The air quality in our homes is something we can easily take for granted since a lot of people don’t know what it takes to reach the high quality we might be used to. Well, it all starts with your HVAC unit, but like anything in your home, this system needs the proper care to work properly. Air quality is also crucial to your health, and neglecting your home’s unit can result in many complications that you might already be dealing with. Learn what it takes to have a healthy and comfortable living space before winter by learning the different signs your home has poor indoor air quality and how to fix and prevent them below.
Dust Buildup
A common sign that your home might not have good air quality is if you start to notice dust buildup around your home. While you should expect dust on infrequently used surfaces, especially if you neglect common upkeep around your home, significant buildup on vents and surfaces should be a cause for concern. If you do experience a ton of dust in your home, the problem usually lies with your HVAC unit’s air filter. When you don’t replace the filter regularly or have one at all, you don’t have anything that can keep harmful particles like dust from getting into the air.
Issues With Humidity Levels
Another issue you may experience if you have poor indoor quality is problems with your humidity levels. No one wants to live in a home that causes you to sweat profusely, but humidity is necessary to prevent dryness and the health concerns that come with it, such as irritated sinuses or dry and itchy skin. A home’s humidity level should fall somewhere between 35-50% for maximum effectiveness. The best way to solve this issue is to invest in a humidifier or dehumidifier to improve your home’s comfort.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Humidity is also important in a home because it can help prevent mold and mildew growth, which can also point to issues with your home’s air quality. Mold is easy to spot if you ever come across it, thanks to its black, spotty appearance. Typically, you will find mold in bathrooms, in sinks, around bathtubs, or in areas with a lot of exposure to moisture.
Experience Allergy Symptoms
You may also not feel well in your home, which is perhaps the biggest reason that you need to pay attention to the air quality. If you notice that you frequently experience allergy symptoms, such as coughing, nausea, drowsiness, and irritation in your ears, nose, or throat, this could be a product of the air. Again, the cause of allergy symptoms in your home usually involves the air filter for your HVAC unit because it’s responsible for trapping the harmful allergens that can easily get in your air.
Sleeping Problems
Poor indoor air quality can also make it difficult to sleep at night. While there are several reasons why you could be experiencing sleeping problems, one to consider is your home’s air quality. The temperature can be a major factor, thanks to high humidity levels, since we often sleep better when it’s cooler. You may also suffer sleep disruptions in the middle of the night because of the harmful particles circulating in your air.
Unwelcomed Odors
As you check for the different signs your home has poor air quality, you should also pay attention to any irregular smells in your home. Unwelcomed odors can come from several different sources, such as mold, pest infestation, or dirt and debris that is polluting the air. To get rid of these odors, focusing on improving your home’s air quality is usually the best route to go. However, this might be hard to gauge since you may grow accustomed to the odors, but returning after being away for a period of time can make it more evident that there’s an issue.
Inconsistent Air Distribution
Perhaps, the most obvious way you can tell that you have issues with the air in your home is with inconsistent distribution. There’s a chance your home’s HVAC system isn’t keeping regular temperatures and humidity levels. As a result, the quality of the air will start to decline. Keeping an eye on your home’s thermostat is a great way to measure any inconsistencies that there may be.
Hot and Cold Spots
Also, be on the lookout for other inconsistencies when it comes to certain areas of your home. Namely, you might be prone to hot and cold spots in different areas of your home because the air isn’t circulating correctly. A common reason for this is that the HVAC system you have in place won’t work for the square footage in your home. It could also have to do with clogged ducts or result from improper maintenance. Therefore, the temperature in your home isn’t as consistent as it can be. Having varying temperatures in your home can also lead to a plethora of issues that can become quite costly.
Best Solutions To Poor Indoor Air Quality
If you’ve noticed one or more of these symptoms of poor indoor air quality, there’s no need to panic—you have many ways to fix it. The first thing you should do is contact an HVAC technician who can look over your home’s unit to see if they can find the cause of the problem. As far as what you can do on your end, it can be as simple as keeping up with HVAC unit maintenance, and the easiest way to start is by replacing your home's air filter. By completing this one piece of maintenance or your HVAC unit, you can prevent many of the complications that are on this list.
Get Air Filters Today!
Don’t know where to look when it comes to air filters? Look no further than Remember the Filter, where you can find HVAC filters online. As long as you find the right size for your home’s unit and get the right MERV rating, you shouldn't have to worry about having poor air quality in your home.
Air quality in your home is huge, and inaction can lead to serious health complications down the road. So take the right step forward, and fix any of these signs you might have noticed.
