Does IAQ Change in the Summer?

The quality of the air you breathe is an important concern at any time of year. But especially in the summer, your indoor air quality can go down significantly, without your even realizing it. What are the factors affecting your summer IAQ, and what can you do to mitigate them?

What Affects Your Summer IAQ?

There are several reasons to worry about your air quality in summer. First of all, humidity rises, particularly in Florida. As the air gets hot and wet, it becomes a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria, all of which can wreak havoc on allergies and asthma.

Second, summer is shedding season for your pets. Pet hair and dander can build up in the air, causing reactions even if your family isn’t normally allergic.

Finally, as your A/C is running longer to beat the heat, the filter will get filled much faster — particularly when you factor in those extra contaminants we’ve already mentioned. If you’re not diligent about checking and replacing it, it won’t be as effective at keeping your air clean.

Improving Your IAQ

How can you combat these factors and keep your summer air clean and breathable? First, keep your house clean. Dust and vacuum regularly, to eliminate contaminants. Think about using a microfiber cloth that can trap dust particles, rather than simply spreading them around. A vacuum with a HEPA filter can also help keep contaminants at bay.

Remember to change your air filter regularly, too. Check it at least once a month to see if it’s clogged. You can also invest in a whole house humidifier, which allows you to program your house’s humidity levels, much like a thermostat does with temperature, and keep them at safe levels.

Finally, open your windows. The air in your home is much more contaminated than the air outside. An open window can not only provide an influx of clean, fresh air into your home, but also create better airflow.

To schedule maintenance and services to improve your summer IAQ, contact us at Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions. We provide quality HVAC solutions to Orlando and the surrounding areas.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).