Asthma sufferers can have their triggers reduced by maintaining a clean home and being mindful of their HVAC system’s impact on indoor air quality. Lumberton, North Carolina, homeowners looking to boost their home’s indoor air quality should consider the following four tips.
Change Air Filters
There are different kinds of filters, so pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions so you know whether or not to clean or replace your filters, and how often to do so. When you suffer from asthma, you may need to change your filters more often, especially during periods when you use your HVAC system regularly.
Indoor air quality can be worse during the winter when you shut windows to prevent heat from escaping, resulting in poor air circulation and a higher concentration of indoor allergens. Trap those pollutants and prevent them from circulating back into your home through your HVAC system’s air filter.
Vacuum Regularly
Keeping dust mites at bay requires regular vacuuming — at least once a week to reduce asthma triggers. Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter so you’re not blowing dust back into the room. A HEPA-equipped vacuum works nicely along with your HVAC system’s filters, offering you double protection against even minute allergens.
Manage Humidity Levels
In general, you want to ensure humidity levels remain within the recommended range. Air that is too dry (low humidity) can irritate the respiratory system. Air that is high in humidity makes the indoor air uncomfortable and presents ideal conditions for mold growth. Both conditions irritate respiratory conditions.
Using a humidifier will help to increase the moisture content of your indoor air in the winter, helping to ease asthma symptoms. You can maintain ideal humidity levels in your home with a whole-home humidifier or a portable version.
Mind Heating Options
Using a fireplace creates a cozy ambience in the winter, but wood smoke is a major asthma trigger. In additon, using wood stoves, gas stoves, and kerosene heaters can exacerbate asthma symptoms. If someone in your home suffers from asthma or other respiratory problems, avoid such heating systems as much as possible.
To learn how to improve your home’s indoor air quality, call one of our service professionals at Bass Air Conditioning Company at (910) 672-8885 . By correcting potential HVAC issues, we can help your family breathe easier this winter.
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