This fall has been one of the worst for air quality in our nation’s history. Fires on the west coast have caused several states to post air quality advisories to limit outdoor activity. COVID-19 has caused people around the world to worry about air quality issues while indoors.
And now flu season is here!!! Bad indoor air quality in Georgia can be an even bigger issue in the fall for several reasons.
- Georgia is no stranger to humidity. Temperatures start to cool down in the fall, but that doesn’t mean the humidity evaporates from the air. In fact, many autumn days feature humidity levels approaching 100% Excessive humidity indoors can lead to home upkeep problems and respiratory issues. Running the air conditioner can help lower humidity. If you’re dealing with a larger humidity problem, though, don’t overwork your A/C by keeping it running constantly. Instead, consider installing a whole-home dehumidifier, which works with the HVAC system to manage humidity levels.
- Airborne contaminants can be trapped by your system’s filter. While the air filter’s main job is to protect the HVAC equipment, you can take advantage of this setup by purchasing a high-quality filter. Pleated filters tend to be the best at trapping particles that aggravate your family’s asthma or trigger their seasonal allergies. If the HVAC system’s air filter doesn’t do enough to clean pollutants from your home’s air, a whole-home air purifier or an air purifier can help by removing more harmful particles like mold spores, pollen, and pet dander from the air.
- Fluctuating temperatures are a way of life in autumn. If you’re still relying on a manual thermostat, fall can be particularly difficult since you’ll need to switch back and forth between heating and cooling. This can easily overwork your HVAC system, leading to poor performance and bad indoor air quality. A smart thermostat, like a Nest, is an easy and convenient solution to this problem.
- Insufficient air circulation can result from a number of causes, including a building envelope that’s too tight and an HVAC system that isn’t sized properly for your home. Bad air circulation means that some parts of your home don’t receive the fresh air they need, and allergens like dust mites can settle and thrive in those areas. Start by consulting with one of our professionals to find out how to improve your air conditioner’s performance and your HVAC system’s ability to push out stale air and draw in fresh air, no matter the season.