As winter brings cooler, inclement weather conditions, your family will be indoors around 90% of the day. While outdoor allergies are still an issue in Southwest Georgia, indoor contaminants and allergens become a growing concern inside insulated, non-ventilated homes and office buildings. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is between 2 to 5 times as polluted as the air outdoors! Termed “Sick Building Syndrome,” scientists and physicians agree that indoor air pollution is a growing U.S. health problem.
Poor winter indoor air quality is caused by a variety of problems, including:
- Humidity imbalances
- High levels of house dust and dust mites
- Dirty or clogged ventilation systems
- Increased exposure to cleaning chemicals
- Offgassing (evaporation) of building material chemicals
- Tobacco smoke
- Pet dander and shedding
- High levels of indoor mold, spores, and bacteria
While the best IAQ intervention is to hire a qualified professional to clean your ducts and manage ventilation concerns, there are some steps you can take to improve your Southwest Georgia air quality.
Change or clean your air filter every three to four months: Harrell King technicians recommend upgrading to high-quality air filters that capture allergens and contaminants. These filters also improve the performance and energy efficiency of your HVAC system.- Cover windows and doors with plastic to limit condensation: Window insulation kits are available online and at local hardware stores and are an economical way to prevent indoor moisture buildup and mold growth. These kits also reduce warm air loss during heating season.
- Address dry winter air: Just as too much moisture can cause problems, too little moisture can dry sinuses and exacerbate asthma. Your Southwest Georgia IAQ expert can determine the humidity level in your home and may recommend humidification options if humidity levels are inadequate.
- Reduce your chemical load: Stop smoking indoors, use natural cleaning products, and avoid the use of scented paraffin candles. (Try soy, instead — which emits fewer particulates)
- Hire a professional to assess indoor air quality.
Change or clean your air filter every three to four months: Harrell King technicians recommend upgrading to high-quality air filters that capture allergens and contaminants. These filters also improve the performance and energy efficiency of your HVAC system.At Harrell King, we are committed to the safety and well-being of your home and business environment. Using HEPA air filters, ultraviolet disinfectant systems, electrostatic particulate collection, and other innovative products, our team improves air quality and helps defend against common colds, viruses and allergies. For your peace of mind, our IAQ team is carefully trained by Rotobrush: a certified member of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. This means that each of our technicians is trained in safe, hygienic duct cleaning and ventilation management methods.
Consider winter duct cleaning for your home if you have small children or elderly individuals living with you or if your family suffers from chronic allergies or upper respiratory conditions. In addition, you may need ducts cleaned if you:
- Notice dust or debris emitted from registers
- Notice a foul odor coming from your ventilation system
- Have numerous shedding pets
- Complete a home remodel that generates excessive dust
Learn more about Harrell King HVAC and indoor air quality services. To schedule an appointment with our expert technicians, Ring the King at 229-248-KING today — so you can begin breathing easier!
