As a homeowner in Illinois, you probably already know how important a good HVAC system is for keeping your home comfortable throughout the year. However, did you know that your HVAC system can also play a major role in improving your indoor air quality?
Breathing clean air isn’t just about comfort. It’s actually really important for your health, too. In this article, we’ll be going over some ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality. We’ll be discussing some HVAC upgrades to consider as well as the benefits of investing in HVAC upgrades. Let’s get started!
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Indoor air quality is something you might not think about often, but it’s incredibly important. Poor air quality can lead to several health issues. This is especially true if you or your family members have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.
Even if you’re generally healthy, breathing in dust, pollen, pet dander, and other pollutants can make you feel tired and sluggish. Good indoor air quality can help you feel better, sleep more soundly, and even improve your mood.
HVAC Upgrades to Consider
Let’s talk about some specific HVAC upgrades that will help you breathe easier, whether you’re working at home or just relaxing. From simple filter replacements to more advanced systems (i.e. air purifiers and enhanced ventilation), we’ll be covering every type of HVAC upgrade that you need to know about below.
Air Filters
The first step to achieving better indoor air quality is upgrading your air filters. Standard HVAC filters catch a lot of dust and debris. High-efficiency filters, however, are even better at doing this. Let’s take a closer look at the types of air filters you should consider upgrading to below:
● High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters: These filters are excellent at trapping tiny particles like pollen, pet dander, and even bacteria. By switching to HEPA filters, you can reduce the amount of allergens and pollutants in your home.
● Electrostatic Filters: These filters use static electricity to attract and capture particles. They can be washed and reused, so they’re an especially cost-effective option.
Air Purifiers
Have you thought about adding an air purifier to your HVAC system? Not a lot of people think to do this, but it’s another great way to improve indoor air quality. Listed below are some different types of air purifiers that you might consider investing in:
● Whole-House Air Purifiers: These units are installed in your HVAC system and clean the air as it moves through your ducts. They can remove up to 99% of airborne contaminants (including dust, mold spores, and even viruses).
● Portable Air Purifiers: If a whole-house system isn’t in your budget, you can place portable units in different rooms throughout your home. This might, ultimately, use up more energy, though. This means that a whole-house purifier might be a better long-term investment.
Ventilation Systems
Proper ventilation is super important when it comes to maintaining good indoor air quality. Without it, pollutants can build up inside your home. Let’s take a look at some ventilation systems below:
● Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs): ERVs bring fresh air into your home while exhausting stale air. They also transfer heat and moisture between the incoming and outgoing air, which helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
● Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs): Similar to ERVs, HRVs are designed to improve ventilation and air quality. The main difference is that HRVs focus on heat transfer. This can be particularly useful during the winter months in Illinois and Pennsylvania.
UV Germicidal Lights
You can also add UV lights to your HVAC system. UV germicidal lights are great because they can get rid of bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. UV-C lights, for example, are usually installed in the air handler or ductwork of your system. They use ultraviolet light to disinfect the air. This can be especially beneficial if someone in your household has a compromised immune system.
Duct Cleaning and Sealing
Dirty or leaky ducts can seriously compromise your indoor air quality. You should consider getting professional duct cleaning services done. Duct sealing can also help. Let’s break it down below:
● Professional Duct Cleaning: Over time, dust, mold, and other contaminants can build up in your ducts. Having them professionally cleaned can make a big difference.
● Duct Sealing: Sealing leaks in your ducts is the best way to make sure that the air circulating in your home is clean. It’s also a good way to ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently.
Benefits of HVAC Upgrades
Now that you know what upgrades are available, let’s talk about the benefits you can expect from upgrading your HVAC unit:
● Reduced Allergens: High-efficiency filters and air purifiers can reduce the amount of allergens in your home. If you suffer from allergies, you’ll definitely notice the difference once you upgrade your filters and air purification system!
● Better Air Circulation: Improved ventilation systems are necessary because they ensure that fresh air is continuously circulating throughout your home. It reduces the build-up of pollutants, too.
● Healthier Living Environment: UV germicidal lights and proper duct maintenance can get rid of harmful bacteria, mold, and viruses. This will make your home’s indoor environment healthier for everyone who lives there.
● Energy Efficiency: Many of these upgrades, such as ERVs and high-efficiency filters, can also improve your HVAC system’s efficiency. This can lower your energy bills, which is fantastic news.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your HVAC system is honestly one of the best investments you can make when it comes to improving not only your comfort, but your health, too. You should start by evaluating your current HVAC system and see where you can make some simple upgrades.
Whether it’s installing a HEPA filter, adding an air purifier, or upgrading your ventilation system, these changes can make a big difference. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if you need help with these things, too. They’ll be able to make sure that these upgrades are installed correctly