6 Things That Can Affect Your Indoor Air Quality in Fall

As the leaves begin to turn in Drexel Hill, PA, and the air becomes crisp, it’s crucial to consider not just the change of seasons but how these changes impact the air quality inside your home. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a significant concern during the fall months for residents of Drexel Hill and surrounding areas, as it directly influences comfort, health, and well-being. Local HVAC contractors like Perfect Degree HVAC emphasize that understanding the factors affecting your indoor air quality in the fall is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable home. Let’s dive into the factors that can affect your IAQ in the fall and explore practical solutions to ensure your living environment remains healthy and inviting.

1. Reduced Ventilation: In the warmer summer months, open windows and doors naturally ventilate your home. However, as temperatures drop in Drexel Hill during autumn, we tend to seal up our homes to keep the cold at bay, which also traps pollutants inside. Ventilation is key to purging your home of stale air and contaminants.

Solution: Consider mechanical ventilation solutions, such as energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) or heat recovery ventilators (HRVs), which can introduce fresh air without losing heat, maintaining your home’s warmth while ensuring it breathes better.

2. Autumn Allergies: The fall season in Pennsylvania can bring about a surge in allergens, such as ragweed pollen, which can significantly affect those with seasonal allergies. These allergens can easily infiltrate indoor spaces, impacting air quality and health.

Solution: Upgrading to high-efficiency air filters can be a game changer. Filters with a higher MERV rating are more effective at trapping fine particles, including pollen, thus helping reduce allergy symptoms.

3. Cold and Flu Season: The arrival of cooler weather also signals the beginning of cold and flu season. Viruses and bacteria can circulate more easily in an enclosed space, and lower humidity levels can make mucous membranes more vulnerable to infection.

Solution: A comprehensive approach, including maintaining humidity levels, regular handwashing, and using air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters, can mitigate the spread of germs. Ensure that your home’s humidity is within the optimal range of 40-60% to support respiratory health.

4. Increased Use of Heating Systems: Turning on the heat is a necessity as the weather cools, but heating systems can circulate dust, pet dander, and other particles through your home. Furthermore, if not properly maintained, they can contribute to carbon monoxide buildup.

Solution: Regular heating repair and maintenance is paramount. This not only ensures efficient operation but also prevents the circulation of pollutants. Additionally, installing carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas and heating appliances can provide peace of mind.

5. Decorations and Fall Activities: From scented candles to Halloween decorations and cozy fires, seasonal traditions are cherished. However, they can introduce or exacerbate pollutants within your home. Candles, for example, can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), while decorations may emit plasticizers or other chemicals.

Solution: Opt for natural decorations, such as pumpkins and gourds from local Drexel Hill farmers’ markets. When it comes to candles, choose those made from beeswax or soy with cotton wicks, which burn cleaner and release fewer pollutants.

6. Mold Growth: Fall’s wetter weather can encourage mold growth, both indoors and outside. Mold spores can easily enter your home and degrade air quality, potentially causing health issues for sensitive individuals.

Solution: Address any damp spots in your home promptly, ensuring adequate drainage around your home’s foundation. Use dehumidifiers in particularly moist areas, like basements, to keep humidity levels in check.

Taking Control of Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality This Autumn

Navigating the challenges of maintaining excellent indoor air quality during fall in Drexel Hill doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding the potential sources of pollutants and taking proactive measures, you can create a healthier indoor environment for you and your family. From implementing mechanical ventilation solutions to regular HVAC maintenance and choosing natural decor options, each step contributes to a fresher, cleaner home.

As we embrace the beauty of autumn in Pennsylvania, let’s also ensure our indoor environments remain conducive to health and comfort. 

Perfect Degree HVAC stands ready to assist you with comprehensive IAQ solutions tailored to your home’s needs. We’re here to assist you with your heating and air conditioning needs. Our experts will assess your home’s unique needs and provide the best options to maintain fresh, healthy air. Call us at (610) 529-7372 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment with us.