be free and clear of obstructions.
Here at Air Pros, we can inspect your HVAC system, make sure you have the right type of air filter for your unit, and the correct level of filtration. Our team can also check drain lines and drain pans to ensure proper operation. If you have a humidity problem in your home, we may be able to recommend a good dehumidifier than can remove even more moisture from your indoor air.
Weather Conditions – While thunderstorms and rainstorms may be a welcome sight on extremely hot, humid days, these are not good for your indoor air quality. Rain is excess moisture, which can get into your home if it is not sealed properly. Your windows, doors, and roofs can suffer from leaks. When water drips into your home from the outdoors, it can lead to mold infestation, especially black mold, which is hazardous to human health. This is why it is important to make sure all your doors and windows are sealed and properly insulated and that your roof is in good condition.
If you are still experiencing excess moisture in your home after having the exterior of your home checked for leaks, it may be due to your air conditioner not filtering the air in your home properly and removing all the excess moisture. Our technicians at Air Pros can examine your HVAC unit and test your indoor air quality to recommend an upgrade or a new system that better filters your air and provides you with cool air all summer long.
Pollen, Dust, and Dirt – The seasons of spring, summer, and fall are ripe with allergens, including pollen, dust, dirt, exhaust fumes and pet dander. This means that when you open a window on a cool summer night to let in the fresh, outdoor air, you are also opening your home to grass pollen, ragweed, tree pollen, mold spores, exhaust fumes, dust, dirt and exhaust fumes from cars. Instead of being tempted to open a sliding glass door or window for an extended period of time, think about improving the efficiency of your HVAC system through better filtration, in-duct air purifiers, and dehumidifiers. By adding features to your cooling system and keeping it maintained properly, your home’s air will be fresh, clean, and healthy.
Contact Air Pros for Indoor Air Quality Concerns
To learn more about how we can improve your home’s indoor air quality with regular HVAC maintenance, a new heating, and cooling system, and upgrades to your current AC unit, give us a call or fill out the online form.
