If you’ve ever felt like the air inside your home gets stuffy, muggy, or even musty during the summer, you’re not imagining things. The high humidity in our region can take a toll on your indoor air quality in Jacksonville, affecting not only your comfort but your health as well. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reclaim your indoor air and breathe easier, no matter how sticky it gets outside.
The Problem With Humidity Indoors
When humidity levels rise outdoors, that moist air doesn’t stop at your front door. It sneaks inside every time you open a window, walk through the door, or even through small leaks in your home’s envelope. Once inside, that excess moisture can lead to a range of indoor air quality problems.
High humidity encourages the growth of mold and mildew, especially in hidden spaces like your air ducts, attics, and crawl spaces. You may also notice a persistent musty odor that no amount of air fresheners or candles can cover up. Mold spores circulating through your ductwork can aggravate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. Plus, humid air feels warmer, causing your HVAC system to work overtime just to maintain a comfortable temperature.
How Your Air Ducts Play a Role
Your home’s ductwork is a prime spot for humidity-related issues. Moisture can condense inside the ducts, creating a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and even bacteria. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a professional duct cleaning, you might be circulating more than just cool air through your home.
Clean ducts are essential to keeping your indoor air fresh and free of contaminants, especially during the peak of our humid summer months. Regular inspections of your ductwork can also help catch early signs of leaks or blockages that worsen air quality over time.
What You Can Do to Improve Indoor Air Quality
So, how can you fight back against humidity and protect your indoor air?
- Invest in a Whole-Home Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier integrated with your HVAC system will pull excess moisture out of the air before it circulates through your home. This helps maintain balanced humidity levels and keeps your indoor air feeling crisp and comfortable.
- Schedule Regular Duct Cleaning: Professional duct cleaning removes built-up dust, debris, and any mold or mildew that may be lurking in your air ducts. Clean ducts mean cleaner air for you and your family.
- Check and Replace Air Filters Often: During humid months, your air filters work harder to trap airborne particles. Replacing them regularly ensures your system isn’t circulating dirty air.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and make sure your HVAC system is properly ventilated to move moist air out of your living spaces.
- Consider an Air Purifier: High-quality air purifiers can further reduce airborne contaminants like mold spores, pollen, and dust.
At A/C Designs, we understand how challenging Jacksonville’s humid summers can be on your home’s comfort and air quality. That’s why we offer comprehensive duct cleaning services and indoor air quality solutions tailored to your needs.
Schedule your service with A/C Designs today, where your comfort is always by design.