4 Issues Caused by Poor Indoor Air Quality in Richmond, VA

Poor air quality inside your Richmond, VA home could cause problems. Indoor air quality (IAQ) can affect your health, comfort, utility costs and HVAC system performance. Here are four issues that poor indoor air quality can cause and what you can do about them.

1. Health Problems

Your home’s HVAC system recirculates conditioned air to keep you cool or warm. It also recirculates irritating particulates. These often include:

• Organic growth
• Dust
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Pollen

Irritants in the air often cause allergies, asthma and upper respiratory infections. You may also experience skin rashes and disrupted sleep.

Feeling unwell for no reason could indicate that the IAQ isn’t ideal inside your home. Regular HVAC maintenance, including changing filters, helps with poor IAQ. Investing in whole-home air cleaners and air purifiers can dramatically improve your indoor air quality.

2. Uncomfortable Humidity Levels

The air inside your home is likely cool and moist in summer and warm and dry in winter. If the house is too humid, you might feel damp, or you could be breathing in organic pollutants. When the house is too dry, you might experience sleep apnea, coughs or nosebleeds.

A whole-home dehumidifier in summer will improve comfort levels. A humidifier is a good way to combat dry air in winter.

3. High Utility Costs

If your HVAC system’s coils are straining due to poor air quality, this will cause your equipment to work harder. When the HVAC system works hard to circulate and condition the air, you’re likely to see higher monthly utility costs. An air purifying system can potentially help your HVAC system to run more efficiently.

4. HVAC Equipment Breakdowns

Indoor air with a large amount of particulate matter can clog filters, and block ductwork. This restricts airflow.

Restricted airflow causes the moving parts of your HVAC system to work overtime, often leading to breakdowns and costly repairs. Cleaner air reduces the likelihood of equipment damage and can help prolong the lifespan of the system

Poor indoor air quality inside your Richmond, VA home can cause health problems and equipment issues. Contact Classic Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning for help if you would like to improve your IAQ.

Image provided by iStock