One thing that we love about living in South Carolina is the mild and short winters compared to the rest of the nation. That does not mean, however, that we don’t have some pretty cold days and nights to endure. With the windows being shut for months at a time, indoor air quality can really suffer. These are some quick hacks from our Charleston HVAC experts to breathe easier until spring comes along and you can open windows wide to let the fresh air in!
Change Your Air Filters
Your air filters are tasked with removing fine particulates from the air before they can get trapped in your ductwork. Although your air filters are a great defense, they can only work properly if you change them regularly. Air filters that are caked with dirt and debris won’t do much to protect your ductwork. Also, a dirty air filter will block airflow, leading to your HVAC system having to work harder than it should. Over time, that can lead to unnecessary repairs, or worse, having to prematurely replace the system. By changing your filters every thirty days, you can improve your indoor air quality and reduce excess wear and tear on your equipment, which is a double win!
Vacuum Regularly
If you have carpeting or pets, then vacuuming regularly is a must. When you allow pet dander and other allergens to build up in carpeting, stuffed animals, or upholstery, it will continually get stirred up and become airborne. By vacuuming, you can eliminate a lot of the allergy issues in your home and help significantly reduce things like respiratory distress or asthma-related symptoms!
Add Foliage
If you have resolved to be “greener” in 2023, then why not add some plants and foliage to your indoor spaces? Plants act like little air scrubbers, removing pollution and supplying fresh oxygen in their place. If you have a green thumb, get on it – if you don’t, pick something that’s hard to mess up!
HEPA Filters Do Help
HEPA filters might have seemed like a fad in the 90s, but the technology has increased tenfold and they really can help remove allergens and fine particulates from your indoor spaces. If you want a little extra filtering capacity, set up a HEPA filter in common rooms and run them on low. When combined with all of your other efforts, you can significantly put a dent in your indoor air pollution!
Use a Humidifier
One thing that we commonly have to contend with in South Carolina is high humidity levels, so most people are already aware of how important a dehumidifier is. In the winter with the heat raging, however, many homeowners can benefit from using a humidifier to INCREASE the humidity within their home. The ideal humidity level of a home environment is somewhere from 40-60%. During the winter, it is a good idea to stay on the higher end if possible. The more humidity there is in the air, the fewer particulates can remain airborne. So go against what you know and increase humidity for just a couple of months!
As we head into a new year, the winter is still in full swing. Since it is going to be a while before you can open your windows to air things out, it is best to use these quick hacks to improve your indoor air quality. When you take small steps, they work together, which means you can breathe easier until spring…then comes the pollen, but we’ll tackle that when it comes time! These are easy hacks from our Charleston HVAC services company. Check out our blog for more useful information today!
