The flu season is upon us and the virus has swept across the United States this winter, with epidemic levels of illness. We all know the tried and true methods of staying healthy, from drinking extra orange juice to washing hands. However, many people do not consider how they can use their HVAC system to help prevent getting sick during this cold and flu season.
From the office to at home, if you would like to learn more about how your HVAC system can help improve your health during this flu season, contact our heating & air conditioning company! Galmiche & Sons is ready to answer your questions, and address your flu season concerns.
How Your HVAC Can Improve Your Heath in Flu Season
Change Your Filter
During the flu season, one of the easiest things you can do to help keep germs from circulating in your home is to change your HVAC system’s air filter. A new filter will capture dust, pet dander, and germs from your home’s air. The filter should be changed each month to help keep your home healthy.
It is also important to consider which air filter meets your needs. There are many different types of filters on the market including those that can trap up to 99.97 percent of particles in your air. These are known as HEPA filters and they offer the best solution for preventing the spread of germs and disease.
Install Ultraviolet Lights
Ultraviolet lights actually render germs and bacteria harmless by changing them at a cellular level. You can render this season’s flu viruses useless by adding a UV light to your home’s air ducts, helping to further clean the air in your home.
Control Indoor Humidity
With coughing and sneezing, bacteria and viruses can linger in the dry winter air, which also helps spread cold and flu germs. You can add a humidifier to your HVAC system that will maintain the right amount of moisture in the air, keeping your home or office at optimum humidity levels. Additionally, if you do caught by the cold or flu season, a humidifier can lessen some of the symptoms.
If your system already has this feature, it is wise to have an HVAC professional do a maintenance check to make sure the system is working properly. Too much humidity in a home can cause mildew and mold.
Increase Fresh Air
Your heating and cooling system can reduce the quality of air in your home or office, since many HVAC systems just cycle the same air over and over. Therefore, every time you sneeze or cough, those germs will cycle through your indoor space.
Luckily, you can make changes to your HVAC system to increase how much fresh air the system takes in from the outside. By adding clean air into your home with the installation of an energy recovery ventilator, or ERV, you can help reduce the spread of colds and other viruses. This system also helps conserve energy.
Another feature that helps keep air fresh in your HVAC system is adding an air purifier, which actively works to reduce the pollutants in your home, including seasonal flu viruses.
Protect Yourself During the Cold and Flu Season in St. Louis
If you need help making changes to your HVAC system or have questions about how to ensure your HVAC is working properly, Galmiche & Sons can help. Contact our heating & air conditioning company today to learn more about how your HVAC system can help keep your St. Louis area home prepared to help you fight through cold and flu season.
