How Do the Seasons Affect Indoor Air Quality?
In recent years, indoor air quality has been gaining traction. Due to its invisible nature, many homeowners and commercial property owners fail to consider the quality of the air circulating in their buildings. Ventilation, air purification, and regular cleaning can help improve the indoor air quality of buildings; however, several factors, including seasonal changes, can affect indoor air quality differently at different times of the year.
Does My Indoor Air Quality Need to Be Improved?
If you’ve noticed persistent symptoms, especially when you wake up or first enter the workplace, the indoor air quality may be poor. Some of these symptoms can include:
- Headache
- Chronic Fatigue
- Unexplained dizziness
- Red eyes
- Nose irritation and other respiratory symptoms
- Throat soreness
When indoor air quality isn’t remedied, these symptoms can continue for months and even years on end. Continued and constant exposure can lead to more severe and long-term health effects, including heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illness.
What Factors Decrease Indoor Air Quality?
There is a laundry list of factors that can affect the indoor air quality of a building. Some of these factors can include:
- Outdoor air quality
- Indoor smoking
- Quality of building materials or construction on the property
- Mold, mildew, and moisture
- State of your ventilation system and filters
- Number of fuel-burning appliances
Outside of the above factors, seasonal changes and conditions can significantly impact a building’s indoor air quality. If you suspect the indoor air quality at your property is suffering or could stand to be improved, reach out to a company that provides indoor air quality testing and vent and air duct cleaning services. These professional services can drastically reduce irritants and contaminants in the air when combined with regular maintenance.
The Summer Heat Impacts Indoor Air Quality
After the spring, seasonal allergies settle, and the summer heat sets in. From June through August, there is a marked decrease in the amount of pollen in the air, but dust, mold, and humidity can create other issues.
Many businesses and homes rely on air conditioning during the summer months, reducing the amount of humidity present in the home. Air conditioning vents can also collect dust and circulate it through the air when it’s not weighed down by humidity. To mitigate the dust problem, it’s recommended that you thoroughly clean your vents, ducts, and registers as often as possible.
To achieve the best indoor air quality, HVAC technicians are beginning to recommend a balanced approach of using air conditioners and circulating outdoor air into the property.
How Can I Improve Indoor Air Quality During the Summer Months?
HVAC professionals suggest that the ideal humidity level indoors should fall between 30-60%. At these levels, dust and pollen are weighed down, and mold growth should be minimal. If you plan to rely on your air conditioner for most of the summer, it’s recommended that you plan a monthly check to ensure that mold and dust haven’t gathered. Similarly, regularly changing your filters can reduce the number of air pollutants within your system.
Have your system serviced every year before you turn it on. Regular duct cleaning, filter changes, and maintenance can drastically improve your indoor air quality during the summer.
For more information about our air conditioning services and air quality services, including duct cleaning and air quality testing, contact us today!
