The main purposes of a Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning(HVAC) system are to help maintain good indoor air quality through adequate ventilation with filtration and provide thermal comfort. HVAC systems are among the largest energy consumers in schools. The choice and design of the HVAC system can also affect many other high performance goals, including water consumption (water cooled air conditioning equipment) and acoustics. The following actions detail how engineers can design a quality system that is cost-competitive with traditional ventilation designs, while successfully providing an appropriate quantity and quality of outdoor air, lower energy costs and easier maintenance.
You might expect some relief from allergens and the allergies that they cause during the winter months. However, the colder months have proven to be very a very challenging time for those that suffer from indoor air allergies. Indoor air allergies are caused by dust and the allergens that are contained/associated with it. Weather you can see them or not, pollutants, allergens, and other debris are lingering in your air. Improving your home's indoor air quality (IAQ) during the winter months can make a big difference, especially to those with allergies and respiratory issues. The EPA reports that the air that we breathe in our homes, in schools and in offices can put us at risk for health problems. Improving your lAQ will reduce allergens such as dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and other impurities and help your family breathe a bit a easier.
Circulation - The most beneficial thing you can do during the winter months (when your home is typically closed up) is keep the air circulating, which is a form of air replacement. On a "warmer" winter day, let some clean fresh air in to circulate throughout your home. This refreshes your indoor air and allows the allergens that are "trapped" inside your house a chance to move outside, increasing your home's IAQ.
Humidity - As the air becomes more and more dry, increased humidity is often desired in the cold, dry months. However, many allergens, such as dust mites, mold, and bacteria thrive in overly- humid conditions. Turning on your humidifier is definitely necessary, but make sure to keep the relative indoor humidity level around 35%-50%. Also important - replacing your humidifier filters with fresh humidifier pads or filters about twice per season. When using the bathroom, especially when enjoying hot sowers, use the bathroom exhaust fans to keep the moisture level down. Keep an eye on basements and storage areas as well, as these are ideal locations for potential moisture.
Air Filtration - Your furnace filters are a huge help with improving lAQ as their function goes beyond the basic purpose of just protecting your HVAC system (their main job). In fact, they add a level of defense by cleansing your air of impurities. Always keep on a regular schedule with changing your air filters as well. This allows your system to function optimally and continuously provides new surface areas for dust and allergens to collect on.
Regular Cleaning - Maintaining a clean home will only help keep the level of contaminants and dust to a minimum. Once dust and debris has settled, it is more difficult for them to be picked up by your furnace filter unless the area is disturbed. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning of surfaces will re-disperse the dust, allowing another opportunity for it to be captured by your filter before settling again.