Upon receiving alerts about extreme heat in the weather forecast, it’s customary to spend more time indoors. However, the effects of extreme heat can impact your indoor experience. Learn more about the ways that extreme heat affects indoor air quality and how to combat it.
1. Mold Growth
Whether someone is constantly opening the front door or there are numerous openings in the ductwork, extreme heat can impact indoor air through mold growth. Extreme heat often comes with a higher level of humidity. It’s not uncommon for extreme heat to be followed by intense thunderstorms. When you combine extreme heat and storms, humidity becomes more consuming. As humidity is comprised of heat and moisture, these two elements help mold spread and thrive. Mold tends to spread in dark spaces first. Unfortunately, this can make it harder to detect.
In preparation for potentially extreme heat, make sure the ductwork, cracks, and openings are completely sealed and closed off. Use a dehumidifier in spaces that tend to be susceptible to mold growth. When the air conditioning runs with a dehumidifier, this helps to make the indoor air drier.
2. Rain and Pollution
In addition to watering plants and contributing to the planet’s water cycle, rain is impactful in decreasing air pollution. Through a process called wet deposition, natural elements like rain, fog, and snow wash away dust particles and more. When there’s extreme heat and an absence of rain, more pollution travels through the air. As the polluted particles move through the air, they can also infiltrate indoor air. When indoor air gets polluted, it becomes harder to breathe comfortably.
A helpful way to combat indoor pollution is to change the air filters in your HVAC system more often. Also, invest in a high-quality air purifier that can work to limit the spread of pollution in your home.
3. Fires
Especially in times of extreme heat, wildfires occur. As wildfires burn, they release harmful toxins and smoke into the air. It can take time for fire personnel to regain control of the wildfires. As the fires burn and the air becomes more polluted, it’s not uncommon for smoke to infiltrate homes. Since many Texans are likely to experience the effects of wildfires, implementing an indoor air quality control protocol is essential for safety.
Hire Professional Assistance
As you work to protect your home’s indoor air quality, consider services such as an indoor air quality assessment. At Trade-Mark Air Conditioning, we’re committed to helping residents of Ingram, TX, maintain their home comfort. We offer repair, installation, and maintenance services for heating and cooling systems as well as assistance with indoor air quality, water heaters, geothermal systems, and more. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
Tags: humidity, Indoor Air QualityTags: Indoor Air Quality
August 17, 2023 4:12 pm
