Date: April 18, 2022
What leaps to mind when you think of spring?
Many people envision longer days, gentle showers, green buds and the start of baseball season. But for tens of millions of Americans, spring means sneezing, congestion and other respiratory issues. And the air inside your home can be 70 times more polluted than the air inside. This can lead to dry skin, red eyes and worsening asthma.
No one can change the weather outside, but Boston-area homeowners can keep airborne irritants like pollen, pet dander, dust mites and mold out of their living spaces. Doing so begins with your HVAC system. Here are some ways you can improve your indoor air quality right now.
Your first defense against airborne toxins is the filter in your furnace. Your HVAC system has been working overtime throughout the heating months, and this filter has likely picked up quite a bit of dust and debris. Ideally, you should check these filters every month. If you neglected them, now is an excellent time to check.
If you need to change your filter, try to get a replacement with at least a ‘MERV 8’ score. These filters are best for filtering out all the particles that worsen allergies.
Check for accumulated dust and dirt around your furnace or air conditioning equipment. Cleaning this debris away will prevent it from cycling into your home through ductwork. A simple pass with a broom, duster, or vacuum should do the trick.
Your A/C equipment can also be a haven for moisture and mold. Even more than dust, airborne mold particles can make you sick. So, while you’re checking your cooling equipment for debris, look at its drip pan or drain, air handler, evaporator coils, and ducts for mold. You can clean small amounts of mold yourself, but you should call an HVAC professional if there’s significant buildup.
While the weather is relatively mild, you should get your heating and cooling equipment serviced by a professional. A comprehensive tune-up that includes cleaning and maintenance will keep allergens out of your system. It also has outstanding benefits for your home and budget. Properly-maintained HVAC equipment lasts longer, breaks down less often, and costs less to run.
Plus, if you have a Cubby Oil & Energy service plan, your tune-up is already paid for! You just need to call us to schedule an appointment.
At Cubby, we know air quality. It’s a big part of keeping homes in our community safe and comfortable. If you are at all concerned that the air in your house isn’t as clean as it could be, drop us a line. We install a variety of clean-air solutions, including:
Our indoor air quality experts are ready to work with you to ensure the purest air for your family. Contact us today to arrange a home consultation.