High Winds Across The United States Affecting Indoor Air Quality

A HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) system is an important system that is designed to improve the humidity and air temperature within a room or house. A HVAC system that is properly designed and functioning can provide thermal comfort by distributing adequate amounts of outdoor air to achieve desirable ventilation needs of a home’s occupants.

It helps to isolate and remove contaminants and odors through filtration, pressure control and exhaust fans. However, high winds have been undermining the performance of many AC systems around the country, in turn affecting the indoor air quality. High winds transport dust and debris into homes, through the AC system. With time, the accumulated dust and debris damage the AC system if the problem is not addressed early enough.

IAQ problems

An ineffective HVAC system can promote the growth and spread of micro-organisms, such as thermophilic actinomycetes and Legionella pneumophila. Therefore, it is important to keep the cooling tower clean using a chlorine treatment that can get rid of these health hazards. Indoor air pollutants trigger various reactions among different people, such as headache, shortness of breath, fatigue, sinus congestion, sneezing, cough, nausea, dizziness, skin irritation and eye, nose, and throat irritation.

Leaving mold spores in the AC system can easily compromise the indoor air quality. Therefore, it is advisable for property owners to develop and implement an effective plan that can help prevent the growth of mold in the system. Unfortunately, the majority of home owners seek to destroy mold using biocides, fungicides and cleaners. Such efforts may kill the mold, but not eradicate the problem. Part of an effective AC management plan involves preventing the growth of mold and evaluating the situation by involving professional assistance.

Efforts of cleaning the system

Professional HVAC Vent Cleaning tries to clean dust and debris transmitted by high winds out of HVAC components and machinery, which goes a long way in preventing broken parts and eventual expensive repairs. Rinsing the exterior condenser coil of the system helps to get rid of dust covering the condenser. A dust covering can lower the system’s performance, resulting in the AC running inefficiently.

High-efficiency filters are recommended as a cost-effective measure of improving IAQ, while reducing energy use. Manufacturers’ recommend changing the AC system’s filters at least once every 3 months. However, for areas prone to high winds and dust, filters need to be changed at least once every month. Filters tend to trap more dirt and dust brought about by high winds, which could readily travel into the ductwork and get transmitted into the home. It is also common for filters to get clogged with lots of dust, making it practically impossible for air to pass through. With the absence of a steady flow of clean-filtered air, the HVAC system uses air derived from leaks along the ductwork, coming from a hot, dirty attic.

HVAC system assessment

HVAC system assessment seeks to perform duct cleaning, maintenance and home air quality Testing. When dust storms blow, the dust often enters the attic of the home through the attic vents. The dust eventually gets into the living space through leaks between the attic and the home or through leaks in the AC system’s ductwork. Hiring a licensed HVAC professional can help seal the ducts and ensure the seals do not generate static pressure that damages the system.