We want our home air quality to be at its cleanest, most optimum level possible. This is especially true since the onset of the Coronavirus or Covid 19. Between virtual learning for our kids; remote working; and dining restrictions, we are cooking, living, and spending more hours in our homes than ever before. Air quality within our home has become a top priority for our well-being and health.
What can you do, as a homeowner in Harrisonburg about your air quality?
As a homeowner, there are a few things you can do to help improve the air-quality in your home. When cooking, use the exhaust hood to remove any unwanted aromas and heat. Sometimes odors can linger and be especially noticeable. The exhaust hood should push those smells outside.
Make sure to routinely clean the cover plates on your bathroom exhaust fans. Just use an extension on your vacuum cleaner to reach the plate and remove the accumulated dust.
Check your air filter between regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance visits.
You can verify the location of the filter with your HVAC service technician from Mountain Valley Home Comfort. During the winter months, if you have a fireplace, dust and ash can result in more necessary filter changes.
In high traffic areas of your home, keep a room humidifier. Not only does the humidifier help cope with cold or flu symptoms, but it also adds moisture to the air and can help reduce dust accumulation.
When to call for a professional’s advice?
There are times when you should consider calling a professional to evaluate the air quality in your home. If you detect a constant musty smell, it could be a sign of mold or a water issue. This situation needs to be diagnosed and handled by a professional or you could risk cross contaminating your home, which ultimately could cost you more money.
If someone in the home is experiencing chronic sickness or unexplained symptoms such as dryness and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin; then, you probably should call a heating and air-conditioning professional who can perform an air-quality test in your home. Mountain Valley Home Comfort is here to help, contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
An air-quality test considers your home’s ventilation, verifies contaminants are controlled, and confirms temperature and humidity levels are comfortable. Also, it is wise to have a local HVAC company routinely inspect and complete maintenance on your system at least twice a year. They are professionals and can detect a problem before it becomes a crisis.
Learn more about Mountain Valley Home Comfort’s maintenance program.
What are some long-term options to improve home air-quality in Harrisonburg, VA?
One of the most reasonable solutions is an air-cleaning system which works in conjunction with your HVAC system. A whole-house air filter or purification system can clean the air as it passes through your home’s HVAC equipment. It removes pollutants from the air throughout your home. It could be as simple as a filter where the air return enters the furnace, or an electronic system installed in the duct work.
Another option is a whole-house humidifier. During winter, the dry climate, along with the operation of the heating system can drain the moisture from the air. With a whole-house humidifier, you have the ability to set the desired humidity level from the thermostat. Installation and maintenance should be done by a licensed HVAC company.
In 2020, circumstances may have improved outdoor pollution, however, concerns for our home indoor air-quality have increased. Spending more hours in the home results in more exposure indoor contaminates. Consider some of these tips to control and improve your homes’ air quality.
The team at Mountain Valley Home Comfort is here to help, contact us for more information on indoor air quality for your home.
