For most people, feeling the shift to springtime weather is wonderful. But it is harder to stay healthy when seasonal changes also bring threats of allergies and the common cold, along with uncertainties about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
However, indoor air quality (IAQ) is a simple way to make indoor spaces like homes and businesses healthier this season.
Healthy practices and IAQ
When combined with other healthy practices like good handwashing and social distancing, IAQ is a powerful tool against pollen, pollutants, bacteria, and viruses like COVID-19. According to Todd Danz, president of Family Danz – an Albany heating and cooling company – there are three main avenues to take when fortifying a home or business for pristine IAQ.
“When it comes to tackling IAQ, we recommend exploring air cleaners, humidifiers, and duct cleaners,” Danz said. “These three factors are mainline of defense against pollutants that can pose serious health and comfort problems.”
Air cleaning technology
Air cleaning technology works by removing allergens from the air when they pass through the filters of a cooling and heating unit.
It is ideal for homeowners with allergy concerns, those susceptible to airborne germs such as infants and the elderly, and those sensitive to pollen, pets, and more. An effective air cleaner stops dust and dirt from entering the air while simultaneously cleaning the indoor air.
Humidifiers
Dry air can reduce the effectiveness of a heating system, so installing a humidifier makes indoor spaces healthier
Humidifiers are best-suited for combatting overly dry air that causes itchy and cracked skin, dry nasal passages, static electricity, and cracked woodwork.
Dry air can even reduce the effectiveness and efficiency of a heating system, so installing a humidifier makes indoor spaces healthier and helps keep heating systems operating at their top performance.
Cleaning the ducts
Cleaning and sanitizing ductwork remove indoor air pollutants that contaminate the air. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) companies like Family Danz use high-speed compression and exterior evacuation of dirt and other debris from ducts to make the indoor air cleaner.
“Something as simple as having your local HVAC company replace your air filter can help reduce these unwanted contaminants too,” Danz said. “IAQ products are affordable, they can be very quickly installed in your existing ductwork, and they’re what many of our customers are asking for right now.”
