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A family relaxes indoors, trusting their air purifier to help regulate the indoor air quality of their Springfield, IL home.

4 Indoor Air Quality Issues in The Fall & How to Fix Them

Fall is a beautiful time of the year, with the weather getting more temperate and comfortable. However, the same may not be true inside your home. The fall season can affect indoor air quality (IAQ) in several ways that homeowners should be aware of, but fortunately, there are solutions to each situation. If you have questions or want the quality of your home’s air to be evaluated, don’t hesitate to contact our experts at C&K Heating & Cooling. In the meantime, read on to find out about the four most common indoor air quality problems you might encounter during the autumn months and what tips might help you resolve them.

Indoor Humidity Levels Fluctuate

During the fall months, your indoor humidity levels are something to be aware of. They are likely to fluctuate as the weather gets cooler because people tend to spend more time indoors and cook at home. Warm meals like soups, stews, and pasta are being prepared more often due to the chilly temperature outside. Since the windows and doors are likely closed to keep residents warm inside, the humidity doesn’t have anywhere to go, making it feel uncomfortable or stuffy. More than that, it lowers indoor air quality, and the condensation on the windows could lead to mildew or mold formation. Or depending on your household, you could experience arid conditions that could lead to cracked skin and an irritated throat. Installing a humidifier or dehumidifier would be a helpful solution, depending on the needs of your home, but consulting with C&K Heating & Cooling, Inc. can help you find the right solution.

Indoor Airflow Drops Significantly

It may be surprising to homeowners, but the quality of the air outside can be significantly better than the air inside their homes. As the weather gets colder, many homeowners will seal their homes to prepare for winter and help ensure their HVAC system works more efficiently. While this helps keep warm air inside, it also means that all the particles and allergens that aren’t filtered by the HVAC are constantly circling in the indoor air, including certain chemicals used to clean the home.

We recommend the most effective way to remove those contaminants permanently is to install a filter with a high MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. Alternating the types of air filters you use based on each season will be very helpful in maintaining good IAQ. You can also invest in a whole-house air purifier, which could be an essential upgrade if you have pets or any of your home’s residents have asthma, allergies, or COPD. Ask our professionals about what additional expert services we can provide to improve your home.

Temperatures are Constantly Changing

The fall season can be tricky for adequately heating and cooling your home. Your HVAC system will likely be under a lot of pressure to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, as the outside temperature will often fluctuate throughout the day. Morning, afternoon, and evening could differ by 40 degrees or more. If your thermostat doesn’t automatically adjust to those dramatic temperature changes, your HVAC system will likely become overworked, leading to lower efficiency, a lower IAQ, or even malfunctioning.

An excellent solution is installing a smart thermostat, which is Wi-Fi enabled and can check local weather forecasts, adjust the settings on an as-needed basis, and save your HVAC system from unnecessary strain. If you have questions about your options or want your thermostat inspected or a new one installed, contact our team at C&K Heating & Cooling, Inc..

Allergens are Everywhere

The uncomfortable truth is that allergens are everywhere, and specific allergens are more prevalent each season. In the fall, dust mites flourish. If you notice the residents in your home are beginning to sneeze, cough, or itch, the microscopic dust mites might be the problem. You can put allergy covers on your mattresses and pillows or launder your bedding in hot water every week. You could also try shampooing the carpets and upholstery. The goal is to keep the fabrics you have clean and free of allergens.

Mildew and mold spores are also more likely to form at this time of year because residents can track outdoor debris and bring it into the house. You should also consider reducing how often you make a fire in the fireplace, as that will make it harder for the people in your home to breathe easily. Ensure your HVAC system is turned up at the beginning of the fall season to regulate the humidity and purify your air adequately. Whenever you need professional help, call C&K Heating & Cooling, Inc. at 618.537.8888.

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