Fall in the Mid-Atlantic region brings cooler temperatures as heat and humidity levels drop. You rely on your air conditioner less, and it will soon be time to start using the furnace in your Salisbury, Maryland, home. When you turn on your furnace for the first time, dirt and dust that accumulated during the year can make their way into your rooms. Debris circulating throughout your home will lower the quality of your indoor air and could trigger reactions from anyone with respiratory conditions like asthma. Let’s explore several ways that you can improve your indoor air quality and reduce asthma symptoms this fall.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Asthma is a serious respiratory condition that often requires a visit to the doctor when an attack occurs. When someone inhales a compound or particulate that triggers a reaction, their airway swells up, constricts, and produce an excess of mucus. The person begins to wheeze and cough and can have an extremely difficult time breathing. It is a very frightening experience for those enduring an attack, and also for their loved ones.
There are many conditions that can trigger asthma flare-ups. Classified as either an irritant or an allergen, these particulates include chemical fumes, tobacco smoke, pet dander, and pollen. Another irritant that can cause symptoms of asthma is nitrogen dioxide which can occur when using kerosene space heaters or gas furnaces in confined spaces. However, household dust is one of the most common irritants that can trigger attacks.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
To reduce asthma symptoms in your home, it is important to keep your house clear of as many triggers as possible. Improving indoor quality is a priority. You will need to take a more aggressive approach to keeping contaminants out of your indoor air. Steps you can take include:
- Cleaning or changing the air filter regularly – A clean filter will help to keep clean air flowing through the house. A clogged filter will send contaminants back through the vents.
- Checking the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) – The finer the mesh or material on the air filter, the more effective it will be in capturing microscopic particulates. The MERV ratings range from 1 to 20, and the higher the number, the more particulates the filter will capture.
- Investing in a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system – HEPA systems capture minute or microscopic particles of dust and pollutants that can damage the respiratory tract. It is a good addition to your home if someone has asthma.
Electronic air purifiers filter the air every time your HVAC system goes through a cycle and returns fresh, clean air. We can install air-scrubbers directly into your existing HVAC system. Your team at Griffith Energy Services, Inc. can also connect advanced whole-home air purification filtration systems. For an optimum solution to improving your indoor air quality, it’s a good idea to implement more than one approach. These devices eradicate harmful pollutants and contaminants that can trigger asthma symptoms.
Keep Your HVAC System Maintained
A clean HVAC unit can greatly improve the quality of your indoor air and help to keep your family healthy. Signing up for a maintenance agreement is a great way to ensure that your HVAC system is clean and performs well. It is also a good idea to invest in duct cleaning. Clean ducts will help to prevent dust, dirt, and other pollutants from entering your home. By following these strategies, you can help to reduce the frequency of asthma symptoms in your home this fall.
When you’re ready for HVAC system maintenance or duct cleaning, call Griffith Energy Services at 888-474-3391. We’re also happy to provide information about advanced filtration and other air cleaning systems for your home. Let us help you keep your household safe and healthy.
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