If you’re like most people, you spend more time inside your home during the winter months of the year. Spending more time inside means that the indoor air quality in your home makes a big impact on how you feel. Our technicians at Service Plus Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can explain how the wintertime affects indoor air quality and what you can do in order to improve it.
Germs
Viruses, bacteria, and parasites are known to spread widely during the winter months of the year. Sicknesses such as the common cold and influenza are spread by viruses while strep throat and ear infections often result from bacteria. Using a quality air filter in your furnace or heat pump could reduce the spread of many germs. The filters capture particles as small as many of the viruses that cause wintertime illnesses.
Dryness
In places like Chicago, the indoor air in the wintertime tends to be dry. The dry air can be irritating to your lungs, especially if you have a breathing disorder. Dryness in your nasal passages also increases your risk of getting sick. The dry air can also make your skin itchy and flaky. Homes with electric heat are more prone to dry indoor air. A whole-house humidifier installed by our technicians at Service Plus Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. helps with maintaining ideal indoor humidity levels of around 40 to 45 percent.
More Dust
Spending more time indoors during the winter season leads to an increase in household dust. Dust is an allergy and asthma trigger for many people. Even if you do not have allergies or asthma, the dust makes it more difficult to breathe. Your furnace’s or heat pump’s air filter can capture most of the dust. It is important to check the air filter once each month. If it’s dirty, replace it. Some filters are reusable and can be cleaned. Our technicians can let you know what type of air filter you have.
To learn more about improving your home’s indoor air quality at any time of the year, contact us at Service Plus Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in Chicago today for more information.