Indoor Air Quality

Why Is Indoor Air More Polluted Than Outdoor Air?

You might find it surprising that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states indoor air pollution in US homes is often 2 to 5 times worse than outdoor air. With most Americans spending about 90% of their time indoors, this exposes many people to elevated levels of pollutants in homes that are tightly sealed and lack proper ventilation.

While energy-efficient homes help reduce utility bills, they also trap more pollutants inside. Additionally, the widespread use of synthetic materials in construction, furnishings, personal care items, and household cleaning products further contributes to poor indoor air quality.

Symptoms of poor indoor air quality include sore throats, congestion, sneezing, fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Long-term exposure to these pollutants can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, chronic respiratory issues, and even cancer. Let’s examine some common sources of indoor air pollution.

Household Products

Ironically, many products meant to keep Vero Beach, FL homes clean and fresh can significantly contribute to indoor air pollution. Cleaning agents, air fresheners, and candles release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), harmful chemicals that evaporate from various solids and liquids. VOCs are found in common products, including:

• Gasoline, fuels, solvents, and pesticides
• Paints, varnishes, and furniture polish
• Personal care products like deodorants and shampoos
• Cleaning products, air fresheners, and candles
• New furniture, cabinets, carpets, and rugs
• Craft supplies like adhesives and markers

Beyond VOCs, other household items contribute to poor indoor air quality:

• Building Materials: Synthetic construction materials, such as those in composite wood products, carpets, and vinyl, can release chemicals like formaldehyde.
• Cooking and Combustion: Cooking contributes to indoor pollution, as gas stoves and ovens emit nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. High cooking temperatures can cause countertops and cabinets to release chemicals, further worsening indoor air quality.
• Outdoor Pollutants: Outdoor pollutants enter homes through windows, doors, and foundation cracks. Diesel exhaust, smoke, ozone, radon, and allergens like pollen and mold spores can all infiltrate indoor spaces.
• Mold and Mildew: Homes with high humidity and poor ventilation are susceptible to mold growth in damp areas, including the ventilation system. Mold is especially harmful to those with respiratory issues like asthma or allergies.

Whole-House Solutions to Solve Indoor Air Quality Problems

Enhancing your home’s indoor air quality requires both removing sources of pollution and ensuring effective ventilation. We offer professional installation of whole-home systems that seamlessly integrate with your current HVAC setup to purify all the air circulating through your home. Struggling with high humidity? We have systems to help regulate moisture levels. Below are the products we install:

• Air Purifiers: Equipped with HEPA filters to capture mold, dander, viruses, allergens, and odors, we can guide you in selecting the right MERV rating for your HVAC system.
• Air Filtration Systems: Perfect for homes with asthma or allergy concerns, these units are installed in your ductwork for thorough air purification.
• Dehumidifiers: These systems balance high humidity levels to enhance comfort and prevent mold growth.
• ERV and HRV Systems: Energy and heat recovery ventilators bring fresh outdoor air inside without increasing utility costs.
• UV Germicidal Lights: Safely eliminate biological contaminants like mold spores and bacteria without any risk to your family’s health.

Choose the Team That Is NATE and EPA-Certified

When it comes to choosing an HVAC contractor for indoor air quality services, selecting a company that is both NATE (North American Technician Excellence) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) certified can make a significant difference in the quality of your home’s air and the longevity of your HVAC system.

At Comfort Zone A/C & Heating, we are proud to be certified by both of these organizations. With our expertise, you’ll receive top-tier indoor air quality solutions that enhance your home’s comfort, boost the quality of your indoor air, and protect your family’s health. Let us bring our certified knowledge and dedication to your home, so you can breathe easy knowing you’re receiving the best in indoor air quality services.

NATE Certification for IAQ Services

NATE-certified technicians have undergone rigorous training and testing to ensure they meet industry-leading standards. This certification signifies that our team has the knowledge and skills to address a wide range of HVAC challenges, particularly those that affect indoor air quality.

From understanding air filtration and ventilation to handling complex equipment such as air purifiers and dehumidifiers, NATE-certified technicians bring top-notch expertise to your home. When you choose a NATE-certified professional, you can rest assured that your HVAC system is in the hands of a technician who is well-versed in the latest technology and best practices in the industry.

EPA Certification for IAQ Services

Our EPA certification highlights our commitment to both your health and the environment. The EPA sets strict guidelines for handling refrigerants and chemicals, as well as for improving indoor air quality through environmentally responsible solutions. By choosing an EPA-certified contractor, you’re partnering with a team that understands how to manage indoor air pollutants safely and effectively. This means we use equipment and practices that minimize environmental impact, enhancing the air quality in your home without compromising the health of the planet.

Maintaining optimal indoor air quality in Vero Beach, FL is especially crucial due to our humid climate, which can encourage mold and allergen growth. We’re equipped to handle these unique challenges effectively. We understand how to implement systems that improve air quality by controlling humidity, managing ventilation, and reducing allergens, which are essential for comfort and health in your Florida home.

Does My HVAC System Clean & Dehumidify Air?

In Vero Beach, FL, you know that air quality and humidity can significantly affect comfort and health. At Comfort Zone A/C & Heating, we’re often asked if HVAC systems can effectively clean and dehumidify the air. The answer is yes, and understanding how can help you maximize your system’s potential. Let’s dive into the ways HVAC systems contribute to cleaner, more comfortable indoor air.

How HVAC Systems Clean Air

Many people think that the purpose of the air filter in their HVAC system is to clean the air in their homes. This is the filter that homeowners should replace or clean every 1–3 months. However, that’s not the main purpose of this filter. The air filter in your HVAC system is meant to keep the system’s internal parts free and clear of dust and debris. Not only does this help the system run better, but it also maximizes airflow.

While HVAC systems do help improve air quality to an extent, they aren’t designed primarily to "clean" the air in a comprehensive way. Standard HVAC filters can trap larger particles like dust and pollen, which does reduce some allergens. However, basic filters generally aren’t equipped to capture smaller particles such as bacteria, mold spores, or VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can affect air quality.

If improving air quality is a priority for your home, relying on your HVAC system isn’t nearly enough. There are whole-house options that work in tandem with your HVAC system when properly and expertly installed by experienced HVAC contractors. HEPA filters, UV lights, and air purifiers can all be added to help reduce contaminants. HEPA filters, for instance, can trap much smaller particles, while UV lights work to kill bacteria and mold in the air.

How Air Conditioners Dehumidify

Air conditioners naturally reduce indoor humidity as they cool your home, but only to a certain extent. As warm air passes over the AC’s cold evaporator coils, moisture in the air condenses into water, which is then drained away. This process not only cools your home but also helps lower the humidity, creating a more comfortable indoor environment.

However, standard air conditioners are not capable of removing all the humidity necessary to keep your home comfortable year-round. In high-humidity climates like Florida, adding a whole-home dehumidifier can make a noticeable difference. Whole-home dehumidifiers work with your HVAC system to extract excess moisture from the air, preventing mold growth, musty odors, and the uncomfortable stickiness that Florida residents know all too well.

Expert Duct Design Services to Maximize Indoor Air Quality

Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, our expert ductwork design services ensure that your indoor air quality doesn’t suffer. Properly designed ductwork is essential not only for even temperature distribution but also energy efficiency, especially in Vero Beach, FL. Our team of NATE and EPA-certified technicians consider your home’s unique layout, insulation, and your specific comfort needs to create a custom ductwork plan that maximizes airflow and minimizes energy loss.

We use materials and methods that minimize the chance of air leaks, keeping unwanted particles out of your airflow. For homes in Vero Beach, FL, we also incorporate strategies to reduce the buildup of humidity in your ductwork, which is especially important for preventing mold growth—a common problem in high-humidity regions. Mold spores in your duct system can spread throughout your home, leading to health issues like allergies and respiratory problems.

How Duct Design and Indoor Air Quality Are Connected

Poorly designed ductwork can lead to a range of issues that directly affect indoor air quality. When ducts are too small, poorly connected, or inefficiently laid out, they create pressure imbalances that can lead to air leaks and improper airflow. Air leaks allow contaminants from unconditioned spaces, such as dust, mold spores, and allergens, to enter your HVAC system and recirculate through your home.

Additionally, poorly designed duct systems can result in uneven cooling or heating, making some rooms uncomfortable and increasing the workload on your HVAC system. Comfort Zone A/C & Heating specializes in air duct design. That means we can assess your current system and make adjustments or recommend a completely new design that suits your home’s layout and specific needs.

Why Choose Comfort Zone A/C & Heating for Duct Design Services

By choosing Comfort Zone A/C & Heating for your duct design, you’re making an investment in the quality of your indoor air, the efficiency of your HVAC system, and ultimately, the well-being of everyone in your home. We understand Florida’s unique climate challenges and can create a duct design that not only maximizes airflow but also minimizes allergens, humidity, and contaminants from entering your home’s air. Reach out to us today to see how our air duct design expertise can help you breathe easier and live healthier.