How Rainfall Affects you Home Indoor Air Quality
Alton, IL, receives 42 inches of rainfall each year, four inches higher than the national average. Heavy rain can lead to poor indoor air quality as dampness increases dust mites, indoor mold, bacteria, and other contaminants. It also causes the release of more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to damp building materials.
Relative Humidity
You may be wondering how rain can impact the air quality inside your home so adversely. It has to do with relative humidity. The ideal humidity in the average home is 30-50%. Higher rates tend to cause the following issues:
- Musty odor
- Uncomfortably damp furnishings
- Mildew and mold appear formation
- Increased energy costs associated with warmer temperatures
When it rains, moisture can enter the home when the HVAC system brings in moist air, through plumbing and roof leaks and moisture in the ground that leaks through the foundation beneath the floor.
How an Air Purifier Can Help?
Have you ever wondered what your family could be breathing in with the damp air? Pathogens such as dust can travel through ductwork to every area of your home. Talk to a trusted HVAC provider about how to reduce the harmful items in your air.
Quality air purifiers, such as those manufactured by Trane, can help restore your indoor air quality. An air purifier removes contaminants to leave the air you breathe cleaner and healthier. Air purifiers are beneficial to those with asthma and allergies.
Ways to Decrease Moisture in the Home
Here are some tips to lower the humidity in your home:
- Check the plumbing and roof for leaks
- Seal up windows, doors, and baseboards to lock moisture out
- Leave HVAC dampers and vents open. This causes the system to try harder to bring in moist air from outside
- If your foundation is causing the moisture in your home, consider a moisture barrier.
- Turn on the exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen. This can pull some of the moisture out of your home and release it outdoors.
- Check your air filters. If your filters are too dirty, the HVAC system can’t circulate the dampness out of your home.
Schedule an Annual HVAC Check
An annual HVAC maintenance appointment gives you the peace of mind that your system is working as desired. The technicians will check your evaporator coils to make sure they’re clean. Dirty coils keep the AC system from dehumidifying the interior of your home. They can also ensure the condensation drain is working correctly.
