Surviving the winter chill poses its own challenges, and when compounded with the relentless onslaught of the cold and flu season, the task becomes even more daunting. Embracing healthy habits like regular handwashing, maintaining a balanced diet, and ensuring adequate exercise and rest certainly plays a crucial role in preventing seasonal ailments. However, an additional and effective strategy to fortify yourself against the flu involves maintaining precise control over your indoor environment. In this blog, we will explore a few HVAC tips and tricks to kick the cold and flu season to the curb.
Select the Right Filters & Change Them Often
Dirty air filters not only harm your HVAC system but also jeopardize your family’s health. Opt for filters with a MERV rating between 7 and 12, which trap bacteria, dust, pollen, and pet dander. Change the filter every 2-3 months during cold and flu season to prevent the passage of bacteria and germs through your home.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Viruses and bacteria thrive in cooler, drier conditions. Cold and flu particles released into the air can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Maintain a minimum thermostat temperature of 68 degrees during the cold and flu season, coupled with adequate humidity, to deactivate these particles sooner.
Decontaminate
Cold and flu viruses can survive on hard surfaces for 2-8 hours, making everyday objects potential sources of infection. Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as phones, faucets, doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls using sanitizing wipes or solutions.
Consider a Whole-Home Air Cleaner
Poor indoor air quality can be a serious threat to your health, which is why we carry products such as whole-home air filtration and purification systems that remedy most air quality concerns our homeowners might experience. These systems, working in tandem with your HVAC system, can capture and eliminate up to 99 percent of harmful airborne particles. For additional protection, contemplate installing a UV light component to further sanitize the air you breathe.
Minimize Dust
Accumulated dust acts as an upper respiratory irritant, potentially causing inflammation and weakening the respiratory system. Regular vacuuming is crucial, but ensure your vacuum includes a HEPA filter. HEPA filters trap particles as small as 0.3 microns, minimizing the recirculation of dust, dander, and allergens in homes with allergies or respiratory issues.
Control Home Humidity
Invest in a hygrometer to consistently measure indoor humidity, aiming for a 40-50% range during winter. Excessive humidity bacteria growth, while insufficient humidity allows cold and flu particles to linger. Consult an HVAC professional for whole-home humidification or dehumidification solutions based on your needs.
Consider a Whole-Home Air Cleaner
Enhance your home’s air quality by investing in whole-home air filtration and purification systems. These systems, working in tandem with your HVAC system, can capture and eliminate up to 99 percent of harmful airborne particles. For additional protection, contemplate installing a UV light component to further sanitize the air you breathe.
While adopting these proactive measures significantly reduces the risk of cold and flu germs infiltrating your home, ensuring your HVAC system’s optimal performance is crucial. Schedule your routine seasonal HVAC maintenance appointment today. Our expert HVAC technicians are ready to help you prepare for the upcoming cold & flu season. Plus, with our maintenance plans starting at just $22 per month, you can enjoy peace of mind all year long, knowing that your heating system is in tip-top shape. Contact Carolina Comfort Air today and make the smart choice for enhancing your home comfort and air quality!