In the winter, it’s not uncommon for indoor air quality to become contaminated by a variety of air pollutants. And while the most common contaminants, such as pet dander, pollen, and dust mites may not give you the flu, they can irritate your respiratory tract and worsen asthmatic symptoms.
In addition to washing your hands and getting a flu shot, maintaining your HVAC system may also lower your risk of getting sick this winter.
Change Your Air Filters
When the temperatures drop, changing your air filters is a must. Because your mucous membranes are drier in the winter, these pollutants can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. Not only does this lower your immunity, but it also makes you a prime target for catching the flu and other types of respiratory infections. Change your HVAC filters once a month to keep the air inside your home as fresh as possible.
The Importance of Clean Air Ducts
Clogged air ducts and poor ventilation can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. Air ducts are the key components of your HVAC system, so they can harbor germs if not maintained on a regular basis. Schedule annual maintenance to have your ducts cleaned to improve the air quality inside your home.
Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
Most people dread humidity in the summer, but when it’s cold outside, maintaining the right level of humidity in your home is important. When humidity levels are too high, it creates the perfect environment for contaminants to multiply, which can cause a runny nose, itchy eyes, and chronic sore throat. Not having enough moisture in the air also creates a host of problems, such as a dry cough and dry mucous membranes.
Regardless of the season, routine HVAC maintenance is essential. To learn more ways HVAC maintenance can keep you and your family healthy all winter long, check out the Lex Air Conditioning and Heating blog for inside tips or give us a call today!
