Your health is influenced by different factors, but one that can be surprising is your HVAC system. It impacts the air quality in your home which is why maintaining it is vital to your health. Here is an overview of common health issues caused by a poorly maintained system and how they are caused. It will also cover ways to maintain your HVAC system and keep yourself healthy at the same time.
HVAC and Health
No matter what the season, an HVAC system helps your home temperature remain comfortable for you. Like anything else in your home, it requires regular maintenance to keep it working properly. You can hire a home cleaning service or an HVAC company to help you clean and maintain it. Without appropriate maintenance, health issues like headaches, congestion, eye irritation, and sore throats can occur. Having an HVAC technician come out to your home to inspect the system and remove any build up is one way to keep it from affecting your health.
Causes of HVAC-Related Health Problems
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When an air conditioner runs for long periods of time, like during the summer, it produces condensation. The condensation provides a fertile breeding ground for mold and mildew in the ductwork once the system is no longer running in the fall or winter. The blower wheel and motor also collect dust over time, which can create mildew. Mold and mildew, along with dust and allergens, lead to health problems.
Ways to Maintain Your HVAC System
One way to prevent your HVAC system from creating health issues is to clean it. Air duct cleaning does not specifically prevent health issues caused by an HVAC system, but it does remove dust that builds up over time. Changing the air filters in the system is another way to keep dust and allergens from getting into the air and affecting the indoor air quality. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s directions about how to change filters and learn the correct size of filter to use.
Window AC units can also cause health problems because if they aren’t sealed properly, they allow outside air in. As a result, the unit has to work harder. Sealing it allows the unit to work more efficiently and keeps outside air from coming in around it. Don’t forget to open windows in the home and let fresh air circulate in the house. This helps support better air quality.
Improving HVAC Efficiency
There are a few things you can do around the home outside of having an HVAC technician come to check and maintain it. Airflow is essential to an HVAC system performing as it should. Make sure objects like drapes, furniture, or other small objects don’t block the vents. A well-ventilated attic helps promote efficient airflow. It also reduces energy costs by 10 to 12 percent. Turning your HVAC system off when the house is empty during the day helps too.
Your HVAC system is essential to keeping your home comfortable during the year. But it can present health issues without maintenance and regular care. If you have questions about keeping your system in top shape for your health, contact an HVAC professional today.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
