Cold and flu season is in full force, and you may or may not have already been hit. That doesn’t mean you won’t get sick again, of course, and keeping that heating system running nonstop throughout the season isn’t helping.
As you run your heater, it sucks in air from around the home. While it does, it can bring in contaminants, including viruses and bacteria that can make you ill. In fact, the quality of the air inside of your home can be a lot worse than the quality of the air outdoors. Prepare your home for cold and flu season with these tips!
Change the Air Filter
First, it’s important to keep up with changing the air filter each and every month in your home furnace. A clean air filter can prevent germs from circulating throughout your home, while a clogged one can cause a lot of trouble for your ventilation system. Besides, an air filter can be home to all kinds of viruses and particulate just waiting to be pushed back out into the air you breathe.
Look into Advanced Air Filtration
Changing the air filter each month is important, no matter what, but you might look into more advanced ways to filter the air. A quality filtration system has a pleated design to allow for a greater surface area so that it can catch way more particles from the air. This is in addition to your standard air filter, and you’ll need a technician to help you pick one out that is properly rated for your system.
Consider UV Air Cleaning
One of the most effective air cleaning systems is a UV air purifier. Ultraviolet light can clean the air by emitting rays that kill off viruses, bacteria, and other living microorganisms on contact. A UV light system can be installed in the ducts to kill off germs as they move through the HVAC system. When they are killed and sterilized, they are no longer unsafe to breathe in.
Repair Ducts
Most homes in the country have air ducts that are leaking. This is a big deal, because it means you’re probably spending more on heating and air conditioning than you have to. Broken air ducts allow air and heat to leak out, but they can also let contaminants in. Hire a company to repair your home’s air ducts if they show signs of excessive leakage.
Stock Up the Medicine Cabinet
We can’t discuss home preparation for illnesses without mentioning the medicine cabinet. Air quality equipment can help to keep contaminants under control, but you should always be prepared for the worst.
Take stock of your medicine cabinet today. Throw out anything that has expired, and shop for physician-recommended cold and cough remedies, as well as vitamins or vitamin-rich foods. It’s always better to be prepared. While we may not be around to care for you when you’re sick (unless you need your heater fixed), we’re always happy to offer advice!
Contact GRmetro Heating and Cooling Inc for all your heating and indoor air quality needs in the Grand Rapids area.
