The end of one year and the consequential start of another always keeps us looking at the calendars.

From advent calendars to doctor’s appointments, school schedules, and more, routine maintenance reemerges in our minds come December. But have those thoughts extended to your HVAC system?

“An air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service,” according to the U.S. Department of Energy. “Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases.”

But that’s not where the trouble stops. Specifically, if you fail to invest in routine HVAC maintenance, your indoor air quality — and potentially your health — may suffer as well.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Air Quality & Your Air Conditioner

While you may remember to change your air filter regularly — which is indeed integral in maintaining your home’s indoor air quality — the overall health of your HVAC requires a look at the bigger picture.

“Through normal occupation in a home, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals,” the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) explains. “These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the duct work.”

In other words, from the ducts to the condensate drain pan, evaporator coil, and more, there are plenty of small grooves and surfaces through which the air quality can become clogged by particulate matter.

When It’s Time for Action

Generally speaking, you should schedule a routine inspection and maintenance appointment with a local professional at least once a year.

Just as you would visit your doctor annually to make sure everything is running optimally, so too should you do this with your home.

Additionally, on top of your routine HVAC maintenance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends investing in an air duct cleaning if “there is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system.”

Once mold spores enter your HVAC system, they can be carried by the air circulation and distributed throughout the house, meaning any room may become vulnerable to hazardous mold growth.

When the Questions Keep Coming

As we draw nearer to the end of the year, we encourage you to stop and consider when, exactly, you last had your HVAC system inspected.

Moreover, when was the last time you had local professionals provide you with key insights on your overall indoor air quality?

Here at Luce Air Quality, we perform professional indoor air assessments that will provide residential and commercial property owners alike with the information they need to keep their buildings healthy.  If you’ve ever wondered…

• If mold is present
• If your HVAC might need attention
• What rooms may contain contaminants
• And more

… Then our team can help!

While we do not provide HVAC services in specific, we can offer you insight as to whether or not your air quality is optimized, thereby empowering you with rapid results and actionable recommendations that involve the HVAC system.

So, are you ready to breathe easy in 2022? Then contact Luce Air Quality today by calling 904-803-1014!