Change Your HVAC Filter
If you have a forced air heating system, then you have ductwork that runs throughout the various rooms of your home. As air is moved through the ductwork via your blower fan, it can pick up unwanted airborne particles, dirt, and other debris. Your HVAC has a filter that is meant to keep those particulates out of your indoor air, but it can’t do its job without routine maintenance.
As a general rule of thumb, you should be checking your air filter every month and changing it out every two to three months (or as needed). It’s important to realize that a dirty air filter doesn’t just cause your indoor air quality level to drop, but it can also make your HVAC system work much harder to adequately heat your home. If you or another family member have severe allergies or respiratory conditions, you may want to invest in an air purifier with a HEPA filter, which can collect up to 99.97% of all airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or bigger in size.
Clean More Often
It can be really easy to get into the routine of putting off cleaning as the days get shorter during the winter season. However, the winner is actually the most vital time of the year to do regular indoor cleaning—since you likely open your windows and doors less during the colder months, there’s less fresh air making its way into your home. You want to make it a habit to clean your house at least once a week, if not more. Make sure that you’re vacuuming, dusting up debris on all surfaces, and so forth. The more dirt and other debris that you can remove from the surfaces throughout your home, the less indoor air is going to be tainted with them.
Consider Air Duct Cleaning
Another great way to help enhance the indoor air quality inside your home this winter season is to have a professional come in and clean your ductwork. Professionals have specific tools that they utilize to reach the various aspects of your ducting that aren’t exposed freely. They’ll use these tools to suck up any debris that is stuck inside your ducting. It’s commonly recommended that you get your air ducts cleaned every three to five years.
Use Your Range Hood
Did you know that cooking can create airborne particles that can impact your health? For this reason, it’s very important that you invest in a range hood that sits over your stove. You want to turn it on every time that you plan on cooking so that you can suck up all those harmful airborne toxins and divert them to the outdoors.
Use Exhaust Fans
Apart from using the exhaust fan on your range hood when you’re cooking, you also want to be using the exhaust fans in your bathroom. Whenever you’re taking a shower, water will naturally penetrate the air. You want to have your exhaust fan on so it diverts this overly humid air to the outdoors. Without a fan running, this high-humidity air can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to develop. Mold spores can be very toxic to the individuals in your home and will likely flare up any existing allergies.
Consider a Whole-Home Air Purification System
If you’re looking for a step up in air quality after investing in a HEPA air purifier, a great option is to consider investing in a whole-home air purification system. This is installed as a device that goes directly in line with your existing HVAC system. It’s responsible for removing airborne particles like pollen, pet dander, and other contaminants. Depending on the specific air purification system that you purchase, it will either trap the unwanted particles or destroy them completely.
Top Quality Indoor Air Quality Services
Texas Air Authorities offers top-quality indoor air quality services. Our helpful technicians can also assist with all of your heating, cooling, ductwork, zone control, and commercial needs. Simply contact us today to get the assistance that you need.
The post How to Keep Your Home and Family Safe From Poor Indoor Air Quality This Winter appeared first on Texas Air Authorities | www.texasairinc.com.
Texas Air Authorities is the premier choice for HVAC services in Arlington. With a team of highly trained and certified technicians, we have the expertise to handle all of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unmatched, and we always go above and beyond to ensure that your experience with us is positive. We use only the highest quality parts and equipment to ensure that your HVAC system is running at peak performance. Plus, we offer competitive pricing and flexible scheduling to fit your needs. Choose Texas Air Authorities for all of your HVAC needs in Arlington.
