Are you experiencing anything unusual? While HVAC systems may malfunction due to drastic temperature shifts, it’s unlikely for residents around Washington.
It isn’t that much hotter outdoors between winter and summer. The slightly higher outdoor temperatures may not be responsible for hindering your air conditioners and heaters.
However, hindrances may be expected, especially with inadequate maintenance efforts. The lack of upkeep may age your HVAC systems much faster.
When was the last time you checked on your HVAC systems?
Is Spring Cleaning Necessary for HVAC Systems?
Do you want a short answer? Here it is: cleaning your HVAC systems during spring is absolutely necessary!
Spring is allergy season all around. We aren’t the only ones who suffer from pollen. Air filters can be congested just as quickly as our noses!
Everything in your home that facilitates airflow may be in trouble this season. Giving your home a good spring cleaning is considered the norm.
We habitually clean our home to prevent dust bunnies and dirt clusters from building up anywhere. Treat your air conditioners and furnace systems with the same care as your home.
They are responsible for your home’s indoor air, after all. You might have clean walls and floors, but your indoor air is verging on unbreathable quality.
Poor indoor air quality is hazardous to your health!
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters?
Your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) determines plenty. Depending on how low it is, you might suffer from allergies and asthma all year instead of just during “allergy season.”
Coincidentally, allergy season occurs in spring. If we’re not careful, all those pent-up allergens may harbor contamination and hazardous pollution, leading to worse health risks.
You may expose yourself and your family to contaminated air, causing various health hazards.
The Most Common Air Pollutants Indoors
Most of our pollution doesn’t come from the outdoor air. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage abundant ventilation.
Keeping natural and mechanical ventilation systems open helps rid your home of stagnant air, inviting more fresh air into your home. Remember, fresh is always best!
There are various pollutants present in your indoor air. You might not see them, but more than dust and dirt are circulating in the ambiance.
Here are the most typical pollutants in your home today.
- Dust
- Dirt
- Dust mites
- Pet hair and dander
- Human hair and dead skin
- Fabric and microplastics
While those above are responsible for particle pollution, they are less likely to lead to contamination than those listed below.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (produced by air fresheners, perfumes, vaping, lighting candles, and incense)
- Carbon Emissions (cooking, smoking, and using anything that burns fuel)
- Mold spores
Everything above doesn’t just pollute the air, causing foul odors and lowering IAQ levels. Each of these pollutants leads to various health risks and diseases.
Health Risks Related to Indoor Air Pollution
The risks of acute exposure to heavily polluted indoor air include but are not limited to the following:
- Sore eyes
- Skin irritation
- Throat irritation
- Coughing fits
- Runny nose
- Ear infections
While these manifestations may seem mild, their sudden onset may not be. We may also experience them on different levels.
Some of us may barely recognize them when they manifest and when we overcome them. However, some of us with compromised health have lower immunity against “mild” symptoms.
These quick and barely-there manifestations can snowball into long-term illnesses. Additionally, prolonged inhalation of poor air quality may cause more serious symptoms!
The long-term health hazards due to chronic exposure may include the following manifestations:
- Bronchial Asthma
- Chronic Allergic Rhinitis
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
- Pneumonia
- Emphysema
- Mucous Membran Carcinoma(s)
Remember, pollen is one thing. Pollen, dust, and dander may be “harmless” now. However, they may build up within your AC systems or your body.
They can immediately spread, saturating your entire AC system. Since air handlers facilitate air distribution, contaminants may jump from your air ducts and into your body’s airways.
They can invite and breed worse types of growth, including mold and mildew! These are different from typical pollutants lingering in our air.
Mold Remediation
Residual buildup can be moist and welcome mold spores. The dark and humid environment within your air handler and ductwork are perfect for breeding mold growth.
Mold can cause worse hazards and are much harder to remedy! Mold clean-up and remediation takes weeks and even months to complete.
You can avoid sustaining costly damage or inviting hazardous contamination by cleaning your HVAC systems when they are most vulnerable.
The Benefits of Spring Cleaning HVAC Systems
Routine inspection and cleaning are necessary for all appliances. These simple maintenance tasks can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress!
Regular maintenance efforts aren’t just preventive. They can even prolong equipment life and increase energy efficiency.
With more efficient heating and cooling, you can save money in more ways than just avoiding costly damages. Regular maintenance leads to long-term energy savings.
How Does Cleaning HVAC System Lead to Energy Savings?
The term “cleanliness is next to godliness” was coined for a reason. Cleaning HVAC systems lead to heaps of benefits!
Some benefits are more obvious than others, such as fresher breathing air. You can literally feel the difference!
However, the air you breathe isn’t the only thing that is now cleaner. Clean HVAC systems help you breathe easier by relieving the air of pollutants and your mind of financial worries.
Cleaning HVAC systems also relieves their internal components of burdening buildups. Clusters and buildups often lead to overworking the entire system, causing surges in energy and utility costs.
An HVAC system with clogs and other obstructions can overcompensate to counteract potential hindrances. It may consume more power to produce the same or even less output.
Avoid overworking HVAC components by keeping them clean and free from burdening buildups.
How You Can Tell Your HVAC Systems Are Struggling?
Your HVAC systems may manifest visible and audible symptoms. They are more noticeable than minute discrepancies in your monthly dues.
We may be too quick to dismiss them. We may subconsciously immunize ourselves to unusual behaviors, charging them to how all HVAC systems “normally” behave.
These dismissive tendencies cost us in the long run. We overlook problems, hoping they go away on their own. Ironically, HVAC issues won’t go away until they are properly addressed.
Things Seen & Heard… From HVAC Systems in Washington
We all need to pay more attention to our heating and cooling systems. Remaining vigilant is the first step in overall maintenance.
Call for expert assistance as soon as you notice any of the symptoms listed below.
Have you seen any of these symptoms?
- Cracks anywhere on your HVAC units.
- Leaks coming air handlers.
- Sparks from electrical components.
- Visible shaking and violent displacement
Have you heard any of these symptoms from any of your HVAC units?
- Noisy air circulation.
- Buzzing or banging noises from the main frame.
- Bubbling or hissing noises from distribution pipes.
- Chronic clanging from indoor and outdoor units.
What You Should Do Next
The first thing you should always do is to identify the signs. Are you sure these indicators are coming from your HVAC units?
Time plays a critical role in various aspects. Knowing what your air conditioner or heater is facing helps give you more insight into what services you need, helping most homeowners act faster.
Time is often of the essence when dealing with such sophisticated systems. However, you might hastily hire unreliable contractors.
Knowing what your HVAC system needs helps you draw your assumptions and estimates. You never have to overpay for HVAC repairs and maintenance services again!
You are ready to pass your concerns on to someone else. Entrusting your expensive HVAC systems to the right people can be challenging.
How do you differentiate contractors prioritizing your comfort and convenience from those who only want to mooch off your troubles?
By the end of the next section, you will find the answers to your queries and other possible solutions to your HVAC concerns.
What You Should Do First
- Identify the problem. Evaluate everything you see, hear, or smell from your HVAC system.
- Determine any possible causes. Missing maintenance and tune-up services once may be enough to throw your HVAC systems out of whack.
- Clean all accessible components. Break out any cleaning solutions, baking soda, and vinegar that you have to clean contaminated air filters thoroughly.
- Find a reliable HVAC specialist. Remember, not all specialists have your best interest in mind.
- Call the pros! Whether you think there’s something wrong or not, having a professional inspect and service your HVAC units is always prudent.
Do You Need Professional Assistance in Puyallup, WA?
Opt for Washington’s most reputable professionals if you are gearing up your HVAC systems before or after the heating and cooling season.
Taylor Heating & Air Conditioning is dedicated to Washington’s residents. We ensure your HVAC systems meet your heating and cooling needs all year round.
If you need furnace & air handler diagnostic & repair, we’re one text or call away!
Call the Taylor Heating & AC Team at (253) 208-5315 for Immediate Repairs and Emergency Consultation!
You can also message us at (253) 785-9194 to schedule an on-site visit today. Our experts are highly trained and regularly tested to facilitate the most complicated repairs.
Get in touch with our specialists now.
