How Can Your HVAC Reduce Coronavirus Risk?
Since the coronavirus first made its appearance in the western world last year, scientists have been working to reduce its spread. The details of the virus may take time to unravel but we can use what we know now to reduce your family’s risk.
2020 was a year full of unexpected twists and turns throughout the world. Because of this, customers often ask us what we can do to reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus at home.
HVAC systems can either improve air quality or make it worse. In many ways, the best way to reduce the spread of this virus is similar to reducing any virus in your home. Based on current research, here are three ways to reduce your risk of exposure and spread in your home through your HVAC system.
How Can Your HVAC System Reduce
Coronavirus Risk?
Boost fresh air
Researchers tell us that how much of the virus you are exposed to impacts how sick you get. Of course, your own immune system’s function and whether you have underlying conditions will also affect this. Reducing the amount of stale air buildup in your HVAC system will both reduce your risk of exposure and help boost your immune system.
Proper ventilation, which requires both the removal of stale air and the introduction of fresh outdoor air, is a step in the right direction for keeping your exposure down and reducing your risk of infection.
Tighter humidity control
The risk of getting and spreading coronavirus goes up as winter sets in, caused in part by reduced humidity. Drier air allows smaller aerosols containing the virus to remain suspended longer. This suspension exacerbates the spread of airborne viruses like the coronavirus. Lower humidity also dries out mucus membranes, making your body more welcoming to the virus as this defense mechanism becomes weaker.
Add humidity to your home, ideally via a whole house system, and reduce your risk due to poor humidity.
Air purification
Upgrading your home’s filter to a HEPA filter can remove particles like viruses from your home’s air. Individual room purifiers can help further reduce the virus count in specific areas like bedrooms. When you replace your furnace filter, have your technician check the fan for proper performance. HEPA filters can slow airflow so it’s always good to double check.
Give us a call
Note that there is no guarantee that you won’t get coronavirus, but you can minimize the risk. Remember, as more research is conducted, more information will come forward. If you need help assessing and upgrading your HVAC system to reduce your COVID risk, give one of our knowledgeable System Advisors a call at (801) 224-8899 or visit us at westernheatingair.com. We’ll come to give you a free system assessment!
