Category: indoor air quality

Winning the Humidity War: Your AC’s Crucial Role in Indoor Air Quality

The effects of air conditioning on the air temperature and indoor air quality is very evident, but did you know that air conditioning also dehumidifies summertime air? The official name for your system is the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, or HVAC. Air conditioning and ventilation work together to remove moisture from the air and keep the home comfortable and SAFE.

Why Does My House Feel Sticky? The Role of AC in Dehumidification

Is high humidity indoors dangerous? Visit abandoned spaces without HVAC, and you will discover musty places with mold and mildew growing. Paint and stains bubble up from surfaces and get very tacky to the touch. These spaces are considered unhealthy and unsafe for human habitation. This is the difference that an HVAC system makes in indoor spaces.  High humidity reduces indoor air quality and can also represent a major health risk for family members who suffer from allergies, asthma, and breathing difficulties that are exacerbated by the presence of mold or mildew spores.

The target range of indoor humidity is between 30% and 50%, with 40% recognized as the most comfortable target humidity. Lower humidity can cause woodwork to crack, skin to get dry, and nasal passages to get dry as well. Higher humidity results in furniture, walls, and flooring surfaces feeling slightly wet or sticky, and human skin also being moist and sweaty.

High humidity can also foster mold and mildew growth. The spores surround us and may also be found in the soil of indoor plants. Moist, dark surfaces promote mold blooms; that is exactly the environment created after a shower, bath, or other cleaning activities. The air conditioning and ventilation system components remove the airborne spores and reduce the moisture content from the air, making it healthier.

The major source of indoor humidity is outdoor humidity, and South Texas experiences high humidity during the entire cooling season. It is not uncommon to experience outdoor relative humidity above 90% in our area during the late summer. Indoor sources also abound, including bathing, cooking, and cleaning activities add moisture to the air. Human, pet, and even plant respiration add to indoor moisture content.

What can be done to combat high humidity indoors and improve indoor air quality?

• Fix water leaks, since they are often out of sight, yet they contribute to the humidity/mold problem.
• Keep your air conditioner well-maintained. An annual inspection and cleaning will remove dust particles that cling to surfaces and inhibit cooling and dehumidification.
• Change your air filter regularly, at least once every three months. A dirty filter can inhibit the airflow into the evaporator chamber, the center for humidity removal.
• Be aware of water that might leak from the air handler cabinet. It may be the result of a clogged drain line, but the evaporator coil is removing several gallons of water per day from the air. If the drain line is clogged, this water will migrate, potentially ruining flooring, furniture, and other surfaces. The leaking water can also be an indicator of bigger problems. Either way, do not ignore an air conditioner water leak.
• If indoor humidity seems to be a big problem, use exhaust fans during showers and cooking. This limits the amount of moisture from these sources. Find good times to open windows or a door to increase ventilation. Make sure that the outdoor temperature and relative humidity are lower than the desired indoor temperature and humidity.
• If air conditioning and ventilation are not enough, consider a residential dehumidifier. These devices are rather small but are effective at removing water from the air. Be sure to empty the collection basin and keep the unit clean and free from dust and spores.

Breathe Easier with All Cool AC: Simple Steps to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality and Reduce Indoor Humidity

Air conditioning plays a crucial role in dehumidifying indoor air, especially in humid climates like South Texas, thus significantly impacting indoor air quality. High indoor humidity can lead to mold growth, exacerbate respiratory issues, and create uncomfortable living conditions. 

All Cool AC & Heating indoor air quality professionals can assist with your HVAC repair and AC maintenance needs. Schedule your service appointment by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified indoor air quality technicians put their experience to work for you.

Indoor Air Quality Benefits of Media Air Filters

Since 2020, Americans have been more aware of indoor air quality issues and how they affect family health and comfort. The role that the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays in keeping indoor spaces healthy was also highlighted. And for good reason.

The variety and quantity of airborne contaminants is quite amazing.

• Dust and dander are composed of skin and hair from family members, both human and furry members
• There are microscopic insects, dust mites, that attach themselves to dust particles and consume them. These insects trigger allergies in some people.
• Pollen and mold spores are reproductive cells from plants and fungi that also trigger allergies and asthma.
• Of course, bacteria and viruses are known pathogens, causing illnesses and diseases.
• Carpet, adhesives, finishes, and furniture produce volatile organic compounds.
• Various chemicals enter the home from the exhaust and manufacturing from the local environment.

For these reasons and more, HVAC systems have an air filter to remove a significant percentage of these particles to keep air healthy.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers tested air filters and developed a MERV rating to help consumers purchase filters. The ratings are based on the percentage of specific-size particles the filter will remove; higher numbers indicate a higher percentage of particles being removed.

• Most air conditioners are designed to receive a 1” thick air filter
• These filters are made of either fiberglass mesh or wood fiber (paper). These filters are often pleated to give a greater surface for capturing airborne particles.
• Residential HVAC systems are not designed to use ultra-high MERV-rated filters, since they restrict airflow and hamper the performance of the system.

If indoor air quality is extremely important for your family, perhaps due to severe allergies, asthma, or other breathing illnesses, investigate a media filter to see whether it can improve indoor air quality in your home.

• Media air filters are thicker, 3” to 4” thick. This increases the number of fiber layers without making the openings too small for effective air movement.
• The combination of layers traps 98% of particles, including particles as small as .1 microns in diameter.
• Since media filters are made from synthetic fibers, they carry an electrostatic charge, attracting very small airborne particles.

Media Filter Pros

1. Media filters remove a larger percentage of airborne particles than regular MERV filters. This keeps the air healthier and surfaces cleaner.
2. Some media have a charcoal layer to trap odors and gases; MERV filters do not.
3. By removing more particles without obstructing airflow, media filters are better equipped to improve HVAC efficiency and performance. This can lead to fewer repairs and extended system longevity.
4. Media filters do not need to be replaced as often. They need to be replaced every year or two, depending on how much you use the HVAC system.

Media Filter Cons

1. A 3” to 4” filter will not fit in a slot designed for 1” filters. To retrofit a system, a media filter will need a cabinet designed to accept the filter.
2. Media filters are more expensive than MERV-rated filters, BUT, since they do not have to be replaced as often, the cost is very similar to the cost of replacement.

All Cool AC Indoor Air Quality professionals can verify whether your HVAC system can accommodate a new media air filter. Schedule your indoor air quality consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified AC maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality for Those with Chronic Respiratory Issues

Twelve million people in the US have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, and millions more might have undiagnosed COPD. COPD is a group of illnesses that include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and severe allergies, all of which inflame the tissues of the lungs and make breathing difficult. Common factors in developing COPD include:

• Tobacco smoke
• Genetics
• Pollutants in the home, workspace, or environment, including dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold spores, bacteria, viruses, and fumes from household supplies.

These illnesses demand excellent indoor air quality to reduce potential irritants to lung tissue. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce airborne contaminants and improve indoor air quality, including wise HVAC choices.

1. Frequent Cleaning. Most airborne contaminants are heavier than air; when the air is still, gravity brings them to whatever surface is below. Dusting, vacuuming, and mopping frequently permanently remove them from the home.
2. Change Air Filters. The air filter collects airborne particles with every heating and cooling cycle, but it does not take long for the collection of dust, pollen, and dander to clog the filter. Normally, the filter is changed every three months, but a family with COPD may need to change the filter more often.
3. Increase the MERV. Air filters are rated by the size of the openings in the filter surface called Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value—the higher the MERV number, the more particles that get removed. Determine the highest rating of filter your system can handle and buy a supply of these filters.
4. Consider UV Lights. Ultraviolet light is extremely disruptive to cell membranes and DNA; it is the part of sunlight that causes sunburn. When UV light is installed in HVAC ductwork, it gives dust mites, pollen, bacteria, mold, and viruses a fatal case of sunburn. The remaining lifeless husks can be collected by cleaning or an air filter.
5. Annual Clean/Inspect. Every HVAC system should receive a preventative maintenance check each year. During this visit, further cleaning will ensure fewer particles get through and sufficient humidity is removed to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
6. Duct Cleaning. Airborne particles that are in the duct when the heating/cooling cycle ends will be deposited inside the duct and eventually form a thick collection. COPD and other breathing illnesses may require frequent duct cleaning.
7. Reduce Harmful Fumes. The overspray from cleaning supplies and other household aerosols can be a problem. Choose all-natural supplies in spray bottles to reduce the irritation from fumes. (Make sure to keep fuel, paints, and adhesives in air-tight containers when stored in the garage.)
8. Fresh Air. Opening windows or doors at the right time can help dilute the concentration of airborne particles, but it must be done at the right time. When is the right time? When the air temperature is agreeable, and the outdoor pollutant level is lower than the indoor level. Avoid times of high pollen count or mold spore count, for example.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it is a good start for improving indoor air quality.

Let AllCool AC Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home.

Routine maintenance and preventative tips like we have outlined can help improve indoor air quality in your home to help those with chronic respiratory issues. Schedule your Katy AC repair consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified Katy AC repair technicians put their experience to work for you.

 

Is Your HVAC System Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality?

Sir Edward Coke, a 17th-century English jurist, wrote, “The house of everyone is to him as his Castle and Fortress.” It is used in the legal field, but it reflects how most people feel about their home. “Home” is a retreat from daily threats and dangers. Homeowners do everything possible to correct the problem and reestablish security whenever there is danger. However, what if danger is lurking on the inside of the home? Indoor air quality is just such a danger.

Poor indoor air quality affects the most necessary human function—breathing. Airborne particles can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, resulting in runny noses, watery, itchy eyes, a sore throat, and intense headaches. When family members are vulnerable with compromised health conditions, poor indoor air often triggers allergies or asthma attacks. This danger needs to be changed, so let’s get to it.

Sources of Pollution to Your Indoor Air Quality

Each home is unique, but pollution sources are quite common.

• Organic particles abound, both plant and animal. Seasonal allergens include pollen from trees and wildflowers (or weeds, if you prefer), mold, and mildew. Year-round allergens include dander (skin cells) and hair from pets or livestock. Of course, we must not forget the danger posed by viruses and airborne bacteria.
• Inorganic particles are also serious threats. These include exhaust from family vehicles, lawn equipment fuel, paints, and solvents. The local environment also contributes to the problem. If your home is near a highway or a dirt road, expect dust to find a way inside your home.
• When furniture, carpets, flooring, and finishes are manufactured, the materials contain volatile organic compounds that will be released into the surroundings for years. We recognize them as a “new” smell, and it does not pose a danger unless in high concentrations.

Mitigating Problematic Indoor Air Quality Particles

Particles from different sources will need to be removed differently. The object of mitigation is to remove pollutants and dilute the number of particles in the air.

• The first line of defense is the air filter in the HVAC system. With each heating or cooling cycle, the filter permanently removes the vast majority of both organic and inorganic particles. Filters are rated by the percentage of particles of a certain size, called Minimum Efficiency Rating Value or MERV. If indoor air quality is a serious concern, check the operation manual to determine the proper range of filter rating for the system.
• The air conditioner removes humidity from the indoor space. Removing humidity prevents the growth of mold and mildew spores. These spores can be extremely dangerous allergens.
• Remember to use natural ventilation and open windows and doors at the right time. Early mornings are ideal. Opening the home to the outdoors dilutes the concentration of particles indoors, but only when the concentration of pollen and mold outdoors is low.
• For further protection, consider adding ultraviolet lights to the ductwork. Ultraviolet rays are the damaging, burning rays that cause sunburns. It disrupts cell walls and neutralizes organic allergens, including pollen, viruses, and dust mites. Your HVAC professional can give details concerning these lights.
• If a family member is extremely vulnerable, consider a room or whole-house air purifier. Purifiers use a series of filters, including activated charcoal. Activated charcoal removes gaseous pollutants, including VOCs and exhaust. Room versions are portable and can be moved to a space most advantageous.

Are You Concerned if Your HVAC is Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality?

Schedule your indoor air quality consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified indoor air quality technicians put their experience to work for you.

Protecting Your Home with Improved Indoor Air Quality

Ventilation—the V in HVAC—is an often-forgotten function of this important, advanced building system. We are very familiar with the heating and cooling functions, but the ventilation function ensures indoor air is also clean and fresh. Good indoor air quality ensures indoor spaces are healthy and comfortable.

Ventilation is rather complex.

• Indoor air will begin as polluted as outdoor air. But unless it is cleaned and freshened, the pollutants concentrate inside and make the air unhealthy.
• Indoor air will begin at the same temperature and relative humidity as outdoor air. Unless this air is warmed, cooled, humidified, or dehumidified, it has an unhealthy effect on the surfaces of walls, floors, and furnishings. When it is conditioned, indoor air feels comfortable and is relatively healthy.
• Ventilation and comfort are very subjective, dependent upon the comfort preferences of more than one occupant.
• Health issues of occupants will also impact decisions concerning ventilation; breathing issues, such as allergies and asthma, may require special considerations.

Handling Pollutants

A home will encounter several categories of pollutants. An HVAC system will remove some of these pollutants and avoid others. The good news is that we have very good air quality in our region, and the pollutants we encounter are relatively easy to mitigate.

• Organic solid particles. Most air particles originate from living organisms: pollen, mold, mildew, (most) dust, and dander are produced by living organisms. These particles are known to trigger allergies and asthma attacks. In addition, organic material is often the meal and vehicle for microscopic pests. Dust mites pose their own dangers since they trigger their own brand of allergic reactions.
• Inorganic solid particles. These are typically windborne minerals and pose less of an allergy danger.
• Mold and mildew spores are not only organic allergens but also can multiply and produce more spores in indoor spaces. High humidity is a necessary condition for mold/mildew growth—keep this in mind.
• Various gases. Materials, finishes, and adhesives will off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially when the products are new. Various exhaust gases, such as carbon monoxide, enter the home from the outdoors (and potentially a leaking gas-powered furnace).
• Radon is a radioactive gas that enters the home from surrounding soil in basements or crawl spaces. It is relatively uncommon in our immediate vicinity. Testing for radon is readily available and inexpensive.

Indoor Air Quality Mitigation Tactics

• Removing organic solids. These particles are all heavier than air, and gravity causes them to fall onto every surface in the home. We refer to them corporately as dust. Normal dusting and vacuuming collect most of these particles and remove them from the house forever. In addition, the HVAC system has an air filter that collects particles that remain airborne. Eventually, the filter collects enough particles that the filter is clogged, so the filter needs to be replaced about every three months.
• Diluting indoor contaminants. Introducing outdoor air to indoor spaces releases some of the VOCs to outdoor spaces. This happens when shower or kitchen exhaust fans are used and by leaving a door or window open when the temperature is nice.
• The ideal range for indoor relative humidity is between 30 and 50% humidity. When indoor air is more humid, it can promote mold and mildew growth. Maintaining the HVAC system year-round will help keep the humidity level within the prescribed range.
• Additional equipment. When health issues demand extra measures, technicians can install auxiliary equipment to mitigate specific problems. Ultraviolet lights added to the ductwork will neutralize organic particles, making them inert and reducing the allergen threat. Portable dehumidifiers or room air purifiers can provide added benefits to specific rooms or spaces.

Call the Indoor Air Quality Experts at All Cool AC!

Schedule your indoor air quality consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified indoor air quality technicians put their experience to work for you.

 How is the indoor air quality in your home?

To be honest, clean air is relative, and there are many variables for you to consider. First are the health concerns of family members since people with severe allergies, breathing problems, and compromised immune systems can be extremely sensitive to airborne particles. Some health issues might be seasonal or short-term. Some health issues might require technology to remove airborne pollutants; we will discuss some options available for improving indoor air quality.

• Minor problems that result from indoor air pollution might manifest with itchy eyes, runny nose, or a headache.
• Moderate problems might trigger severe allergic reactions.
• Stronger health problems might make breathing difficult, as pollutants irritate airways.

Another set of variables exists with individual homes.

• New homes will have much more volatile organic compound (VOC) gases floating around; we associate these gases with a “new” smell. Newly manufactured building materials and furnishings contain fibers, adhesives, and finishes (paints and stains) that release organic chemicals. Over time, the amount of gas released decreases, but new items off-gas VOCs quickly.
• Old homes might have more gaps and openings around doors, windows, walls, and ceilings. If you open the walls around windows and doors, you will notice the insulation has turned black since it is filtering particles out of the incoming air.
• Homes located near dirt roads, major highways, industrial sites, or farmland may contain higher concentrations of airborne particles since the outdoor air also contains higher concentrations of these particles.

Each home will have individual characteristics that affect airborne pollutants and indoor air quality.

Common categories of airborne contaminants include:

• Radon. An odorless, colorless, radioactive gas found in rocks, soils, and water. Radon migrates from the soil in a crawlspace or through cracks in basement foundations. Breathing radon in high concentrations over a period leads to lung cancer, so consider this a serious issue. The EPA also has guidelines to help homeowners test and mitigate problems with radon.¹
• Various Particles. Indoor air contains many particles, most of which are too small to see unaided. Organic particles from the outside include pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses which tend to be seasonal. Organic particles that originate inside include dust (mostly human skin cells) and dander (pet skin cells)/pet hair. Inorganic particles include dirt disturbed by movement and various industrial/combustion gases. Different filters can remove various particles.
• Various Gases. VOCs may originate inside or outside the house, resulting from household cleaners and cooking. Normal filters do not trap VOCs. Activated charcoal filters can trap them—the small spaces in the charcoal absorb and hold VOCs.

Care must be taken with natural gas-powered furnaces to ensure that the carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide that result from combustion are safely exhausted outdoors and do not enter the home. These gases are odorless, colorless, and hazardous to human health.

Each air pollutant has a technological solution.

• Radon detectors monitor indoor air and alert homeowners of the problem. Professional mitigation will vent radon outdoors and establish increased monitoring for further protection.
• If a family member has health issues that require very clean air, consult with an HVAC professional to determine the most efficient air filter for your system. Filters with extremely small openings may overly restrict the airflow and stress the blower motor.

Supportive technology is available to assist with regular filtration. Some filters use static electricity to remove more airborne particles. Ultraviolet lights can be installed inside the supply vents to neutralize organic particles, making them inert. An air filter can easily remove these harmless particles.

• Regular filters will not remove gaseous contaminants. Activated charcoal filters are commonly found in air purifiers (both room and whole-house-size purifiers). However, activated charcoal is neither a solution for radon, due to its radioactivity nor combustion gas, due to its volume.

Vital maintenance issues that affect indoor air quality include:

• Complete regular household cleaning to remove dust from surfaces.
• Changing the air filter regularly, at least every three months.
• Cleaning the vents regularly, about every 3 to 5 years.
• Maintain the HVAC system annually.
• Open windows or doors occasionally to dilute air pollutants, even during winter months.

Need Help Identifying Airborne Pollutants to Improve Indoor Air Quality?

Schedule your indoor air quality standards consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified indoor air quality technicians put their experience to work for you.

 

¹ https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-05/documents/hmbuygud.pdf