WARNING SIGNS WITHIN YOUR HOME
Your home should be the safest place possible. Unfortunately, some homes make people sick because the indoor air quality is so poor.
The best thing you can do is to schedule regular HVAC tune-ups and pay attention the air in your home. Stale and dirty air can cause further distress to people who suffer from allergies and asthma.
Here are some potential warning signs to watch for:
- Unusual and noticeable odor/stale or stuffy air
- Presence of microbial growth
- Excessive humidity or insufficient humidity
STRUCTURAL AND EQUIPMENT WARNING SIGNS
The type of home you live in can also determine how much you need to watch your indoor air quality.
While newer homes are sealed better, it means that indoor air contaminates can live longer and be better trapped in your home. This is one of the many reasons it’s so important to incorporate fresh air into your home and routinely check your air filter.
If you are experiencing any of the below issues with your home’s structure and equipment – your air quality might be compromised.
- Tightly constructed or remodeled homes (newer & remodeled homes are often sealed better, which has many benefits, but it also means in-home air quality is even more important).
- Dirty or faulty central heating or air conditioning equipment
- Damaged flue pipes or chimneys
AIR QUALITY FAQ’S:
Your AC system is comprised of a compressor – the unit outside in your backyard, and a furnace – the apparatus that actually conditions the air before releasing it into the air ducts to be distributed throughout the house. In the compressor air is primed with refrigerant before entering into the furnace, the unit that is typically stored in the garage or indoors. The furnace is also where the filtration process begins.
No matter how clean your basic filter can get the air, it can get dirty once again during its travel through the air ducts, especially if the ducts are not sealed or maintained.
Leaks and holes in air ducts create a vacuum in the attic. Conditioned air travels through these ducts but escapes through holes and leaks, finding its place in the attic. The air dirties with the stale atmosphere of the attic, collecting dust and other harmful particles. With the continual use of the central air system, more air is pushed through the ducts and more air escapes into the attic, pushing the dirtied attic air back into the ducts and into the home. This is another opportunity for air to contaminate itself because of poor ductwork.
In addition, the presence of moisture in these ducts allows for microbiological growth that is released into your home every time the furnace runs for either heating or air conditioning.
Air duct sealing refers to the process in which the ducts’ joints are sealed to ensure they remain clean and closed, keeping contaminants out and heated and cooled air in. At Service Champions, an advanced air duct sealing method is used where ducts’ joints are sealed with cement mastic.
Air duct sealing is recommended for all homes as it is vital in efficiently cooling and heating your air as well as protecting it from harmful or bothersome contaminants.
Yes. Homes built within the last 40 years should take extra caution as the central air systems are different. These homes are called “tight homes” which were designed to conserve energy by keeping cold air out during the winter and hot air out during the summer. However, this weather-tight efficiency results in even worse indoor air pollution because of insufficient ventilation.
Homes built between 1940 and the late 1970s should take caution to the material used to build their home. During this time, asbestos was a popular material in construction and home insulation. If your home was built between these times, there is a good chance your flue pipes have been built out of asbestos. The asbestos fall-out is prone to travel through air ducts and eventually, make its way into homes. This is a great danger given the health hazards of asbestos. It is highly recommended to replace these flue pipes or take measures to lessen hazards to protect your home’s indoor air quality.
AIR-CLEANING SOLUTIONS
One of the things you can do to make your indoor air quality better is to invest in a stronger air filter. Air filters can be incredibly effective against dust, dander, and even viral particles in your home.
However, if you want to take everything a step further, here are some of our options:
SERVICE CHAMPIONS PROTECTS YOUR AIR
Service Champions understand the importance of keeping your family healthy and safe. That’s why we stay on top of the current trends and innovations in UV technology used in HVAC. We also make sure to train our technicians to spot any warning signs of poor indoor air quality.
Because of this:
- Every indoor air quality product that Service Champions carries is scientifically engineered and tested in homes just like yours.
- Each high-efficiency system is custom-designed and installed to reduce indoor air particles and pollutants.
- In many cases, the air filter we install can completely eliminate indoor air pollutants.
Other Services
Have Questions About In-Home Air Quality? Service Champions Would Be Honored To Help You – Contact Us
Heating Services
Everything and anything pertaining to repairing, installing, and purchasing parts for your heater.
