How Indoor Air Quality Affects Your Family’s Health

As the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus continues, many people are focused on reducing their chances of contracting COVID-19. Indoor air quality and pollutants should always be an area of concern for homeowners, especially during this time. Germs, viruses and bacteria can easily spread through your heating and cooling system. In this blog, we discuss how you can protect your family from germs by educating yourself on Indoor Air Quality.

What You Should Know About Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

There are four main groups at the highest risk of facing the consequences of polluted air. These include:

• Children under age 16.
• Adults over the age of 60.
• Immunocompromised people, such as those who are pregnant, recovering from illness, or those who have chronic respiratory problems.
• Pet owners with cats, dogs, and/or birds.

While scientists believe that the coronavirus spreads mainly through respiratory droplets when infected individuals cough or sneeze, residual droplets can still travel through the air of your home. This can potentially infect every member of your household, just like any other virus.

Managing Your IAQ

The first step in managing your indoor air quality is to control the source of contamination, whether you’re dealing with mold, dust, dander or even a virus. Fortunately, there are a variety of things you can do to limit your home’s exposure to these pathogens. Some HVAC products have a higher Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value rated filter, electronic air cleaners, and ultraviolet sterilization systems that help protect against contamination.

It is important to note that while your HVAC and duct systems can contribute to the spread of unwanted pathogens, if they do, it is because the air in your home became contaminated, not because your system created the contamination.

Reducing Biological Growth

Another nemesis to worry about, besides pathogens spreading through the air of your home, is biological growth. Given the right conditions, such as a food source, moisture and an absence of UV light, mold can prosper, and can cause a host of health problems. By controlling these conditions, by installing a UV sterilization system, your unit will have the ability to break down biological growth. This way, our HVAC professionals can help keep you and your family healthy and safe from mold.

Keeping Your Home Safe

The best way to keep your home safe from pathogens and mold is to have your system inspected by a professional at least twice a year. During the inspection, your technician can address not only mechanical issues, but any contamination problems they find. At Air Tech of Humble, our certified HVAC specialists are experienced in addressing a variety of HVAC concerns. To learn more, or to schedule your next inspection, visit elitecomfortservices.com or call (832) 309-3771.