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Although it’s possible for family members to catch colds from sick coworkers and classmates, the quality of the indoor air could also be the source of the problem. From dust to dirt and mold spores, breathing in irritants will cause anything from short sneezing spurts to asthma attacks. To keep everyone in your household healthy, below is a guide on how to improve indoor air quality at home. 

Do:

Change the filter regularly and routinely inspect ducts.

When the heating and cooling equipment is running, dirt, dust, pet dander, and other particles get sucked into the ducts. It’s the responsibility of the air filter to catch the contaminants before they damage internal components. When the filter is clogged, indoor air quality suffers. As the screen can no longer trap new allergens, they recirculate in the air.

To improve indoor air quality, check the filter at least every three months and have the ducts periodically inspected for gaps and cracks that suck in particles. If there are severe allergy sufferers in the home, upgrade to a HEPA filter. The mesh screens are designed to trap various contaminants and provide relief.  

Consider installing an indoor air cleaner. 

In addition to regular HVAC maintenance, install an air purifier to keep allergens out of living spaces. Resembling humidifiers or dehumidifiers, the portable appliances extract harmful substances from the air. Beyond dust, pollen, and pet dander, they also eliminate tobacco smoke that causes lung cancer and asbestos that can also have long-term health implications. 

Don’t:

Burn scented candles frequently. 

Middletown-Ohio-indoor-air-qualityThe chemicals used to create candle fragrances can damage your health, so limit how often you burn them. For example, some products contain benzene and toluene. Although breathing in the chemicals might not bring on allergy attacks, excessive exposure could damage major organs, including the brain and lungs.   

Open windows when pollen counts are high. 

Depending on where you live, plants could release pollen from early January well into spring. Find out when pollen season is going to hit your area and plan accordingly. This should include keeping windows closed to prevent the allergens from wafting inside. You should also take shoes off at the door to avoid tracking pollen inside the house. 

 

If you suspect poor indoor air quality is to blame for discomfort at home or in the workplace, contact the bonded and insured HVAC contractors at Philip Perkins Heating & Air Conditioning in Middletown, OH, for help. For over 30 years, they have been providing air conditioner repair, furnace cleaning, air cleaner installation, and additional services to improve equipment performance and ensure clients can breathe easy in their spaces. They will also share tips to keep cooling costs low without sacrificing comfort. To schedule a service appointment and learn about financing options, call (513) 423-7052. Visit the team online to see what types of air purification systems they carry and install.   

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