How a Healthy HVAC System Affects YOUR Health

Holidays, holly, hot chocolate and HEALTH? Tis’ true. December is not typically a time that we focus on our physical health (that’s January’s job), but in the world of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), December is the perfect time to examine the health of our homes. Hey, we’re spending most of our time there anyway!

One thing we do think about during these winter months are extra germs, the common cold, and that dreaded influenza. Drug store chains make a killing off of our flu fears and many of us wait in line to get our annual vaccination rather than risk that feverish monster. We don’t blame you! Who wants to be knocked on their butt for a week at a time?

But what about those other winter health risks that aren’t as obvious as shaking hands with someone who just sneezed in it? What about the ones that may be right in your home and where you sleep?

One of the biggest health concerns of an unhealthy HVAC systems is mold. Now, mold of any kind can range from minor and relatively harmless to much more serious and dangerous if left untreated. We figure, better to always be safe rather than sorry when it comes to your family’s health. Some of the other frequently common signs of an unhealthy HVAC system may be found here right here on our Indoor Air Quality page. Anything sound familiar? Give us a call!

Another side concern of an unhealthy HVAC system is the toll it takes on your financial health. When you combine perfectly good, productive time that is lost from not feeling well, doctor visits, missed work due to illness, and increased energy bills overall, it becomes quickly apparent that keeping your HVAC system healthy is a money-saver in the long run.

So, what makes for a healthy HVAC system?

It might sound obvious, but a healthy HVAC system should operate as it was designed, with good air balance, proportional air flow in all branches, and operating at peak efficiency with optimum usage and minimal energy use. The problem for the average home or business owner is how would you know? Having an AC Tune Up by a professional on a regular basis is a good way to keep a pulse on your system’s well-being. Think of it like an annual physical. That’s where your HVAC maintenance plan comes in. But even though we see the doctor once a year, we still have to do our part. Come on. You eat mostly vegetables and never miss the gym 3 times/week between check-ups, right? Don’t answer that.

The same type of regular maintenance can be done (DIY) to keep your HVAC as healthy as possible in between check-ups. How? We’re glad you asked.

For your A/C:

1. Make sure the outside condensing unit is not blocked or covered
2. Be sure that the concrete the condenser rests on is level and has not shifted
3. One a year, clean dirt and debris from the system drain and cap. You can use a simple vacuum for this.
4. For the love of Pete, change your air filter every 1-3 months!

For Your Heating System:

1. Turn it on periodically throughout the year
2. Keep an eye on your boiler flame. It should always be strong and blue.
3. Insulate your external boiler pipe.
4. Install a carbon monoxide monitor in your home to detect any faulty function of your heating system.

Let’s keep it Professional, Folks

While all of that sounds great in a perfect world, chances are that you don’t have time for that stuff – especially now! That’s the meh news. The good news? We do all of the above and then some. And let’s face it, there are some things that are better left to the professionals. Your HVAC maintenance plan will keep your system updated and on-schedule with all of its regular check-ups!

Wentzel’s will share more tips on how to keep you and your HVAC system healthy and happy, so YOU can focus on more important things…like that treadmill.

Happy holidays from Wentzel’s Heating and Air!