THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD INDOOR AIR QUALITY

If the only time you think about your HVAC (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning) system is when it stops working, perhaps it is time to reconsider this plan. As a major component of your home’s HVAC  system- the “lungs of the building.”

The HVAC system controls temperature, outdoor air ventilation, air filtration, pressurization and moisture control, and is one of the most important factors in maintaining good indoor air quality of your home.

When an HVAC system is improperly maintained, it can lead to degradation of indoor air quality, an increase in energy usage, and massive water intrusion events that adversely affect the home.

Properly-functioning HVAC filters remove particles that are suspended in the air, such as dust, pollen, organic and inorganic particulate matter, and other biological contaminants. We recommend regularly scheduled preventive maintenance inspections by a properly licensed air conditioning service company, to inspect your coolant levels, clean the coils, check pressures, condensation lines cleared of debris and biological growth blockages, clear the emergency overflow line(s), and filters replaced to improve and maintain system operational and energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Pressurization of a home also has huge implications on its indoor air quality. Unwanted negative pressure will draw outdoor air into the home through air leakage in doors, windows, duct work and building envelope penetrations. This unwanted and unconditioned air infiltration is often laden with particle contaminates, as well as humidity.

Lastly, the HVAC system serves the function of moisture control. Moisture can promote microbial growth within building materials.