As the season changes, your environment shifts, both indoors and out. A switch of seasons is the perfect time to focus on freshening the air in your home. Here are some tips to maintain great indoor air quality as you prep for spring.
Use allergen-rated filters. Besides making sure that your air filters are changed on an appropriate schedule, using a high-quality filter rated for allergen filtration will help clean the air as it cycles. Regular filters are designed to protect the heating and cooling system by trapping larger particles such as dust before they reach the unit. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters will trap much smaller particles and keep offending allergens from simply recirculating back into the living space.
Consider an air cleaner. If those living in the home are experiencing severe negative health effects from invasive allergens, using an air cleaner in conjunction with HEPA air filters for the HVAC unit will dramatically increase the effectiveness of overall indoor air filtration. Air cleaners are specifically designed to remove mold, mildew, dust, pollen and pet dander from the air inside the home.
Install ultraviolet lamps. Ultraviolet lamps can be installed inside the heating and cooling unit to kill mold and bacteria that may develop on and around the coil due to moisture, and there are also lamps available that can sterilize the moving air. These lamps are effective at killing germs that may otherwise recirculate through the home.
Make sure the home is properly ventilated. Bathrooms and kitchens are both major contributors to the humidity of the home, and they need to be properly vented. Check exhaust vents to make sure they are free of obstruction and working properly so that excess moisture and pollutants can be removed.
Utilize a dehumidifier. After the winter passes, most humidifiers are placed in storage until the dryer months of summer arrive. Using a dehumidifier in its place will maintain a balanced indoor environment by removing excess moisture from the air, which will help to prevent issues such as the development of mold and mildew.
