An important aspect of having a healthy home in Amherst, NY, is to maintain proper airflow. The average home circulates nearly 1,000 cubic feet of conditioned air every minute. This air is taken through a series of ducts and filters during the circulation process. If the system works as intended, indoor air temperatures will be properly regulated. Most contaminants should be removed from the air as well. Poor ventilation can damage your HVAC system, which is why you should take steps to fix any airflow issues in your home.
Understanding Ventilation
As a result of leaks or other issues, air is regularly exchanged between the inside of your home and the outside. Air also transfers from higher-pressure areas to lower-pressure ones.
For example, warm air has a higher pressure than cooler air. The warm air in your home will rise to the ceiling before leaving the building. The cooler air in the lower areas of your home will move up to replace it, which helps to maintain the building’s pressure.
When indoor air is exchanged with outdoor air, this process is known as ventilation. You can obtain better ventilation by opening windows or placing fans around your home. Fresh outdoor air should be circulated into your home to maintain your health.
Importance of Proper Ventilation
If the air inside your home is regularly exchanged with fresh outdoor air, you can prevent issues like high contaminant buildup and excess moisture. Poor ventilation causes humidity levels to increase, which may lead to mold growth. If your home doesn’t have enough humidity, you may encounter respiratory problems.
With the right amount of ventilation, you can get rid of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be produced by specific household products. For example, aerosol sprays and personal care products generate VOCs. These contaminants can cause numerous health problems, which extend from throat irritation to headaches. You can boost the ventilation in your home through natural and mechanical ventilation.
Natural ventilation occurs when you open a door or window. Fresh air will move inside your home, which ensures that any extra moisture or odors will be removed from the interior air. As for mechanical ventilation, it involves everything from HVAC systems to exhaust fans. This form of ventilation can help eliminate pollutants.
Common Contaminants
The pollutants that get inside your home can come from outdoor and indoor sources. The most common ones include the following:
- Mold spores
- Pet dander
- Dust
- Pollen
- Radon
- Tobacco smoke
- Carbon monoxide and other combustion byproducts
- Ozone
- Lead, asbestos, and pesticides
Even though you can’t avoid these contaminants altogether, they are more harmful when they accumulate in a home. Long-term exposure to highly contaminated air can lead to fatigue, respiratory problems, and allergies. If your indoor air has too much radon in it, you may be at a higher risk of developing cancer. By maintaining proper HVAC ventilation, you can avoid these issues.
How to Improve HVAC Ventilation
There are several things you can do to improve your HVAC ventilation. For example, make sure the system is well-maintained and is functioning properly. Whether you have a furnace or mini-split unit, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure there aren’t any blockages or issues with your ventilation.
You’ll also need to change the system’s air filters often. Dust and other contaminants accumulate over time, which can block airflow and stop your HVAC unit from running efficiently. It’s recommended that you replace your air filter every three months.
You can also improve ventilation with an air purifier or whole-home dehumidifier, which can assist your HVAC system in circulating the indoor air. If you believe that the air in your home isn’t being properly ventilated, this issue could be caused by one of the following problems:
- An old HVAC filter
- Leaking HVAC ducts
- Blocked vents
- Closed damper valve
- Improper ductwork
- A crushed flex duct
If you’d like to have a new HVAC system installed, it’s best to avoid doing so yourself. Our team at Heatwave Heating & Cooling provides efficient installation services for all types of HVAC systems, from geothermal heat pumps to central air conditioners. If you’d prefer to repair your existing HVAC unit, we can diagnose any problem and help you find a lasting solution. We also offer scheduled maintenance services. Aside from our HVAC services, you can request our air duct cleaning, indoor air quality, and generator offerings. Call Heatwave Heating & Cooling today to have us install an HVAC system in your Amherst home.
