4 Signs That Your HVAC System Is Harming Indoor Air Quality

The HVAC system plays an important part in maintaining good indoor air quality in your building. After all, the “V” in HVAC does stand for ventilation. Incorrect settings or a lack of care and maintenance can lead to indoor air quality issues, resulting in uncomfortable temperatures, low humidity levels and the spread of allergens and bacteria. In this blog, heating and air conditioning repair contractor Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning discusses the signs that your HVAC system is contributing to poor indoor air quality.

Air-Conditioned Spaces Feel Humid — Air conditioners are natural dehumidifiers, and under normal conditions air conditioned rooms will be a bit dry. Rooms that feel cold and clammy are the result of improperly-sized air conditioners. This means the air conditioner has been turning off and on too fast, preventing any dehumidification from happening. The room thus feels wet and uncomfortable, conditions which can also encourage mold and mildew growth.

Fluctuating Temperatures — Another result of improperly-sized air conditioners is drastic changes in temperature. The vents first blast too much conditioned air, then stop blowing completely after just a few minutes. In addition to making the home uncomfortable, this also reduces air circulation, which makes it harder to eliminate smells from the rooms. Ventilation through windows is not always an option for commercial properties, so having an efficient heating and air conditioning system sometimes is the only option for maintaining good indoor air quality.

Air Is Being Blown at High Speeds — HVAC systems are equipped with blowers to maintain air circulation. Air that’s blown at excessively high speeds, however, can result in drafty areas, as well as high air duct pressure. One of the most common signs of excessive air circulation is the presence of wind even when the windows are closed. Certain types of HVAC systems can be fitted with variable frequency drives (VFDs) which ramp down fan speeds when full output isn’t needed. In addition to improving indoor air quality, it also helps reduce energy consumption.

Unpleasant Odors are Coming from the Air Ducts — Strange, unpleasant odors can originate from within the air ducts, from leaks along the air duct or from outside the building. Regardless of the cause, the HVAC system will continue distributing the smell throughout the building if the issue isn’t addressed immediately. As the property owner or manager, locating the source of the smell and fixing the issue promptly can help alleviate its effects. To prevent future occurrences, call your HVAC contractor to arrange for cleaning and repairs.

Call Schmitt for All Your HVAC Needs

If you see any of these signs, you need a heating system repair company like Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning. Give us a call at (415) 522-0966 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in San Francisco.