Florida summers are hot and humid, and those heavy, sticky conditions can make it harder to breathe. That’s so often the case indoors too since dust, odors, allergens and stale air can accumulate there.
And if your HVAC system isn’t working well, your home’s humidity level will usually increase to the point that all of those air quality factors worsen considerably.
Quick Takeaways
Florida’s high humidity creates ideal conditions for mold, mildew and airborne contaminants to flourish- Constant use of an air conditioning unit can circulate allergens, dust and bacteria throughout a home
- Poor ventilation traps indoor pollutants during those hot summer months when windows are rarely open
- Dirty HVAC systems have the potential to make indoor air quality much worse in the summer
- High indoor humidity can increase odors as well as respiratory irritation and the onset of allergy symptoms
- Indoor air quality services can remove contaminants and improve a home’s overall airflow cleanliness
Why Indoor Air Quality Gets Worse During Florida Summers
Heat and moisture cause conditions that allow airborne contaminants, like dust mites, chemical emissions, pollutants and mold, to thrive. Sealed homes trap those inside, and HVAC systems circulate them during our hot summers.
Also, note that homeowners tend to remain inside breathing them in when their air conditioner’s working at its hardest – i.e. during extreme heat.
Florida’s Humidity Creates the Perfect Environment for Indoor Air Problems
Unfortunately, Florida’s humid conditions create the perfect environment for indoor air problems.
Moisture Fuels Mold and Mildew Growth
Microorganisms, like mold and mildew, require moisture to grow, and Florida’s humid air provides them with plenty of that.
Damp Air Makes Dust and Allergens Worse
Humidity helps airborne particles cling to surfaces, such as furniture, walls and fabrics. That’s in addition to the damp air helping the dust and allergens accumulate in the first place.
Excess Humidity Can Create Musty Odors
Unpleasant musty odors can also result from excess humidity.
Your AC System May Be Spreading Indoor Contaminants
Your AC system may be continuously circulating indoor contaminants – e.g. pet dander, dust, pollen and bacteria buildup – throughout your home while concurrently making it too humid and unhealthy.
As a result, evaporator coils and ductwork may become dirty with accumulated dust and other contaminants, like mold, on and in them. Also, microbial growth could clog your drain lines.
Common Signs Your Indoor Air Quality Is Worse This Summer
Here are several common signs that your indoor air quality has become worse this summer:
- Increased allergy symptoms while indoors
- Frequent coughing or sneezing
- Sinus irritation or headaches
- Musty odors, especially when your AC is running
- Dust building up around your vents
- Humid conditions indoors
- Stale or stuffy air
Why Florida Homes Struggle With Ventilation
One of the reasons why Florida homes struggle with ventilation is because many limit air leakage, which results in an undesirable fresh-air exchange that traps poor-quality air inside. That air often worsens as well, such as when poor airflow causes pollutants to build up faster.
Another consideration is that attics in Florida homes can become very hot as those houses are cooled, and duct sweating there oftentimes results in moisture intrusion.
Indoor Air Pollutants That Become Worse During Summer
Several air pollutants tend to become worse during the summer months.
Mold Spores
Due to the high humidity and temperatures of Sunshine State summers, mold enjoys ideal conditions for growth.
Dust Mites
When in warm, humid places, dust mites reproduce much more easily compared to other conditions.
Pet Dander
Because there’s limited fresh air exchange indoors in the summer months, pet dander usually accumulates.
Pollen
Although a home’s tight seal does keep most pollen out, once people and animals bring it inside, it tends to stay.
Volatile Organic Compounds
VOCs often come from cleaners, paints, furniture and household products, and heat increases the off-gassing process while reduced ventilation keeps these VOCs from dissipating.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality During Florida Summers
There are a few things that you can do to improve your indoor air quality during our steamy Florida summers.
Replace HVAC Air Filters Regularly
Filters help catch mold spores, dust mites, pet dander and pollen, and if they’re clogged, they won’t do that as effectively. Clogged ones will reduce your airflow as well.
Control Indoor Humidity Levels
Using a whole-home dehumidifier is one of the best ways that you can balance indoor humidity levels.
Schedule Professional HVAC Cleaning
Dust, dirty coils and clogged drain lines result in an inefficient HVAC system. A professional cleaning will help solve those issues.
Install Indoor Air Quality Products
Indoor air quality products, such as UV air purifiers, air scrubbers, advanced filtration systems and whole-home purification systems, can reduce airborne contaminants and improve circulation and filtration. Consider installing them.
Improve Ventilation
Balancing your airflow and reducing your stagnant indoor air through ventilation helps lower your interior humidity level and keep airborne particles from accumulating.
Why Professional Indoor Air Quality Services Matter in Orlando
Florida climate conditions create indoor air quality challenges throughout the year, not only in the hot summer months. Professional indoor air quality services can help. Testing identifies contamination sources, including hidden ones, and treatment provides long-term health, comfort and HVAC performance benefits.
FAQ
Why does indoor air quality get worse during Florida summers?
When conditions are hotter and more humid, airborne contaminants in Florida homes accumulate.
Can high humidity affect indoor air quality?
High humidity inside a home causes some contaminants to grow and be dispersed more easily than they otherwise would.
Why does my house smell musty during summer?
Musty smells during summer may result from mold, mildew and bacteria growing in different areas of your home combined with poor ventilation.
Can my air conditioner spread allergens through the house?
Yes.
Do indoor air quality systems really help in Florida homes?
An indoor air quality system helps with these issues if it is a quality one that has been maintained and is doing its job effectively. When that’s the case, the number of airborne particles will be reduced significantly.
Breathe Easier This Summer With One Hour Orlando
One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, which serves Orlando and its surrounding areas, wants to help you enjoy cleaner air, healthier airflow and humidity control.
If you want to learn more about how we can do this for you, reach out today, keeping in mind that we’re always on time or you don’t pay a dime.