As we move into the chillier part of the year, you’ll be spending more time indoors. Your heating system will be running. You’ll be breathing recirculated air, and that air might be contaminated by other people’s sneezes! Cold and flu germs and more will be trying to infiltrate your respiratory system. Indoor air quality has never been so important!
There are a wide variety of things you can do to improve your health and well-being, reduce pressure on your heating system, and gain even more benefits by taking control of your indoor air quality. Here’s your fall air quality checklist to help you figure out the best choices for your home and your family.
Humidifiers
A whole house humidifier can be added to your HVAC system. It allows you to control precisely the humidity of the air flowing through your ducts and around your home. This helps you feel just as warm even with the thermostat set a few degrees lower! You’ll run your heating system less, saving both money on your utility bills and wear and tear on the system.
Humidifiers are great for your health in the winter, too. Dry hair and skin and brittle, cracking nails are no fun. But did you know that when the delicate membranes in your sinuses get dry and cracked, it’s easier for germs to get in and set up shop? More humid air means fewer illnesses and less stress on your immune system.
Filters
Your furnace has an air filter, yes, but it’s there to protect the furnace from particles. It’s not designed to keep the air clean throughout your home. If you want less mess in your air—dust, fibers, pet hair, allergens, and more—you can have an HVAC air filter installed.
Purifiers
An air purifier is not just a fancy filter. These systems don’t just trap germs and pathogens in layers of filter. They actually kill them, sanitizing the air and dramatically reducing your risk of illness! And they do it all just with UV light, safe and chemical-free. This is an ideal option for people with special health concerns, respiratory conditions, or the elderly or very young.
Duct Cleaning
What about the stuff that’s already inside your ducts, settling to the bottom until the next gust of air sends them swirling out into your home? If you haven’t had your ducts cleaned in the last few years, this fall is the perfect time to do it. Mold, bacteria, dust, pollen, pet dander, and more is safely removed to allow you to breathe more freely all winter long.
Recovery Ventilators
You need some fresh air during the winter. You can’t just breathe nothing but recycled sneezes! But keeping your home well-ventilated would allow your precious, costly heated air to escape. What’s the solution? Your home might benefit from a heat recovery ventilator or energy recovery ventilator, which allows fresh air in while keeping heat loss to a minimum.
If you’re interested in any of these options, or want to have a conversation about indoor air quality in Evanston, IL, we’d love to talk with you.
Contact ServiceMax with any questions about your air quality.