Hey everyone! I recently had an AC system added to our heating setup, but I'm a bit concerned about the air quality coming from it. The installation didn't seem too thorough, and now my family has been experiencing some coughing and respiratory issues. We do have two toddlers, so colds are constant, but I want to cover all bases here. We've been running the furnace fan for 30 minutes each hour at night to keep CO2 levels in check. However, I notice the furnace filters get dirty pretty quickly. Could the air quality from our AC/heat recirculation be a factor? Any insights would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! -M
2 Answers
First off, definitely check the type of air filtration system you have and see if you can upgrade your filters. If there's dust in your ducts and you have no filtration, that could cause problems when the system is running. While the AC doesn't add much that wasn't already in your heating setup, dirty filters won't help! Also, keep an eye on any gas heat exchangers; those can be a big issue in terms of carbon monoxide, but it sounds like you're already aware of that risk.
You might want to consider hiring an air quality testing service. They have some really sensitive equipment and can identify any issues in your home. Just remember, they focus on mitigation too, so they might try to sell you solutions. Also, check your crawl space—if it’s vented and dirt, that could contribute a lot to mold and dampness. Installing a vapor barrier could help, and using a humidity monitor might give you insight into that area.
I'm based in SoCal, and my house was built in '55 with a vented crawl space. I'm planning to add a vapor barrier and insulation under the floor. I've heard different opinions on whether to use an air barrier instead, but I want to ensure I'm using the right material. Plus, I'm a bit worried about some piping that might have asbestos since the HVAC company mentioned finding it in the attic insulation.