Due to COVID-19 and lockdowns, we stayed at home almost all the time. If you haven’t gone out or in the lockdown for weeks but still sneezing and coughing, it’s not COVID-19. There is a high chance that you’re facing these problems because of your HVAC system and poor indoor air quality. In this article, I’ll talk about the reasons why your HVAC system is making you sick.

4 Reasons Why Your HVAC System is Making You Sick

1.   Dirty HVAC Air Filter

When your HVAC system has a dirty air filter, dust and debris will start to enter your house. As a result, your indoor air quality will become poor, and you’ll have sneezing and coughing problems. That’s why you should change your HVAC air filter regularly. The ideal time of changing an HVAC air filter is between 70 to 90 days.

If you haven’t changed your HVAC air filter in the last 3 months, you should change the HVAC air filter as soon as possible. Again, if you have changed your HVAC air filter but still having sneezing and coughing problems, you probably have bought a cheap HVAC air filter. Sometimes these cheap HVAC air filters don’t function efficiently, and as a result, your indoor air quality becomes poor. That’s why it’s recommended that you invest in a high-quality HVAC air filter. It may cost you a few more bucks, but it’ll ensure high indoor air quality.

As the second wave of COVID-19 is already here, you can invest in a high-efficient HVAC air filters such as MERV or HEPA HVAC air filter. These HVAC air filters are highly efficient and can block microparticles, bacteria, and viruses. As a result, your house will be safe from all sorts of dust and micro-organisms.

2.   Clogged HVAC Ductwork

As HVAC ductworks are not visible, most homeowners forget to clean the HVAC air duct. But air flows through the HVAC air duct all year long. If you don’t clean your HVAC air duct, mold and contaminants will mix with the HVAC airflow and make your indoor air quality poor. As a result, you’ll become sick often.

That’s why it’s recommended that you check your HVAC air duct regularly and have a ductwork inspection once a year. During an HVAC air duct inspection, an HVAC professional will check your HVAC air duct thoroughly, and if the HVAC professional finds any molds or contaminants, he will clean it. Also, don’t forget to check the leaks or breakage in your HVAC air duct.

When there are leaks or breakage in the HVAC air duct, it’ll reduce the overall HVAC efficiency, and you won’t get your desired comfort. That’s why while HVAC ductwork inspection, always check for leaks and clean the ductwork thoroughly to keep your indoor air clean.

3.   Toxic Chemicals

Due to COVID-19, we all were extra cautious about cleaning our home and used different types of cleaner to keep our house safe from the virus. But unfortunately, many of these cleaning chemicals are toxic, and if it mixes with your indoor air, it can harm your body.

You may be thinking, what is the relationship between toxic cleaners and your HVAC system. These toxic cleaners release toxins in the air after you use them and mix with the HVAC airflow, and thus it spreads throughout your house. When you inhale these toxins, you get sick and start to show symptoms. That’s why before buying a home cleaner, make sure that it doesn’t produce any toxins.

4.   HVAC Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant plays a key role in producing cold air. It carries the hot air from your home and releases it to the outside condenser unit. Thus, your air conditioner keeps you cool. But refrigerant is very toxic, and if you get in touch with it, you’ll have a serious health problem. That’s why if you notice that your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, you should call your nearby HVAC professional as soon as possible. When you call an HVAC professional, he will check the refrigeration leak's reasons and fix it.

The best way to solve all these problems is by doing regular HVAC maintenance checkups. By doing regular HVAC maintenance checkups, your HVAC system will perform properly, and you won’t become sick because of your HVAC system.

See the summary of this article here in an infographic – 4 Reasons Why Your HVAC System is Making You Sick [Infographic]

Are you looking for an HVAC system for your home?

Check out Brand Name AC for Less store where we have a wide range of residential & commercial HVAC system including –

Trane HVAC System: Trane Heat Pump Systems, Trane Gas Systems & Trane Electric HVAC Systems.

Goodman HVAC System: Goodman Heat Pump System, Goodman Gas Systems & Trane Electric HVAC Systems. Also, check out our collection of individual Goodman AC Condensers, Heat Pumps & Gas Furnaces.

Besides, for any kind of AC installation, AC replacement, maintenance & repair needs in Austin, call Brand Name AC for Less to ensure you get the best quotes and professional service.