Cold and flu season is in full swing and many people have already nursed a sniffling nose, hoping it doesn't get worse. While many rush to the doctor or pay a visit to the pharmacy for over-the-counter remedies, lots of people overlook one of the key factors when it comes to getting and staying sick: their home air quality. Since you probably spend the majority of your time indoors, controlling the air quality in your home is essential to taking care of your health. Here are a few suggestions to improving the air quality in your home and staying healthier this season. Replace Old Air Filters If you have a HVAC in Minneapolis, you probably know that it takes a little bit of maintenance to make sure that it runs properly all year round. However, many people forget that one of the key factors to keeping their HVAC running smoothly is making sure that the air filter is clean. This is because the whole HVAC system is designed to not only keep the air at a comfortable temperature, but to also remove toxic particles from the air that you are breathing. Regularly replacing the air filter is the only way to maintain high-quality breathing air, especially in areas plagued with high levels of air pollution. While you should check your air filter regularly throughout the year, it is especially important in the winter months when you are running the furnace on a consistent basis. If you have questions about how to change the filter, don't hesitate to contact your local HVAC professional to make sure that you are doing things correctly. Keep Floors Clean Another important part of keeping air quality high is making sure that your home is clean, especially the floors. A clean house will have a positive effect when you are getting an over an illness, particularly if your whole family has been down with it and spending time at home trying to recover. Chemicals and allergens can sit in your floors if they are not properly cleaned, and can be tracked to other places like beds and furniture when you walk around. Combat sickness before it hits by vacuuming your house often. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter will remove all of the allergens and dust particles from your floor and other surfaces that you clean. While you can't escape germs completely, it is smart to limit the allergens and germs that shack up with you and your loved ones. Have Your Ducts Cleaned Professionally The inside of your air ducts may be full of dust and debris that could make you ill or aggravate your allergy symptoms. Because the ducts are hidden from sight, it is something that many people do not even consider when cold season comes around. In order to make sure your air is as clean as possible, it is a good idea to have your ducts cleaned professionally every few years, and more often if you notice problems with dust and debris coming through the vents. Not only will a good cleaning rid your home of dust mites, mold spores, and bacteria, but you will also be giving your entire HVAC system a better opportunity to work more efficiently. It is always a good idea to stay away from others who are sick and stay inside during the cold winter months. However, it is equally important to keep the conditions of your home comfortable and conducive to healthy living. If you have concerns about the state of your HVAC in Minneapolis, contact a professional right away so that you can enjoy good air quality in your home and stay as healthy as you can all year round.
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