This time of year, there’s more to do than simply enjoy the weather. Although we admit, the weather is gorgeous, and it’s hard to buckle down and focus on a to-do list. But soon, you’ll be spending a lot of time indoors, breathing recycled air… which may contain a lot of things you don’t want to breathe.
What can you do to make sure you breathe easier this winter? We’ve got an indoor air quality (IAQ) checklist for you, specifically for this time of year. And the benefits go beyond just your health. Take control of your well-being by getting an IAQ system installed, maintained, or repaired and having better indoor air quality in Wayne, NJ this winter.
1: Heating Maintenance
If you turn on your heating system during the first cold snap without having maintenance done, you’ll wreak havoc with your air quality. After sitting unused for many months, your furnace is blanketed in layers of dust. You don’t want that getting blown around. You certainly don’t want it heating up and filling the house with that smoky, scorched dust smell. Heating maintenance is critical for so many reasons, but air quality is one of them.
2: Furnace Air Filter Changes
It benefits your air quality and the well-being of your furnace to change the air filter. This should be done at least once during the fall when you’re using your heat occasionally, and then every month during the winter’s more consistent heating system use. If you’re not sure how to go about this, consult your owner’s manual, or reach out to us with any questions.
3: Home Air Filtration
If you want to breathe cleaner air, your furnace’s air filter will only make a small difference. A whole house air filtration system can be installed into your ductwork. All the air that passes through will be filtered, catching all sorts of particles, fibers, and allergens. If you already have such a system, now is the perfect time for routine maintenance and changing the filter.
4: UV Air Purification
If a filter simply doesn’t do enough, and you want your air sanitized of germs and pathogens, your best bet is a UV air purifier. Again, this can be installed in your ducts, where all the air will be exposed to ultraviolet light at a frequency that destroys germs and bacteria before they can get to your respiratory system. And again, if you have a UV air purifier, make sure it gets a check-up and is working properly before cold and flu season.
5: Humidification
A humidifier combats the dryness that comes along with the cold winter air. This dryness is unpleasant for your hair, nails, and skin. It leaves your sinus passages chapped and cracked, which provides easy access to invading germs.
Dry air also makes the cold feel colder, because it doesn’t hold heat as well. When you maintain an ideal level of humidity, you can keep your thermostat set lower while staying just as cozy and comfortable. That reduces energy use, utility bills, and wear and tear on your heating system.
Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today to schedule an appointment or ask any questions about your HVAC system!