Is My HVAC System Making Me Sick?

A man blowing his nose in a home.

We’ve all been there — feeling sluggish, stuffy, or just plain unwell for what seems like no reason. Sometimes, however, the reason might be closer than you think.

Your HVAC system, the unsung hero of your home’s comfort, can also be a source of health problems if not maintained properly. At Gagne Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re committed to helping you create a healthy and comfortable living space. In this blog post, we’ll dive into common HVAC-related health issues and offer practical tips to keep your system clean and efficient.

Forced Air Systems and Potential Allergens

Forced air systems can circulate more than just air; they can distribute airborne contaminants throughout your house if not properly maintained. These systems need regular checks to make sure that they are not becoming a source of poor air quality, which could potentially make you feel sick or exacerbate existing health issues like allergies or asthma.

The Impact of Heating Systems on Indoor Air Quality

Heating systems, especially those that run on gas or oil, can potentially compromise indoor air quality if they are not kept in working order. Incomplete combustion in gas and oil heaters can produce byproducts like carbon monoxide, which can pose serious health risks. Regular maintenance of these systems is crucial to make sure they are burning fuel completely, efficiently, and safely.

Oil heating systems require specific attention as they can emit particulates, or soot, that not only affect your health but can also degrade the quality of air inside your home. Soot particles can infiltrate the lungs and exacerbate respiratory problems, making the indoor environment uncomfortable or even hazardous, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions.

How Air Conditioning Systems Can Affect Health

Your air conditioning unit can be a double-edged sword: while it cools down your home, it might also circulate contaminants if not properly maintained. The presence of lingering moisture in an air conditioner unit can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria, which are then spread through air ducts. This can significantly degrade indoor air quality and may cause respiratory issues and other health problems.

General HVAC Maintenance to Prevent Health Issues

At Gagne, we emphasize the importance of regular checks and balances for maintaining your HVAC systems so that they contribute positively to your indoor environment. This includes routine maintenance tasks such as checking and cleaning air filters, which are crucial for blocking various allergens and pathogens that can degrade air quality. Keeping these components in optimal condition helps prevent the circulation of contaminated air that could potentially impact your health.

Without proper maintenance, HVAC systems can become a breeding ground for dust, mold, and other pollutants that can compromise indoor air quality and potentially make you sick. Our comprehensive maintenance services are designed to address these concerns head-on, keeping your system running efficiently and contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

Heating System Maintenance

We recommend that heating systems, particularly furnaces and heat pumps, be serviced at least once a year, ideally before the heating season begins. This proactive approach allows us to clean and inspect the system thoroughly, ensuring that all components are functioning correctly and safely. 

Maintenance tasks include checking for leaks, examining and replacing filters, cleaning burners and heat exchangers, and testing safety controls. These steps are vital to prevent the circulation of contaminants so that your heating system is not a source of poor indoor air quality.

AC Unit Maintenance

Similarly, air conditioning units also require regular maintenance to prevent poor indoor air quality. AC units should be serviced at least annually, ideally before the cooling season. Maintenance of AC units includes cleaning or replacing air filters, which trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. It also involves cleaning the condensate drain line to prevent microbial growth and checking the refrigerant levels and system controls for proper operation. 

Regular maintenance ensures that your AC unit provides not only cool air but also maintains good air quality, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and other health-related problems associated with poor indoor air quality.

Contact Us for Heating and Cooling System Replacement Services in Alpharetta, GA, or the Surrounding Areas

At Gagne Heating & Air Conditioning, we are committed to helping you maintain a healthy and comfortable home. Our team of licensed professionals is equipped to handle all aspects of heating and cooling system maintenance and repair, so that your units are aiding your health, not harming it. We encourage you not to wait until problems arise. Proactive maintenance is your best defense against HVAC-related health concerns and the surest way to keep them from compromising your fresh air. During routine maintenance visits, our technicians can identify any issues that might be affecting your air quality, such as mold growth or excessive dust within the system, which need immediate attention. 

Furthermore, if your HVAC system is aging and shows signs of wear that could pose health risks, Gagne offers comprehensive repair services to fix the problem. Should the system be beyond repair and potentially hazardous to your health, we also provide replacement options to ensure your indoor environment remains safe and comfortable.

If you reside in Alpharetta, GA, or the surrounding areas, and suspect your HVAC system might be affecting your health, contact us today. We serve:

  • Alpharetta, GA
  • Cumming, GA
  • Roswell, GA
  • Marietta, GA
  • Johns Creek, GA
  • Fulton County, GA
  • Milton, GA
  • Sandy Springs, GA

With transparent pricing and flexible financing options, we make it easy for you to access top-quality HVAC services. Contact Gagne Heating & Air Conditioning to book an appointment and transform your home into a safe haven for you and your loved ones.