Americans spend an estimated 90% of their time indoors, where concentrations of some pollutants are 2-5 times higher.
Fall might be the favorite season for many people, but it’s also the time of year when the weather starts to get cooler and we spend more time inside the house. If you notice symptoms like sinus congestion, headaches, dry throat, or eye irritation, it could be a sign of poor indoor air quality (IAQ).
Now is the perfect time to consider some HVAC upgrades that could improve the way you feel while indoors. Here are some to consider for homeowners in Peoria, IL.
Get an HVAC Tune-Up
The first step should be to contact an HVAC company for an AC and heating tune-up. Scheduling regular heating and cooling maintenance ensures that your equipment is running as it should. HVAC technicians check for any problems, and can also clean your units if necessary.
We offer a Build Your Own Planned Maintenance Agreement that allows you to select only the services you need.
Regulate the Humidity
Another aspect of comfortable indoor air quality is the humidity level. You can take steps to control moisture levels at home by using exhaust fans, using dehumidifiers, and checking your ventilation.
Generally, you want a relative humidity of between 40%-60% to stay comfortable.
Swap Your Furnace Filter
Regularly replacing your filters ensures that your HVAC equipment can continue to clean your air efficiently.
Generally, thicker filters are better at trapping contaminants, and they don’t need to be replaced as often. For instance, you might only need to replace a 3-4 inch filter every 6-9 months or so. Thinner filters, such as the 1-2 inch types, need replacing every 1-3 months to maintain efficiency.
Consider upgrading your filter to one with a better rating if you feel you need to improve your indoor air quality. This is one HVAC upgrade that doesn’t cost much but makes a big difference.
Upgrade Your HVAC System
Many newer heating and cooling systems have ventilation, dehumidification, and filtration capabilities. If you notice poor air quality inside, it may be time for an upgrade to a better model.
The average furnace lifespan is around 15 to 30 years, so if your system is approaching the end of its life, fall is the perfect time to make the switch.
Whole-home air purification systems offer the ultimate comfort by maintaining IAQ levels.
Plus, at Lambie Heating & Air Conditioning, we sell high-quality IAQ equipment such as air purifiers and humidifiers designed to help you maintain healthier air quality. UV lights, for instance, help keep your equipment clean and can reduce bacteria, viruses, and allergens.
Looking for HVAC Upgrades?
Living in a home with poor indoor air quality can leave everyone feeling miserable. Thankfully, you can make these fall HVAC upgrades and start breathing easier.
Are you looking for upgrades or indoor air quality services in Peoria, IL? Contact us at Lambie Heating and Air Conditioning for a free quote or to discuss your options. We’d be happy to tell you about the upgrades available or help you improve your IAQ levels.
