The Basics of HVAC Health and Safety

Every breath you take in your home is a direct interaction with your HVAC system. Aside from keeping you comfortable, your heating and cooling equipment play an essential role in keeping your family healthy by cycling air efficiently through a filtration system, pushing the stale air outdoors and pulling fresh air inside. Investing in your HVAC system can lower energy bills, increase comfort, and might just keep you healthy now and in the future!

Important HVAC Health Benefits

A well-maintained HVAC system can have a positive impact on your overall health. Combined with regular preventative maintenance and changing your air filter every 1-3 months, Houston households can enjoy exceptionally healthy air. A clean HVAC can reduce health issues related to:

  • Asthma

  • Allergies

  • Underlying respiratory conditions

  • Cancer, including lung cancer

  • Ongoing symptoms of chemical exposure, including headaches and fatigue

 

How HVAC Keeps Your Family Healthy

Some of the most basic functions of HVAC are designed to address the causes of these ailments. Trust One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Houston for reliable and professional HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation! When your system is well cared for, it provides a range of benefits beyond heating and cooling.

Maintains Excellent Air Quality

Since your HVAC system filters your air, a clean system means cleaner air as it cycles through your home. Replacing your air filter every 1-3 months, dusting and vacuuming regularly, and having your indoor air quality tested can help reduce risks associated with dirty air ducts. Health problems caused by an HVAC system that doesn’t adequately filter or cycle air can make health problems like asthma more severe, so maintenance is vital for households with recurring respiratory issues. Learn why indoor air quality is a priority for many Houstonians.

Filters Potentially Harmful Chemicals

It’s not just dust and dander that cause problems. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemical gases emitted by furniture, carpets, and fabrics. Some VOCs have been linked to cancer and long-term breathing complications. Your HVAC system’s air filter can capture most VOCs, removing them from circulation, which is one more reason to change it regularly!

Regulates Indoor Humidity

Humidity impacts the perceived temperature of indoor spaces, especially during Houston’s scorching hot summers. Homeowners count on their HVAC systems to control humidity levels year-round to stay comfortable and healthy.

  • Low humidity, or dry air, can cause respiratory issues, dry skin, and eye irritation and increases the risk of viral or bacterial infections.

  • High humidity can cause similar respiratory issues and increase the risk of mold in air ducts.

 

Can Dirty Air Ducts Make You Sick?

Dirty air ducts can increase the number of airborne irritants in your home. While there is no federal guidance on how often to clean air ducts, we recommend cleaning your air ducts every two to three years to reduce asthma and allergy symptoms. A thorough professional cleaning also addresses pest or rodent infestation.

Does My Heater Cause Headaches?

Running your heating system can lower indoor humidity levels. Over time, exposure to dry air can result in several uncomfortable symptoms, including headaches. Aim to keep your home’s humidity levels between 30 and 50% year-round.

Invest in Your Health with a Well-Maintained HVAC System

Can HVAC make you sick? Yes, a dirty or poorly maintained system can cause a range of symptoms. But a clean HVAC system can also play a critical role in keeping you and your family healthy. Make regular maintenance a part of your wellness routine. Contact the punctual and professional HVAC technicians from One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Houston to help. Book an appointment online or call (713) 352-7903 today!