It’s January in Middle Tennessee and the frigid temperatures will be making their presence known. Although we’ve seen a bout of warmer weather in recent weeks, colder temperatures will rear their ugly heads in the coming weeks when we least expect it. With colder weather we all tend to spend more of our time at home, which means giving more attention to the indoor air quality in our living space is every bit as important as keeping the family warm. In our efforts to educate our valued clients on indoor air quality this winter and how to improve it, the professionals here at South Nashville Heating & Cooling want to take this time and share some important facts.
Though it makes perfect sense to close all the windows and doors during the winter season so as to keep the heat in, most homeowners are unaware that when doing so you are also keeping any and all pollutants and contaminants in your living space as well. Whether mold spores, pet dander, dust mites or pollen, when the windows and doors are closed these pollutants remain indoors with us. Another concern is carbon monoxide. From space heaters, fireplaces, your gas furnace, dryer or water heater, fumes can remain present in your home along with vapors from any cleaning products or chemicals you may use in your home. All of these elements can drastically affect the air quality in your home. In addition, high humidity levels that create excessive moisture in your living space can lead to flourishing bacteria or allergens, which can ultimately be harmful to you and your family.
Ways to Improve the Indoor Air Quality In Your Home During the Winter Months
First and foremost, make certain to perform preventative maintenance to your heating system. Have a skilled technician perform a thorough inspection of your furnace, as well as a tune-up and thorough cleaning. You want to ensure that all the important components of your furnace, from the ventilation system to the heat exchanger itself are all working at peak levels. You should also vacuum the vents and registers of your HVAC system as well as the blades of all your ceiling fans to remove dust accumulations that minimize the air quality in your home and be sure to change the filters regularly.
Next, contact the professionals here at South Nashville Heating & Cooling to perform an inspection and assessment of your home’s ductwork. If it is damaged, in poor condition or contains leaks, this will allow all sorts of pollutants and contaminants to enter into your home and desperately affect the air quality. If the ductwork is dirty it can contribute to poor indoor air quality as well. Our expert teams can properly clean all the ductwork and provide you with quality duct sealing products and services you may need to put an end to any leaky ductwork you may have.
Further steps to take include management of your home’s humidity levels. When there is too much moisture in your home bacteria and allergens are allowed to flourish. To minimize or avoid this we highly suggest you invest in a home dehumidifier to work alongside your HVAC system and control the humidity levels in your living space.
Finally, in your efforts to further clean and improve the indoor air quality of your home we recommend you invest in an air purifier to work in conjunction with your heating system to capture all those allergens and pollutants from the air in your home.
We hope you have found these important facts helpful. With winter now upon us, you want to ensure that the air quality in your home is safe and healthy for your family. With that said, take time out today to contact the professionals here at South Nashville Heating & Cooling for all your air quality, duct sealing and HVAC needs. We look forward to serving you and send along wishes from our family to yours for a safe and happy holiday season!!