Flu Season – How to Keep Air-borne Viruses Under Control in Your Home
As the country gets ready for flu season, you want to be sure that your home is ready to help you stay healthy through the winter. A powerful way to avoid the flu is to ensure that your HVAC system is working properly. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the flu season in your Anoka home.
1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly
An air filter helps reduce the bacteria in the air in your home, but they will not remove all of them. Filters come with varying degrees of filtering capabilities, and you want to get one that will be able to remove as much contaminants from the air as possible. Be sure to change it monthly.
2. Clean Your AC Coil
As air passes over your air conditioner, other bacteria and molds will collect on the moist surfaces inside your AC unit. The moisture also acts as a breeding ground for more bacteria and molds to grow. The more molds you have and bacteria in this unit will cause there to be more in the air in your home.
The more mold and bacteria you have collecting and growing on your unit, the less ability it has to cool. This raises your energy bills.
3. Circulate Air to Reduce Humidity
Increased humidity levels in your home will act as breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. Humidity is raised during cooking or bathing, and may be increased while drying clothes. Having a lot of plants will also increase moisture in your home. Ensuring that your HVAC unit is working efficiently will reduce the moisture because it will condense on the coils.
Increased humidity may also lead to other health problems. This could include a greater risk of coughing, wheezing, and various symptoms of asthma. Your HVAC system can also help to remove some tobacco smoke from the air.
4. Reduce Indoor Air Pollution
The more that people stay indoors, the more pollutants there is going to be in the air. Pollutants increase if there is not enough outside air, or filtered air, brought into your home. In addition to molds and bacteria, things like pollen, animal dander, dust mites, and chemical pollutants from cleaners can all act together to increase your risk of getting ill this winter.
Help ensure that you and your family stay healthy this flu season by ensuring that your HVAC unit is working properly. Contact your local Anoka HVAC company to make sure it is operating at peak performance to keep you warm and well this winter.
Keep your Anoka, MN home free from the flu. Call Superior Heating Air Conditioning and Electrical today at(763) 422-1721, for air filtration and more!