Your HVAC system plays many important roles in your comfort. It keeps you warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and helps with humidity–hopefully while keeping your utility expenses manageable.
However, many homeowners are surprised to learn that their HVAC systems also influence how well you sleep. That’s because HVAC systems and IAQ (indoor air quality) go hand in hand. Let’s take a deep dive into how your sleep quality may be suffering due to dirty ductwork, a lack of tune-ups, and foregoing HVAC repair in Bethel Park.
Indoor Air Quality and Sleep Quality
Your home’s indoor air quality plays a huge role in sleep quality. And your HVAC system affects your home’s air. There are several things you can do to make sure your HVAC system is running as cleanly as it possibly can including:
- Change the air filter every 1-3 months
- Schedule duct cleaning every 3-5 years
- Schedule routine HVAC maintenance once a year for both furnaces and air conditioners
- Schedule regular maintenance twice a year for heat pumps and mini-splits.
Maintenance is crucial because when your HVAC system isn’t properly maintained, it can circulate dust, allergens, mold spores, viruses, germs, and pollutants throughout your home. These airborne particles are irritating to the respiratory system, causing congestion, coughing, and increased allergies or asthma symptoms.
Exposure to contaminants means your body has to work harder to breathe, which can prevent you and your household members from achieving the deep, restorative sleep stages that are so essential to overall physical health. A lack of quality sleep can cause fatigue and affect memory, the ability to concentrate, and a host of other health issues.
Temperature Control and Sleep Comfort
A well-functioning HVAC system maintains a comfortable temperature in your home. But when your system isn’t working correctly, you might find yourself tossing and turning. An outdated system that isn’t working efficiently will struggle to keep your home at the right temperature or cause hot and cold spots throughout your home.
Humidity Levels
Imbalanced humidity can also affect sleep quality. Although your HVAC system plays a small role in humidity levels, a whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier will bring your home’s humidity to the precise level needed for quality sleep.
When the air in your home is too humid, it can make the environment feel sticky and uncomfortable, leading to restless nights. High humidity levels can also encourage the growth of mold and mildew, which can negatively affect your indoor air quality and exacerbate respiratory issues.
However, if the air is too dry, it can cause dry skin, irritated mucous membranes, and nosebleeds—all of which can disrupt your sleep. Maintaining the perfect humidity level in your home is essential to a comfortable sleep environment.
Your HVAC system has a more significant impact on your sleep than you might think. Don’t let it keep you up at night! Contact us if you have any questions.
Call the friendly staff at Boehmer Heating & Cooling for exceptional customer service! Schedule HVAC repair in Bethel Park, PA with our team today.