The Down and Dirty about HVAC Systems in Apartment Buildings: What You Should Know About the Hazards
Apartment dwellers may be surprised to learn that indoor air quality is often worse than outdoor air quality – sometimes 2 to 5 times more polluted.
This is particularly concerning given that Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors.
Whether you live in an older or newer apartment building, there are unique challenges to maintaining healthy indoor air quality.
Older Buildings
Apartments in buildings constructed before 1979 may face issues such as:
- Mold issues (invisible spores easily travel through the air)
- Lead dust from disturbed lead-based paint during renovations
- Asbestos and other legacy contaminants polluting the air
Newer Buildings
Because newer apartments (built in the last 35 years) are more tightly sealed, they don’t breathe as well as older buildings, and face their own set of indoor air quality challenges:
- Forced air circulation can lead to uncomfortable or even dangerous respiratory illnesses
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from household products, furniture, and building materials can travel throughout the air
- Dust and particulate matter from various sources recirculate
HVAC Systems: A Double-Edged Sword
HVAC systems, while essential for comfort, can be a pathway for circulating toxins throughout your apartment and building. Poor maintenance can lead to:
- Reduced indoor air quality
- Growth of mold, dust mites, and bacteria in the unit which can spread throughout a building
Improving Your Apartment’s Air Quality Through Proper Maintenance
- Clean air ducts or replace HVAC filters every 1-3 months
- Keep HVAC systems unblocked by furniture or debris
- Use air conditioning proactively during hot weather
- Replace malfunctioning thermostats
- Monitor humidity levels and use dehumidifiers if necessary
- Open windows regularly to allow fresh air circulation
- Remove chemical-emitting materials and products when possible
- Pay attention to unusual noises or odors from your HVAC system
Additional Ideas for Better Indoor Air Quality
- Ensure bathroom and kitchen fans are working properly
- Choose eco-friendly cleaning products
- Minimize air freshener use
- Dust surfaces and vacuum frequently
- Use low-VOC or zero-VOC paints for indoor spaces
- Add houseplants to help purify the air
Taking Action
As an apartment resident, you can often improve indoor air quality by removing pollution sources, altering activities, unblocking air supply vents, or opening windows. However, some issues may require intervention from the building owner or manager.
Consider requesting an indoor environmental inspection from a certified professional, like RTK Environmental, to test for mold, asbestos, lead, VOCs, or other contaminants. Remember, your health and safety should be the top priority when it comes to your living environment.
