According to the Environmental Protection Agency, people spend more than 90% of their time indoors. With so much time indoors, you want assurance that the air is fresh and clean. Although we think indoor air is clean, it may not be. Studies show that concentrations of pollutants may be up to five times higher indoors than outdoors, depending on where you live. Poor air quality can cause health problems, lower productivity and affect learning outcomes.
Poor indoor air quality is caused by several factors, including insufficient ventilation, high humidity, dust, combustion of fuels used for heating and cooking, cleaning supplies and biological agents.
According to the EPA, there are three ways to improve indoor air quality:
- Control the source of pollutants
- Use air cleaners and filtration devices
- Improve ventilation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, research demonstrated that keeping indoor air clean and increasing ventilation can limit the spread of viruses that cause illness. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems can improve ventilation and keep the air clean. HVAC manufacturers offer air cleaners, air purifiers and filters that work with heating and air conditioning systems to help clean the air in homes and offices.
The certified technicians at J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing can help you improve the air quality in your central Florida business or home. We recommend ways to control the source of pollutants and improve ventilation. We also offer products that work with your HVAC system to purify the air.
Indoor Biological Air Contaminants
Common biological contaminants come from pets, pests and germs spread by people and animals. Biological contaminants include:
- Mold and mildew
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Dust
- Cat saliva and other animal droppings
- Dust mites
- Cockroaches, their droppings and insect parts
- Pollen
Many diseases are transmitted by air, including measles, COVID-19, chicken pox, the common cold, tuberculosis and influenza. Many contaminants are small and easily inhaled. People with respiratory ailments, asthma or allergies may be more easily affected by disease-carrying organisms or particulates that trigger allergies and asthma. High humidity, wet areas and poorly maintained heating and cooling systems provide an environment that allows bacteria, viruses, mold, insects, dust mites and other biological contaminants to thrive.
How to Reduce Exposure to Airborne Biological Pollutants
Keeping your house clean and maintaining your HVAC system are simple ways to control biological agents in the living space. The EPA recommends keeping humidity levels between 30% and 60% to control dust mites, mold, cockroaches and other pests. Cleaning surfaces with soap, vinegar, bleach or mild detergents removes viruses, bacteria, mold and other biological pollutants.
Increasing ventilation helps moderate humidity and improve air exchange. Better ventilation can prevent condensation on surfaces and building materials, which limits the growth of biological agents.
Maintaining your HVAC system ensures that filters are clean, ducts do not leak and the condensate system drains properly. Upgrading to higher-quality filters removes smaller particulates that cause health problems. J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing offers heating and air conditioning maintenance that checks and calibrates the entire system to ensure it is safe to use and operates efficiently.
Clean the Air With Your HVAC System
The COVID-19 pandemic spurred research into how viruses are transmitted and identified ways to limit their spread. Experts determined that well-maintained HVAC systems play a key role in keeping indoor air clean and reducing the presence of viruses and other airborne diseases. The Centers for Disease Control noted that increasing ventilation, upgrading HVAC filters and installing ultraviolet lights within the system are effective deterrents.
Seal and Clean Ducts
Leaking ducts lose as much as 30% of the conditioned air flowing through them. Although energy efficiency is an important reason to seal ducts, sealing ducts also ensures that impurities and moisture do not enter from the outside. Leaky ducts allow mold, radon, volatile organic compounds, insect parts, bacteria and airborne diseases to circulate in the air that is eventually blown into your living space. Sealing ducts locks out these pollutants, which contributes to maintaining good indoor air quality.
Keeping ducts clean ensures the air passing through them and entering the living space ducts is fresh and clean. J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing provides duct cleaning services that clean supply and return grilles, the interior of ducts and other components. We also remove sources of moisture that allow microbes to grow.
Improve Ventilation
Improving ventilation dilutes concentrations of impurities, contributes to moisture control and helps your home feel fresh. Stale air moves less, which allows viruses and other airborne diseases to remain in the air. Increasing ventilation disperses droplets and particles, which lowers the risk of becoming infected.
Opening windows and doors may not always be practical. However, opening windows in the evening, early morning or when the weather is mild promotes air exchange. Running exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms removes contaminants in those areas and increases air exchange.
HVAC systems can draw in outside air and expel stale air, a recommended method to reduce concentrations of viruses and other disease vectors. The technicians at J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing will check the airflow in your home and suggest ways to improve air circulation.
Several types of whole-home mechanical ventilators work with the HVAC system to promote air exchange, expelling stale indoor air and bringing in fresh air. We discuss the benefits of each type to help you choose one that suits your budget and lifestyle.
Upgrade Filters
Your HVAC system uses air filters to prevent particulates from entering ducts and the living space. Standard HVAC filters capture large pollutants, such as animal dander, insect parts and pollen. Upgrading to a better-quality filter can capture small particulates, including viruses, mold spores and bacteria. The EPA recommends using the highest-quality filter that works with your HVAC system. Filters with high ratings can cause a pressure drop in the system, which makes equipment work harder. Our technicians will recommend a filter that works with your system.
Install UV Lights
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation inactivates biological agents that cause disease. UV lights installed in ducts keep pathogens from settling on coils, filters and moist areas inside ducts. We often recommend installing UV lights as part of a comprehensive indoor air quality strategy.
Schedule Maintenance
Seasonal maintenance ensures your heating and cooling system is in good working order. We clean components to prevent microbial growth and help the system function efficiently. During a maintenance session, we measure humidity levels and recommend ways to keep humidity within recommended levels.
Our Experts
J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing is a full-service HVAC company founded in 1966. We serve businesses and residences in the greater Jacksonville area. We also offer plumbing repairs, water heater installations, duct cleaning and energy audits. Our NATE-certified technicians work with all brands of heating and cooling equipment. We provide 24-hour emergency repair services.
For more information about how your HVAC system can reduce virus transmission and help keep the air in your home or business clean, call and speak to one of our service technicians.
