Pollen, dust, and lawn clippings attacking your lungs can make the simplest tasks annoying. It can sap your energy and make going for a walk, playing with your kids, or even sitting down to relax impossible to enjoy. If you have allergies or asthma, then there’s the medication that you have to refill constantly. All of that stress and money can add up fast.Wouldn’t it be nice if the air in your home provided some relief from all that? Here are 3 different ways to improve the quality of the air in your home and make those tasks easier. Each one can help you be more comfortable and give you healthier air to breathe. That should let your home offer the relief you’re looking for.
Humidify the Air
Keeping the right humidity in your home can help prevent dry sinuses, bloody noses, and cracked lips by keeping your skin hydrated. It can ease itchy throats or eyes the same way. It can even help prevent colds, the flu, or bronchitis.
Room Humidifier:
This is what most people think of when they hear “humidifier.” It sits on an end table and vents mist out into the room. They’re a great targeted approach to humidifying a small area and they’re often inexpensive and easy to use. Be careful not to run it too often as too much moisture is as bad as not enough. You’ll also want to deep clean it regularly to prevent bacteria and mold from growing in the machine.
Whole-Home Humidifier:
A whole-home humidifier is installed on your HVAC system to humidify the air. They are easily retrofitted to an existing system and are simple to maintain. They cost a little more upfront, but the comfort and health benefits can quickly justify the extra expense.
Purify the Air
An air purifier uses UV light to reduce viruses, bacteria, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds in the air in your home. According to ClevelandClinic.org, that can do more than make it easier to breathe. It can ease coughing, lower congestion, and improve the function of your lungs. It can even lower blood pressure for people with heart disease.
Room Air Purifier:
If you place one of these near your bed at night, the clean air can help your lungs relax with the rest of you. One room air purifier can sanitize the air in a small, enclosed room in less than 30 minutes. Remember to keep it close to you for the best results.
Whole-Home Air Purification:
Whole-Home Air Purifiers can be well worth the extra investment. Distance isn’t as important here, because all the air in your home gets treated. A single installation into your existing HVAC system can protect every room in the house.
Clean the Air
The air filter near your furnace does a great job of protecting your HVAC system from dust and dirt. A high-quality air filter can catch mold, bacteria, or dust mites that trigger allergies and asthma attacks. It can also help prevent congestion and remove pollutants to help you sleep easier.
Standard Air Filter:
A standard 1” air filter can do a great job at protecting your HVAC system and cleaning the air in your home. Air filters have something called a MERV rating. The higher the rating, the smaller the particle it can catch. The highest-rated filters can catch things like smoke or viruses. Just be aware that not every system is rated for those. As a rule of thumb, a standard HVAC system should use a filter no higher than MERV 13.
Whole-Home Air Cleaning System:
If you’re invested in clean air, you can upgrade your standard air filter to a dedicated cleaning system. They can trap a lot more than a standard air filter and you don’t need to change them as often. That can keep your HVAC system running smoothly help you breathe easier even longer. You can easily retrofit one into your existing HVAC system or add it to a replacement system you’re working on.
For more information on healthy air options, check out this episode of our “In The House” podcast. If you’re looking into improving the indoor air quality of your home, Any Hour Services is happy to help. Our certified HVAC technicians can go over options with you and find the best fit for your situation. You can book online or give us a call to set up an appointment.
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