We don’t have to tell you how bad getting an awful cold is… or, even worse, the dreaded flu. Headaches, runny nose, stuffiness, and the overall terrible feeling that seems to last forever is no fun for anyone. Obviously, nobody wants to get sick. But, if you do and you’re at home recovering, or if you simply want to help prevent these illnesses, your HVAC system can help you in the fight against them.
Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air can make you just as sick as outdoor air. And if your indoor air quality is poor, it could lead to some serious illnesses, including the flu. Mold, bacteria, dirt and other allergens can all contribute to or worsen symptoms of the flu. Indoor air can also be compromised by too much or too little humidity. Airborne contaminants like pet dander, dust mites, germs, dust and pesticides can do the same.
How your HVAC system affects indoor air quality has a lot to do with how clean and properly maintained it is. After all, you’re breathing recycled air. So the effectiveness of your HVAC systems removing pollutants greatly affects your health. Lower air quality may not be directly responsible for a cold or the flu. But, poor air quality can worsen their conditions by affecting the respiratory system and can prolong the symptoms of a cold or flu.
Here are some measures you can take to help fight a cold or the flu with your HVAC system:
Add an Air Purifier
At TMS, we can add an air purifier to your system. Doing so can provide cleaner, healthier air and reduce your family’s exposure to the bacteria and viruses that contribute to the flu.
Get UV Lights Installed
Professionally installed Ultraviolet or UV lights can also help kill bacteria and allergens by sterilizing the air supply. UV lights are commonly used in laboratories, hospitals and food manufacturing plants for better air quality and sterilization.
By having UV lights installed inside your HVAC system, you can enjoy the same sterile air quality required by hospitals to help keep patients healthy. Ultraviolet lights can be placed near the air handler to kill bacteria and viruses so they don’t get dispersed into the air you breathe. And they can also help keep the evaporator coil mold-free, as well as purify and sterilize the air coming from return vents and air ducts.
Upgrade Your Air Filtration
Air filters with higher Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) ratings are available to improve your home’s air quality. These higher MERV filters are more effective at trapping viruses, bacteria and other contaminants than standard air filters to better protect you from the flu. But before you replace your standard air filter with a higher MERV rating filter, contact the professionals at TMS find out which filters work best for your system.
We will never stop stressing the importance of changing your air filter regularly. That’s because old dirty filters hold germs that can be filtered throughout your home, which will increase your chances of getting a cold or the flu. A clean, strong air filter can prevent bacteria and germs from passing through your home. So it’s important to change your air filters regularly if you really want to fight these illnesses.
Humidity Control
Indoor air humidity can affect the survival of germs and viruses in your home. While germs and bacteria have been shown to thrive in low humidity, high humidity can cause an increase in mold and mildew growth. Your HVAC system plays an important role in humidity control. By scheduling an appointment with the experienced technicians at TMS for an inspection and regular maintenance, you can keep humidity control in check. If your HVAC system is poorly maintained, your indoor air quality suffers. Have your system inspected to make sure it’s doing its part to help you fight the flu.
Humidifiers
In winter, low humidity levels can lead to the flu, sinus, and other respiratory conditions. Installing a humidifier in places that are more likely to spread influenza may prove to be very effective. By giving air back its’ moisture, humidifiers increase the level of humidity inside your homes. It will not only help you breathe easier, but also reduce risks of the cold and flu viruses.
