7 Tips to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality This Fall

Get ready for cooler weather here in Knoxville—fall is here! When the outdoor temperatures start to drop, you probably will spend more time inside your home. Be sure to focus on enhancing your indoor air quality (IAQ) so that you can boost your overall home comfort and enjoy the autumn season to its fullest.

To improve your air quality and transform your Tennessee home into the ideal living space you’ve always wanted, turn to our AA Air Company professionals. We are the leading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) experts—a company you can trust with your health and comfort.

You won’t find a more committed or thorough team better equipped to maximize your comfort at home — call us today to address your needs! Here are some key ways you can start improving your indoor air quality this fall:

1. Have AA Air Company install a whole-home humidifier and/or whole-home dehumidifier.
   Fall weather means less air conditioning (AC) is needed to keep cool—but this can also lead to inadequate and erratic humidity levels inside your home. Ideal humidity levels fall within the range of 30 to 50 percent.Inadequate humidity levels can result in respiratory issues and worsen both asthma and allergy symptoms. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, 24 million people are affected by asthma—while allergies are classified as the sixth leading cause of chronic illness. If your home feels too dry, a whole-home humidifier could provide the appropriate balance. Similarly, and more common to Tennessee, a whole-home dehumidifier could assist by preventing your home from becoming overly humid. Too much moisture can lead to multiple health issues as well.
2. Replace or clean your HVAC filter routinely.
   It’s critical to replace disposable HVAC filters (and clean off washable versions) at least every 30 to 90 days. Filters trap particles, but if you don’t routinely change your filter, you’ll end up breathing in all of the captured dust, dirt, and debris. Not only will a dirty filter result in poor indoor air quality, but it also prevents your HVAC system from operating at full capacity.
3. Open your windows for ventilation.
   Leave your windows open for a few minutes every day if possible. Proper ventilation helps dilute any lingering bacteria and viruses by inviting fresher air inside and pushing stale air out. As a result, your indoor air will be cleaner and safer for you to breathe.
4. Clean your home regularly.
   Routine cleaning helps eliminate surface contaminants on your floors, countertops, tables, windowsills, and fixtures. Dust, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses easily collect in these areas of your home, negatively impacting your air quality. Counteract this by dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping regularly.
5. Schedule a duct inspection.
   No matter how clean you keep your home, your air duct system, if damaged or leaking, could lead to you breathing in dust and various particles. Additionally, fall is the time of year when wildlife starts looking for ways to get warmer, often in your home! They will get into your crawlspace or attic, and will tear into your ducts. If you want to protect your health, or suffer from allergies or asthma, don’t continue exposing yourself to triggers throughout your home. A professional duct inspection will identify damage, tears, bad seals, constriction, etc. – things that can be fixed to close up your ducts to prevent undesirable pollutants from getting in your circulating air that travel to various areas of your home.
6. Opt for routine professional HVAC maintenance.
   Schedule a professional HVAC maintenance visit, preferably twice a year. One for inspecting and servicing your AC for warmer months, and one for preparing your heating for colder months. Better yet, join our Comfort Club and get discounts on any repairs or enhancements to your home comfort system, while enjoying the benefits of comprehensive maintenance visits. Planned maintenance not only ensures your HVAC units stay efficient — it also allows our team to catch any issues that could compromise your system and indoor air quality. Plus, an annual tune-up helps maintain your system’s functionality so that it gives you more years of service, and you can count on it when you need it most.
7. Consult with AA Air Company to install an appropriate air purification device
   Integrating an air purification device into your HVAC system can greatly help with air quality issues. There are different levels of devices: media filters that are exponentially better than typical 1” filters; UV lights that reduce mold spores and some viral pathogens; plasma air purifiers clean the circulating air by emitting ions without ozone, and electronic air cleaners enhance standard large particle filters with electrically charged filters to attract and trap small particles (such as bacteria and mold) to prevent them from recirculating through your home. Our professional system designers can consult with you to determine the best solution for your home, your needs, and your budget.

Call Us Today to Start Improving Your Indoor Air Quality

The best time to focus on achieving ideal indoor air quality inside your Knoxville, TN, home is always now. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our AA Air Company professionals—we can optimize your indoor comfort and create the environment you deserve. Give us a call today at 865-689-5290 or request service online.