The Australian summer can be super hot. If you live in Australia, you will want to make sure you can stay cool during the intense heat. I came to realise how important HVAC systems are when I moved into an apartment which didn't have HVAC. It was OK in the winter, but by the summer, it was terrible. I called in an HVAC contractor and asked them to install a new system. It was amazing what a difference it made. The contractor also gave me some advice about how to maintain the system. I hope this blog is useful to you.
Moisture in the air is critical for improving indoor air quality. However, there needs to be a proper balance of moisture to avoid problems in the air. Very little moisture can cause the air to feel dry, and this may trigger respiratory problems. On the other hand, too much moisture can lead to the growth of mold and mildew which are harmful when inhaled. There is a need to maintain proper moisture balance to create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. Here are some simple do-it-yourself steps that you can take to reduce moisture in the air to healthy and safe levels.
Increase ventilation
If the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is working correctly, you should have no moisture problems in the home. The fans can help to circulate air and remove excess moisture from the house. However, if the unit isn't working properly, you may notice that the home feels dump even when the AC is running. Consider opening the windows once in a while to allow fresh air from outside. If you don't know if your ventilation fans are working correctly, you can have an HVAC contractor to come and inspect the entire system. A few repairs and cleaning of the fans, coils, and ducts should restore the operation of the unit and allow proper circulation of air in the home.
Check for plumbing leaks
Plumbing leaks can have a significant impact on the air quality in your home as they increase humidity in the air. Also, leaking pipes can cause water damage to the walls, floor, or insulation, encouraging mold growth in these areas. When inhaled, mold spores can cause severe respiratory problems and trigger allergies. Check the home for any leaks in your plumbing fixtures and have them repaired. Additionally, you should also look out for condensation around the pipes that supply hot water. This is because condensation can also increase humidity in the air. You should insulate hot water pipes to prevent condensation.
Take shorter hot showers
While everyone would like to enjoy a long steamy shower, it may not be doing justice to your air conditioning system. First, hot showers increase humidity in the air, and this causes your AC to work harder to get rid of the hot moist air. This can cause the system to malfunction prematurely. Second, the humid air increases condensation in the bathroom, and this can encourage mold to grow on the walls. Both scenarios will affect your indoor air quality. Train yourself to take shorter hot showers to reduce the chances of releasing excess moisture in the air. You can also shower with the bathroom windows open to allow fresh air from outside and allow your air conditioner to work efficiently.
Contact an HVAC contractor if you still experience moisture problems with the air in your home.
Share13 September 2017
