Cold and flu season always coincides with winter weather when your home is closed up tight and you’re relying on your HVAC system for warmth and comfort. You can also use your HVAC system to reduce your chances of coming down with these common wintertime illnesses by making some adjustments, like the following:
Boost Indoor Humidity Levels
Studies have shown that germs from coughs and sneezes stay afloat much longer in dry air, so low humidity inside your home can be a major contributing factor in the spread of viruses and bacteria. Having your HVAC pro install a whole-home humidifier on your heating system can help alleviate dry air conditions and reduce the likelihood that you’ll come down with a cold or the flu during the winter months.
Add an Ultraviolet Light
Adding an ultraviolet light to your HVAC system’s air handler can help eradicate the flu and common cold viruses and other micro-organisms in the air circulating through your home.
Invest in an Energy Recovery Ventilator
An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) helps rid your home of stale, germ-laden air and introduces fresher outdoor air through balanced ventilation. While doing so, the system draws moisture and warmth from the outgoing air and transfers it to the incoming supply to help maintain a healthy humidity level and reduce energy waste.
Improve Air Filtration
You’ve probably been advised to replace the air filter in your heating system regularly to prevent airflow restrictions and keep dust and debris away from sensitive system components. Most furnace filters only capture larger particles that might harm the HVAC system, so they can’t dramatically improve air quality. Adding an air cleaner or purifier to your heating system can boost its filtration capabilities. There are different types of air cleaning units available, and the most efficient can remove up to 99.7 percent of particles and bioaerosols as small as 0.3 microns, so they’re effective at trapping bacteria and viruses.
For personalized solutions for making your HVAC system an ally in keeping your home healthy during cold and flu season, contact us today at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about home comfort and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area