By any number of metrics, the air quality in Tallahassee and Leon County is among the best in the country. Florida is ranked 10th best state in the country for air quality by U.S. News & World Report, and Tallahassee’s daily air quality index tends to stay in the healthy “good” and “moderate” ranges.
While this information may be heartening, you might be surprised to learn that your indoor air may be more polluted than the air you breathe outdoors. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a “growing body of scientific evidence” indicates that the air within homes and other buildings can be “more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities.” The EPA further notes that the threat to human health posed by polluted indoor air is compounded by research that suggests people spend “approximately 90 percent of their time indoors.”
If this information doesn’t concern you, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) specialists at Tallahassee’s Air Control Heating and Cooling will advise you that poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has other negative consequences. Poor IAQ can lead to HVAC equipment breakdowns, the need for premature HVAC system replacement, and higher energy bills. IAQ that includes elevated humidity can cause damage to elements of your home and encourage the growth of harmful mold and mildew.
With this in mind, let’s look closer at poor IAQ and how to optimize your indoor air quality in Tallahassee.
Recognize the Signs of Poor IAQ in Your Tallahassee Home
Outdoor air quality tends to become noticeable when a region’s air quality index slips out of good or moderate levels into the unhealthy ranges. The air can feel thick and gritty, sometimes irritating the mouth and throat when the particulate matter levels are high. Air pollution can tint the normally blue sky with dark hues and produce haze or smog that reduces visibility. Depending on the airborne contaminants, poor outdoor air can also carry any number of noxious or unpleasant odors.
Indoor air quality problems typically manifest themselves more subtly. The smell of musty, stagnant air could be a symptom of poor IAQ, as can the excessive dust accumulation throughout the house. Anyone who suffers from allergies or asthma will generally be the first to recognize that the indoor air may be compromised because poor IAQ will inevitably trigger symptoms. And longer-term IAQ problems can affect anyone in a household by causing headaches and irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.
How Poor IAQ Affects HVAC Systems, Energy Costs
If the air your HVAC system is circulating through your home is flush with airborne pollutants, those contaminants will invariably interact with its components. Your system’s air filter defense will be the first to experience potential problems, as a clogged filter decreases airflow and forces the system to work harder. Because filters cannot capture all the contaminants, over time, they accumulate on system components like motors, compressors, coils, fans, and ductwork, which can reduce their efficiency and push further short- and long-term strain on the system.
When contaminants affecting your HVAC system force it to work harder, it boosts the energy costs needed to create the same level of desired comfort. It also causes subtle wear and tear on components, leading to costly repairs and the likelihood of a reduced product lifespan.
Humidity as an IAQ Component
If your current AC system struggles to keep your home’s humidity level below 60%, the moisture left in the air can further compromise its IAQ. Higher humidity levels can encourage the growth of mold and mildew, which can add harmful spores to the indoor air. The humidity can also increase the emission of volatile organic compounds from building materials, furniture, and other household products, further contributing to poor air quality.
Address Poor IAQ with Air Purification, Duct Cleaning, and Maintenance
You can address poor IAQ in your Tallahassee home with diligent maintenance, regular air duct cleaning, and adding a supplementary air cleaner, purifier, and/or ventilator to your system. To address elevated humidity levels that may contribute to the poor IAQ, consider a system upgrade or boost your system’s dehumidification capabilities by installing a dehumidifier.
To keep your HVAC system in peak operational condition, schedule routine maintenance sessions that include component cleaning, preferably twice annually. Maintenance typically includes filter replacement, but make sure they carry a high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value rating and consider replacing them quarterly. Our Air Control Club offers customers three membership levels, providing them with regularly scheduled maintenance, 18-point inspections, and other performance-optimization benefits.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality with Tallahassee’s HVAC Experts
To secure the best indoor air quality for your Tallahassee home or business, consult the experts at Air Control Heating and Cooling. For repairs, upgrades, installations, duct cleaning, maintenance, and all your HVAC needs, contact us at (850) 562-1234.