Heating equipment has a great impact on the quality of our indoor air. Did you know that it may be a major source of pollutants? It is also useful in filtering and ventilating toxins. 

You must keep the heating equipment in order. Otherwise, dangerous gases and particles may reach unhealthy levels. 

What is the effect of heating equipment on indoor air quality? Let’s try to understand. 

How Heating Systems Pollute Our Homes?

The NHS told us that homeowners commonly use furnaces, wood stoves, and space heaters. And fuel is burnt to produce heat in these systems. This can release harmful substances into the air. 

• Gas stoves and furnaces produce NO₂. The longer you use it, the more the gas accumulates. One hour of use is capable of increasing the level by 18 ppb.

• This level may exceed 200 μg/m³ in kitchens. And it exceeds the safe 1-hour regulation (established by WHO). This has the potential to cause breathing problems among our family members.

• Carbon Monoxide has no color or smell. It occurs when fuel is not burnt completely. The CO may accumulate to 30 ppm (34 mg/m³) in poorly ventilated rooms. This can also go above the safety limit. And high CO levels can be very harmful to health. 

• The burning of wood or coal creates minute dust. These particles can 20 times dirty the indoor air. A fireplace that is open has the capacity to increase PM10 dust by 12 times.

• The furniture and the paint may release chemicals because of the heat. One example is formaldehyde. The heating apparatus can boost the release of formaldehyde. Which can go above the safety level of 0.1 mg/m³. It irritates our eyes, nose, and throat. Long term exposure affects breathing. 

How do HVAC Systems Improve Indoor Air Quality?

Modern heating and cooling systems help to reduce these issues.

Filtration

Normal air filters catch dust, pollen, and large particles. HEPA filters are far superior. But make sure to change the filter every three months.  

Ventilation

Ventilation brings fresh air from outside. This lowers the amount of harmful gases. You may need to install Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) to benefit. 

Humidity Control

The ideal indoor humidity is between 30% and 50%.

• Above 50% humidity? Mold can grow.
• Below 30%? It can irritate your nose and lungs.

You should use a humidifier in winter. A dehumidifier is also helpful in damp seasons. This will help you to keep humidity at a safe level.

Bad indoor air can create serious health problems. The most common ones are: 

• Higher risk of having asthma 
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Heart disease
• And more

Real Case Study: The Impact of Heating System Selection on IAQ

Want a real case study you can link out to? Check this article on how different heating and ventilation strategies can affect indoor air quality (IAQ) in an occupied space:

☝️ Effect of the Heating System on the Indoor Environmental Quality — Case Study

https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/12/8/1088  

This field research study conducted real-world measurements to analyze the differences between a radiant ceiling heating system and a mechanical fan-coil heating system. 

Researchers monitored IAQ factors such as CO₂ concentration, relative humidity, particle, and air temperature for one week while operating the radiant system and one week while operating the mechanical system. The study demonstrates how varying heating approaches can impact IAQ indicators within an occupied space.

Interesting facts from the case study: 

• Different heating methods can impact indoor CO₂ levels and particulate matter.
• Mechanical or forced-air systems can impact indoor pollutant distribution and RH percentages differently based on how they’re handling and ventilating air.
• Many IAQ parameters that were measured in this case, such as PM and other gases, are related to how much air circulation or air exchange a heating system provides to a room.
• Heater type + ventilation details can impact IAQ, not just thermal comfort.

Heating Equipment & Indoor Air Quality FAQ

Can my heater pollute my indoor air? 

Yes. If they’re not vented correctly or maintained regularly, combustion heaters (gas or wood) can emit carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter into your home. Vent-free heaters may emit other pollutants. Note that properly ventilated heaters can still impair your home’s IAQ if your house isn’t ventilated enough.

What is the difference between ventilation and filtration?

Ventilation increases the amount of outdoor air coming into your home. Because outdoor air typically has lower levels of indoor pollutants like NO₂ and formaldehyde, increasing ventilation will help improve your IAQ. Filtration, on the other hand, will help remove dust, pollen, and fine particulates from your air (provided you’re using higher-end filters).

Do heaters dry out the air? 

Yep. Most types of heaters will reduce humidity levels in your home. Forced-air furnaces are particularly bad at this. Running a heater without addressing humidity can cause dryness in your respiratory system and make you feel colder than the actual temperature. It can also cause other comfort problems. If humidity gets too high, it can promote mold growth. Ideally, you’ll want to keep your humidity levels between 30–50% for optimal comfort and IAQ.

How can I heat my home and maintain a good IAQ?

Make sure you have high-quality filters for your heating system, and change them frequently.

Ensure you’re ventilating your home properly. Bringing in fresh outdoor air will help dilute indoor pollutants, and mechanical ventilation or heat recovery ventilation (HRV) can do this without losing too much heat.

Control your humidity with a humidifier or dehumidifier. Have your HVAC system tuned up every year to ensure that it’s running efficiently.

Are electric heaters better for IAQ than combustion heaters?

In most cases, electric heaters are better for your IAQ because they don’t produce combustion byproducts (like NO₂ or CO). That being said, electric furnaces and heat pumps still need good ventilation and filtration to help remove dust, VOCs, and manage humidity levels.

What health problems are associated with poor IAQ from heating systems?

Upper respiratory irritation, headaches, fatigue, and worsening of asthma and chronic respiratory disease. There’s also the added discomfort of simply feeling uncomfortable.

Final words

Homeowners should follow the right guide to maintain the heating equipment. Frequent check-ups and servicing should be performed on time. Besides, replacing the air filters also helps to reduce harmful substances. 

These are just a few steps that can help to reduce air pollution. It will make indoor air quality healthy for you and your family.