In the year 2019, with the development of COVID-19, we transformed the way we use to look at our homes. One of the major changes was the increased amount of time spent at home. Due to the pandemic, worldwide lockdowns, work-from-home scenarios, and quarantines, 90% of the people were staying back at home. In such scenarios, a healthy home environment was what every resident was looking for. An HVAC System installed in the homes was a source of creating and regulating a healthy environment through its basic air regulating and purifying functions. For many, HVAC is just an indoor heating and cooling solution, but in reality, it is a complete health care system that eliminates airborne germs and provides us with healthy air quality.
Impact of HVAC on the lives of older people
Older people account for the largest part of the population, according to the National Center of Assisted Living. For them, HVAC is a complete health care system making their homes or shared spaces comfortable to live in. They already have a compressed respiratory system, and with the help of air filters, they receive pure, healthy air. They are also protected from temperature extremes by the well-maintained functions of HVAC Systems.
HVAC providing Indoor Comfort
But if yearly, regular maintenance does not take place, the HVAC System can pose serious threats to health.
Comfort Solutions HVAC circulating clean, fresh air
The HVAC System consists of air filters that prevent airborne contamination preventing the germs from settling on the ducts. With no proper maintenance, the air filters of an HVACV System are overloaded and will get clogged due to dust and debris from outside. This results in poor air ventilation, which can be harmful to people with breathing issues, causing them to cough or irritation in the mucus membrane.
Always go for yearly maintenance checks. Also, set a reminder to clean and swap the filters at least after a few weeks to make your home clean, green, and safe. Also, with people or kids prone to sickness, always choose a filter with a higher MERV (MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REPORTING VALUE) mesh to even remove the smallest dirt particles from the air.
Leak in HVAC System
Oil or natural gas is used in heating the furnaces in an HVAC System. A leak in the furnace can result in carbon monoxide being spread through the air. This can be extremely dangerous for the health of you and your loved ones. In such a scenario, it is important to open all the windows and let clean air circulate inside the room. Leave the premises of your house and call a professional technician from companies like Indoor Comfort Solutions.
Air quality Indoor
Due to the installation of HVAC Systems in the majority of the establishments ‘sick building Syndrome’ is growing all across the country. People are constantly breathing air that is passing through the HVACs. If your HVACs are not well maintained and taken care of, the air coming through those vents can be contaminated and polluted.
Due to uncleanliness, the growth of bacteria can occur in the heating and cooling machinery, which will then spread through the air circulating. By inhaling air with a poor-quality index, you can face many health problems and bacterial growths like headache, congestion, fatigue, and breathing problems.
Condensation
It is the process of converting the moisture removed from the air into a liquid by the cooling device installed. It forms in the ducts or coils of the Air conditioner. In many HVAC Systems, condensation is a widely reported problem, esp. during the summers when air conditioners are operating at full capacity.
Condensation itself is not a threat to our health. It becomes dangerous when the water droplets accumulate and assist in the growth of mold. Mold is a serious issue that is hazardous for our respiratory tract causing breathing problems like asthma and bronchitis
Dirty ducts
In the HVAC system, the air is moved through the ducts to be heated or cooled and recirculated continuously. The ducts are full of dirt, pet hair, pollen, and debris; hence when the air circulates through those ducts, the quality of the air we breathe reduces. It is important to get the ducts professionally cleaned and disinfected by reliable companies like indoor comfort solutions to avoid damage to the health.
Read more: Checklist by AC Repair Companies
Frequently Asked Questions
Can your HVAC make you sick?
The HVAC system does not make you sick. If not well maintained, the risk of airborne diseases spreading through the air will increase.
What are the disadvantages of an HVAC System?
There are several disadvantages of the HVAC System:
- The continuous use of Air conditioners makes the nose dry and eyes itchy.
- The noise produced while functioning leads to noise pollution
- The hot air emitted constantly is enhancing global warming
- Increased humidity in the air results in various respiratory diseases.
Can central Air conditioning cause Headaches?
Yes, HVAC System causes headaches. There are various reasons for it, like dehydration and more.