Allergens in your home can be made worse if you have poor indoor air quality. Itchy and watery eyes, congestion, coughing, and headaches make most people miserable. There are several simple things you can do in your home to improve the indoor air quality and thus, improve your respiratory health. The heating and air experts at Quality Plumbing & Heating Inc. recommend taking these steps toward improving the air quality in your home.
1. Change Filters Regularly
You should change your air filters at least every 1-3 months, and change them more often during the winter and summer months when your HVAC system gets the most use. Changing your air filters will extend the life of your unit, keep energy costs down, and help to maintain healthy air quality by reducing the allergen level in your home.2. Do a Filter Upgrade
Filters in your furnace are designed to help remove contaminants like dust and pet dander, so you don’t continue breathing the same dirty air. You can improve filtration performance by simply upgrading your filter to a HEPA-style filter with a MERV rating of at least 10.
3. Clean Your Air Ducts
Clean air ducts will lead to clean indoor air. Having your air ducts cleaned professionally will remove debris from the air that can be irritating to your allergies. If you change your air filters regularly, you shouldn’t need to have your air ducts cleaned very often. However, you should make sure that your ducts are clear of mold growth, animals or rodents, and excessive debris.
4. Invest in Air Purifiers
If you suffer from allergies and respiratory issues, you could benefit from the use of an air purifier. Air purifiers and ionizers use electricity to attract and trap particles in the air. A more reliable purifier will also have a MERV rating of 10 or higher. Your heating and air professionals can help you choose and install a proper purifying system.
5. Balance Humidity
Too much or too little humidity can cause an allergy attack. Allergy symptoms, such as headaches or eye redness, can be brought on by very dry or very moist air. Comfortable, healthy air has a humidity of 40%, and the use of humidifiers or dehumidifiers can help achieve that level.
If you have respiratory issues and you are concerned with the air quality in your home, contact Quality Plumbing & Heating today at (765) 450-4008. We can help you find solutions to improve your air quality, as well as service your heating, air, and plumbing needs in Kokomo, IN, and the surrounding areas.