Everyone knows that access to plenty of fresh air is important for our well-being, and maintaining good air quality is particularly important when you suffer from an allergy or have any other type of breathing disorder. However, it's easy to take the air we breathe for granted. In fact, many people may not give much thought about air circulation until they encounter a room that feels too stuffy, has a strange odor or is too hot or cold for comfort.
Poor indoor air circulation isn't just annoying. It can lead to health concerns, and even worsen the effects of asthma.
The heating, ventilation and air conditioning or HVAC system at your home or place of work typically will be suitable for keeping the air circulating properly. However, there are steps you can take to improve indoor air circulation.
Arrange for Duct Cleaning
Dirt and debris tend to accumulate in the ducts of your HVAC system, so prudent homeowners and business owners will want to arrange to have the ducts cleaned.
Not only will cleaning the ducts help keep the air fresher in the building, it will let your air conditioning and heating equipment run more efficiently, since the ducts will be clear and able to transport without encumbrance.
Filters
Anyone who uses air filters in their HVAC system should remember to replace disposable filters on a regular basis and to clean reusable filters according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Clogged air filters simply don't do as effective of a job, and they make your air conditioning and heating system work harder, putting a strain on the equipment and causing your utility bills to increase.
Use a Smart Thermostat
If you want to keep the air flowing in your home or at your business, consider using a smart thermostat to control the HVAC system. Manual thermostats require you to keep tabs on them, adjusting the temperature up or down on an as-needed basis.
By programming the thermostat to maintain the optimum temperature at different times of day, you save energy and enable the system to work more efficiently. When people aren't working over the weekend, a business can run the HVAC system less, while homeowners may want to program the thermostat at their house to keep air moving more frequently.
Ceiling Fans
Run ceiling fans to improve circulation. By helping move the air around, ceiling fans can also let you run the AC less often. Ceiling fans are best at making a room feel cooler during periods of moderate weather and low humidity.
Ventilation for Kitchen and Bathrooms
If you do not already have an exhaust fan in your kitchen, you may have already experienced the inconvenience of your home's smoke detector going off after a cooking mishap, such as when you burn something on the stove and a large amount of smoke starts emanating from the kitchen. You will want to have a professional install an exhaust fan for you or inspect your exhaust fan if it's been years since anyone has used it.
It's a good idea to get in the habit of always using your kitchen's ventilation system when you cook to help circulate the air.
Bathrooms are ideal locations for exhaust fans as well. They help circulate fresh air and eliminate odors. People enjoy using them because they help clear out steam after a long, hot shower. Exhaust fans in the bathroom are also ideal for circulating air when people are using substances such as hair spray or cleaners.
It almost goes without saying that exhaust fans are particularly useful in bathrooms that do not have a window that you can open to admit fresh air.
The professionals at David Gray Heating & Air are devoted to helping business owners and homeowners with all their HVAC needs. For more information on improving air circulation or to arrange for an appointment, please feel free to contact us today.