Your home should be a safe haven for you and your family. But according to Aris Parviz of Virginia’s Able Air-1, Inc., your HVAC system, if not properly maintained and monitored, it can actually make you sick or worse. Parviz says that regular professional maintenance and attention to air quality are the keys to avoiding many of the health and safety risks posed by HVAC systems. Here Parviz talks about some common HVAC safety concerns.
Whether due to damage or inadequate maintenance, your HVAC system can quickly become a safety hazard for you and your family. Here are just a few HVAC-related health and safety issues you and your family should be aware of.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is the most common, and the most serious, safety concern with any home HVAC system. Colorless and odorless, carbon monoxide is a normal by-product of burning any fuel, including gas, wood, oil or charcoal. When fuel-burning systems in the home are not working properly — that is, the right balance of fuel and air is not present — carbon monoxide can build up, creating a potentially deadly situation for the home’s inhabitants.
Even at moderate levels, carbon monoxide can make you and your family sick, with symptoms ranging from dizziness, headaches and nausea to mental confusion. If these symptoms are allowed to persist, they can be fatal. Pregnant women, infants, children and the elderly are particularly susceptible.
One common cause of carbon monoxide in a home is a cracked heat exchanger. This is especially common in older furnaces. The best way to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning is to have your heating system inspected and serviced by a trained professional every winter. Because carbon monoxide poisoning can occur quickly, it’s important to understand and watch for the early symptoms. A carbon monoxide detector should also be an integral part of any home safety system.
Electrical Shorts
Electrical issues pose risks as well. One problem we see all too often is a water leak within an air conditioning system. It’s common for an air conditioner’s condensation drain to become clogged after a few years of use. This can cause water to leak onto the system’s electrical components. This can cause equipment failure, and creates the risk of electric shock. For this reason, air conditioner repair is not something the average homeowner should handle himself. An experienced HVAC contractor will be aware of potential risks and will take the appropriate precautions. Regular preventive maintenance of your air conditioning system is necessary to avoid this type of risk.
Improper Filtration
Improper air filtration can also pose a hazard to your family’s health. Poor indoor air quality 00 whether due to dust, allergens or airborne irritants — is one of the most common contributors to respiratory problems and illnesses. Individuals with underlying respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies are especially vulnerable. Many health problems can occur as the result of poor air quality, ranging in severity from mild headaches to severe allergic reactions and breathing difficulties. Preventive maintenance and regular replacement of air filters is necessary to keep your home’s indoor air safe for everyone.
Lack of Humidity
Overly dry air is also unsafe both for you and your home. A lack of humidity in winter months or dry climates can cause breathing difficulties, cracked skin, dry lips, sore throat and a host of other health problems. Dry nasal passages leave your family prone to infection and respiratory illness, and can worsen cold and flu symptoms. Beyond impacting your family’s health and safety, dry air can also damage your home. Cracked and separating hardwood floors, molding and furniture are just some of the costly results of a lack of humidity. You can contribute to the health of your family as well as to your home’s longevity by installing a humidifier to regulate indoor moisture levels.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
