Air Purification Is More Important Than Ever This Time of Year
According to one research study, the average adult at rest has a respiratory rate of approximately 12 breaths per minute. Over the course of a day, that adds up to nearly 20,000 breaths. But what are you breathing in?
Indoor air quality can ultimately pose risks to our overall health and well-being. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that concentrations of some pollutants can be two to five times higher indoors than outdoors. With this in mind, it’s essential to do everything you can to promote healthy air at home, while you’re safely indoors during cold weather spells.
So, how can you take steps to improve your residential indoor air quality this winter? Our experts weigh in with six ideas.
Consider a Whole-Home Air Purification System
A whole-home air purification system is one of the best ways to contribute to good indoor air quality. These devices are designed to remove irritants and allergens from air, fostering a cleaner, more hygienic environment.
Meyer Heating & Air is an authorized dealer of Sanuvox air purification equipment, which uses ultraviolet technology to combat germs and other harmful particles. Our team works with you every step of the way, from equipment selection to installation, guiding you through your options to ensure you get the right solution for your home and lifestyle.
Boost Indoor Air Quality with a Humidifier
Your indoor air quality isn’t only affected by pollutants, but moisture as well. In the winter, your home’s air can become particularly dry, resulting in respiratory problems and chapped, itchy skin.
By adding a humidifier to your indoor air quality system, you can safely increase the amount of moisture in the air and enhance your comfort. Because water vapor holds onto more heat than dry air, you can also reduce your reliance on your HVAC system and save on energy costs.
Regularly Clean Your Home for Better Indoor Air Quality
Routine cleaning can help rid your home of irritants like pet dander, dust, pollen, and mold. Over time, these allergens and pollutants can build up, negatively affecting your indoor air quality.
Give special attention to floor coverings, like carpets and rugs, as these can be magnets for dirt and other particles. You may also think about implementing a no-shoes household rule to keep outside contaminants from being tracked throughout your home.
Replace Your Furnace’s Air Filter
Your furnace’s air filter is responsible for trapping unwanted airborne particles and plays a major role in indoor air quality. Low-quality and dirty air filters can’t do their job as effectively, letting pollutants pass through that are inevitably breathed in.
All air filters have a minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV, rating, which measures how well a filter captures different-sized particles. Air filters rated between 8 and 13 are generally best suited for residential use; anything below 8 won’t sufficiently filter out contaminants.
We typically recommend changing your air filter every 30 days if you have children or pets, but some households may be able to wait 60 to 90 days. It’s still a good habit to check your filter monthly to evaluate if it needs to be replaced. If you hold it up to the light and no light passes through, you can take it as a sign you need a new one.
Have Your Ducts Inspected by a Residential Indoor Air Quality Expert
Your forced-air heating system relies on your air ducts to circulate warm air throughout your home. Just like anything else, though, your ductwork can accumulate dirt and dust, worsening your indoor air quality.
Meyer Heating & Air, experts in residential indoor air quality in St. Louis, offers duct inspection and cleaning services, so you can maintain a healthier home. Our technicians also pay attention to the condition of your ducts, ensuring they’re properly sealed for maximum energy efficiency.
Use Scents in Moderation
We all want our homes to smell fresh and inviting, but candles, diffusers, and air fresheners can have a less-than-favorable impact on your indoor air quality.
Some scented products release volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, into the air, which can aggravate your eyes, nose, and throat and cause headaches. Although you don’t have to completely omit these items from your lifestyle, it’s worth limiting their use if you care about the quality of your indoor air.
Breathe Easy this Winter with Indoor Air Quality Help from Meyer Heating & Air
Don’t overlook your indoor air quality this winter and partner with the air purification pros at Meyer Heating & Air! A healthy home is a happy home, and we’re committed to keeping your air easy to breathe from season to season.
Whether you need help with HVAC maintenance or want to explore whole-home air purification systems, we’re here for you. Our technicians have more than 30 years of combined experience and ensure consistent, dependable results at an affordable price.
For more information, call (314) 845-1929 or email servcie@meyerair.com. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions!
