It’s always important that your HVAC system is working properly; this will not only make your home a comfortable place to be, but it will also keep aspects of your home running smoothly and lasting longer. One of the main areas of a home that an HVAC system can have a direct impact on is the flooring. Certain weather conditions can have an effect on your flooring, mainly your hardwood. Changes in the environment, mainly humidity and temperature outside, can damage your hardwood floor.
However, as long as your HVAC system is working properly, your HVAC system should be able to prevent outside conditions from impacting your indoor hardwood floors. Here is how HVAC systems can preserve the life of your hardwood floors.
Your HVAC System Has a Direct Impact on the Longevity of Your Flooring
A specialist from a company that specializes in air conditioning repairs in Sicklerville pointed out that humidity is one of the main elements that can damage and lift hardwood floors. He added that many people don’t realize that their HVAC system can prevent humidity from damaging their hardwood floors. With that being said, here is how humidity and outside conditions can impact your hardwood floor’s durability and appearance.
High Humidity’s Impact
Damp air can cause wood to swell and ultimately lift. If hardwood floors swell, the planks’ appearance will become distorted and their attachment to the ground will be altered. Hardwood floors that sit in damp air for a prolonged period of time may even crack and get soggy, making the wood planks break and crumble. Proper working HVAC systems can prevent these things.
If your hardwood floor looks like it has lifted or you can feel the durability being impacted, you should make sure that your air conditioning system is working properly. In case you are having any issue with the air conditioning system visit this website for more information regarding the AC repairing services. AC units dehumidify a space as they cool it down. You may not be able to feel that your AC unit is not working properly, so it is worth your while to make sure that your AC units are meeting certain specifications by having an experienced HVAC serviceman take a look every season.
If your AC unit is working properly and your hardwood floors are still being greatly impacted by the humidity in a space, think about installing a whole-house dehumidifier. These specific dehumidifiers are installed into an HVAC’s ductwork and dehumidify the air that is circulating throughout your home.
Low Humidity’s Impact
It’s important that a home’s indoor water vapor level does not go below a certain threshold, usually around 30-35%. If a home’s water vapor level does in fact drop, hardwood floors may develop gaps in between the boards; or, the wood may warp and splinter if it becomes too dry.
To prevent splinters and brittle wood, a whole-house humidifier maybe your best option. These humidifiers, as opposed to whole-house dehumidifiers, will add water vapor to the air that is circulating throughout your home. Having an HVAC specialist check your heating system is also important if you think your home is not getting enough humidity.
Keep Your Wood Floors Looking and Performing Great
Hardwood flooring is an investment, and it’s important that you protect that investment by doing all that you can to prolong its lifespan. If you are thinking about installing hardwood, check to see that your HVAC systems are running properly, or if your current hardwood floor is not living up to expectations, look into why and consider contacting an HVAC service provider. Depending on the location of your home, low and high humidity issues will differ, that’s why it’s worth your while to talk to an HVAC contractor to see what is best for your home and your home’s hardwood floors.
About the Author
Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey
