Warm summer weather increases the chances of opening your windows or running your air conditioner. Both actions can introduce irritating or even harmful pollutants into your indoor air. Whether you’re letting in a balmy breeze or cooling off in front of an AC vent, you must contend with numerous pollutants that increase during the summer months. Open windows let in pollen, mold spores, and fine dust particles. These elements then drift throughout your house and settle inside vents. When you shut the windows and turn on the air conditioner, the system blows pollutants back into the air that you breathe.
Multiple Summer Pollutants
Pollen naturally enters the air in the spring and summer, and many people suffer from allergies as a result. Dry spells can raise dust levels outside, and the dust can enter your residence and circulate through the air vent system. Dust will also contain mold spores, which can be especially harmful to your health. Regular duct cleaning will remove the tiny particles that have accumulated in your home’s vents. Frequent changing of your system’s filter also reduces the volume of airborne irritants.
The Effect of Summer Humidity
High humidity levels could worsen your indoor air quality during the summer months. The sticky, hot weather makes you want the comfort of air conditioning more than ever because the cooling system strips humidity from the indoor air. Dry indoor air, however, can subsequently irritate your sinuses. Ideally, you’ll have a way to measure indoor humidity so that you can maintain humidity between 30% and 60%. On the other hand, a poorly functioning air conditioner could leave excess humidity in your home. This creates an environment where mold can grow. In such a situation, air conditioner repair or replacement coupled with a dehumidifier would correct moisture problems that are inviting mold growth.
Sources of indoor air pollution:
- Infiltration of outdoor dust
- Tobacco smoke
- Gas-burning ranges
- Gases emitted by building materials
- Chemical cleaning products
- Fumes from carpet and furniture
New carpet and furniture may slowly release gases in the form of volatile organic compounds. Some of the symptoms of poor indoor air quality are associated with exposure to VOCs venting off of synthetic materials.
Health problems caused by indoor air pollution:
- Fatigue
- Red eyes
- Nasal problems
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Dizziness
Long-Term Consequences and Solutions
When left unaddressed, bad indoor air quality can cause you to suffer from chronic respiratory disease or even heart disease. Cancer is even possible depending on what you’ve been exposed to. Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning in East Peoria, IL, has the resources to fix the pollution problems affecting your indoor air. Our duct cleaning specialists can strip buildups of dust and dirt from your ducts that are spewing irritants throughout your home. We also install dehumidifying and air purification systems. Equipment like this enables you to maintain optimal humidity levels throughout the seasons. Additionally, air purification can trap and kill unhealthy bacteria and control dust. With air purification, you can also reduce unpleasant odors from paint and chemical cleaners so that you can breathe easier.
Dust From Remodeling Projects
Long summer days can inspire remodeling projects around the house. However, tearing out walls and carpet will send dust and microfibers into the air. Cutting tile emits fine silica particles into the air unless water is used with the cutting blade. Even if you normally have acceptable indoor air quality, remodeling work could change this. Construction dust will settle in your ducts and potentially irritate your respiratory tract for months after the project is finished. A nearby construction project can also direct large amounts of dust toward your home that gradually clogs your air filters.
Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving residential and commercial customers since 1983. Our technicians are trained in modern heating and cooling technology. Duct cleaning is performed by employees in compliance with NADCA standards. As a Lennox dealer, we install high-quality air conditioners, furnaces, and geothermal heat pumps. We connect our customers with energy efficiency rebates whenever possible as well. Our company consistently earns positive reviews for our accurate heating and cooling repairs at homes and businesses. Our technicians also perform emergency repairs seven days a week. When summer is over, you may want to talk with us about getting a new gas fireplace. Contact our company today with any questions about indoor comfort.
