[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” border_style=”solid” flex_column_spacing=”0px” type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”true” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” first=”true”][fusion_text]Today, the importance of changing air filters in home air conditioning systems has never been emphasized more. As millions of people continue to practice social distancing and staying in the comfort and safety of their homes in the midst of the still ongoing coronavirus pandemic, maintaining good indoor air quality should be at the top of everybody’s priority list.
Not knowing what the future holds, even a year into the pandemic, can make this a stressful time, and the fact that there are many things that are simply out of your control for the time being makes it even more so. Luckily, following these simple guidelines from our experts at Arctic Air can help you maintain or improve your indoor air quality and give you one less thing to worry about.
Smoke
Smoking indoors is a major no-no, it goes without saying, but cigarettes aren’t the only source of smoke in the house. Stoves and furnaces can also be harmful to your indoor air quality without adequate ventilation and maintenance.
In your home, minimizing smoke and other particulate pollutants will help keep your respiratory system strong, which is more critical than ever now.
To keep your heating system in good condition even when it’s not heating season, make a furnace inspection checklist. Better still, schedule a maintenance appointment now, both to have your heating system checked and to make sure that your air conditioning is in good shape and ready for summer use.
Sprays
Some products like hair and body sprays actually increase particulate matter in the air inside your home. While these things aren’t extremely harmful, our experts advise moderating their use while staying at home. While it’s nice to be able to style your hair and smell good even if you’re staying indoors, don’t forget to keep spray use to a minimum and use them in a space where you can have a window open – if only for a few minutes – to allow pollutants to escape.
This should also include the use of spray type air fresheners. Air fresheners in general introduce all kinds of air-clogging chemicals into the air. Scented candles, for example, are an alternative to sprays, but they add smoke to the room too! To keep your home smelling nice without damaging the air you are breathing 24/7 try using pot-pourri instead.
Add Greenery
In 1989, NASA discovered that houseplants, particularly in enclosed spaces with little air flow, can absorb harmful toxins from the air. This research has been the basis for more recent studies on indoor plants and their potential for air cleaning. Although horsepower is lower than air purifiers, plants are more natural, cost-effective, and therapeutic.
Plants are also known to:
- Enhance attitude and efficiency
- Reinforce memory and focus
- Stress and fatigue reduction
For every 100 square feet, NASA recommends two or three plants in 8 to 10-inch pots. Some plants are considered to be better than others at air purification, as we discussed here last year.
Screens
You can improve indoor air quality and even lessen the occurrence of seasonal allergies with the correct use of HVAC filters and screens. However, they can only help if you maintain them properly.
Changing filters regularly is an essential part of any good HVAC maintenance routine. Most experts agree that filters must be changed at least once every 30 days, though some systems can go as long as three months in between changes. Staving off allergies and other conditions can help keep you and your family safe and healthy during this time.
Air Cleaners
You can also add an air cleaner to your existing HVAC system.
Our duct-mounted cleaners provide many benefits:
- Purifies the air and reduces particles that can irritate allergies and asthma
- Protects people from dangerous contaminants and pollutants and protects heating and cooling systems from dust buildup
- Mountable to existing HVAC systems with accessible ducts for residential and commercial use
- Reduces odors, visible smoke in the air, and microbial populations on surfaces
- Additionally, the ActivePure option consists of a special UV light and photocatalyst target, creating an Advanced Oxidation Process containing several friendly oxidizers
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