During the hot summer months, you may find yourself spending more time indoors with the air conditioner running around-the-clock. While the cool air provides a nice break from the heat, your HVAC system is constantly circulating air throughout your home. But do you know what’s in the air you’re breathing? Poor indoor air quality impacts millions of homes across the country, and many homeowners don’t realize dust, dirt, and other particles may be circulating through your home. In this blog, we’re covering three simple ways you can help improve your indoor air quality to help you breathe easier this season. 

Seal your air ducts 

If your air ducts have developed leaks or gaps over time, sealing your ductwork can help improve overall comfort and air quality. Your ductwork plays an important role in moving air throughout your home. Over time, your ductwork can develop cracks and small gaps around joints and other vulnerable areas. 

These openings allow dust, allergens, dirt, and other particles from unconditioned areas, like your attic to enter your ductwork. Once the particles get through, they begin to travel around your home in the ducts every time your HVAC runs. 

Having your air ducts professionally sealed reduces the risk of unfiltered air circulating through your home, improving overall comfort while helping your HVAC system work more efficiently. At Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical, we offer Aeroseal duct sealing services as a less invasive solution to seal hidden leaks. 

Scheduling a duct sealing service appointment with one of our expert HVAC technicians is an easy way to help improve your indoor air quality. 

Change your HVAC filters regularly 

While it may seem obvious, changing your HVAC filters regularly does make a big difference in air quality. Your filter acts as the first line of defense to trap airborne particles like dust, dirt, pet hair, allergens, and more. A dirty filter can become clogged, restricting airflow and reducing its ability to trap airborne particles.

A good rule of thumb is to change out your filter every one to three months depending on usage. For families with pets, you may find yourself changing the filter more often because pet hair can quickly accumulate.

During the summer, you may want to check your air filter more often, because your air conditioner is working around-the-clock to keep your home cool. The added strain on your system may reduce overall efficiency and impact your air quality. 

Setting a reminder for yourself to replace your HVAC filter regularly can help you breathe easier by improving your indoor air quality. 

Invest in a whole-home dehumidifier 

Humidity plays a vital role in your home’s overall comfort. In the summertime, high humidity levels can make your home feel uncomfortably warm. Investing in a whole-home dehumidifier can improve your air quality by removing excess moisture. 

Over time, the additional moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, because they thrive in warm, humid indoor environments. Investing in a whole-home dehumidifier that connects directly to your ductwork ensures you feel the effects throughout your home, not just in a small area. 

Keeping your humidity under control with a dehumidifier can help keep your home feeling comfortable and reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth over time. 

Contact Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical for all your heating, cooling, and indoor air quality needs

At Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical, we know how overwhelming it can be trying to deal with poor indoor air quality and other HVAC system issues. With our help, you can have peace of mind knowing your heating and cooling systems are working efficiently and minimizing your risk of inhaling dust, debris, and other harmful particles.

If your HVAC problems persist and require emergency repairs, we’re there when you need us. We’re fully staffed 24/7 with a supportive and caring customer service team ready to take your call for emergency HVAC services.

So call us today at (815) 444-0480 to schedule your next appointment with us.