Can a Home HVAC System Cause Illness?
Temperature and humidity sensors are great for detailing the air quality within the home.
Indoor air quality is essential for a family all year. However, the winter months leave us with the dilemma of spending most of our time inside due to cold spells that can be brutal. The air quality within a home can be bad enough with hair, dirt, dust, pet dander, and germs before even adding in a potential gas leak from a furnace. A toxic mixture of indoor air can be costly and should be tackled head-on. These are some of the best steps to ensure a family can enjoy air as fresh as possible all year.
Particle counters
A particle counter can take a sampling of the air and provide a reading of the overall purity. The results may be tracked for up to 30 days to give a readout on the dust mites and dander in the air and if the proper methods are being used to reduce them. A home air conditioning unit or furnace will cycle these allergens throughout the day, so limiting them is crucial.
Gas detectors
While monitoring allergens in the air is essential, a homeowner must also pay attention to the presence of gas. Any faulty oven or furnace can emit carbon monoxide or leak gas into a home, producing deadly results. A good monitor will cost about $50 and plugs into a wall electrical outlet. This tool can give a digital reading of a home's carbon monoxide or methane concentration, signaling when there is a potential threat.
Sensors for temperature and humidity
Temperature and humidity sensors are great for detailing the air quality within the home. A temperature reading sensor can also be handy in the event of a thermostat malfunctioning, as it can lead to higher utility bills. Understanding humidity levels in the home can also be suitable for either hot or cold weather seasons. Lower humidity in the winter can dry the throat and skin while also causing damage to woodwork. Humidity in a home can lead to condensation, which may turn into mildew and mold that can cause breathing issues.
Mold test kits
Significant mold growth on drywall in a basement may be easy to detect, but this toxin may not always be visible. Mold kits will help to gather samples for testing for a wide range of mold and allergens. Some kits will also include options to send the sample to a lab for further scanning by a professional.
Audit for indoor air quality
While many air quality kits on the market are reliable, they will never measure up to a professional audit of a home's air quality. They offer specialty equipment for testing the air. They will work on inspecting a basement, ductwork, furnace, attic, and any other potential issues that can arise in a home or apartment.
Poor indoor air quality can lead to serious health issues, so it is always best to do everything possible to ensure an HVAC system is not creating a risk of illness.
Fix My Air DFW of Fort Worth specializes in residential and commercial HVAC services, including routine maintenance, installation, and repair. All makes/models. Call us at (817)839-3511.
