It’s flu and cold season here in Northern Virginia! You can reduce your chance of getting sick by frequent hand washing and by controlling your indoor air quality. A healthy indoor environment will help you from falling ill this flu season because your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system plays a critical role in keeping your home’s conditions just right.
Here are some ways your HVAC system can help minimize your risk:
Keeps the indoor air fresh
You don’t need to step out into an icy winter to get fresh air. The right ventilation system will bring in clean, breathable air that’s tempered just right. And with energy recovery, you don’t have to worry about excessive energy bills.
Keeps you warm during cold weather
Staying warm and avoiding prolonged exposure to cold weather keeps your body’s immune system functioning. That way you can fight off the bugs that threaten to keep you in bed for two weeks (or more!).
Filters out the germs
As long as you maintain your furnace and replace the filter regularly, your breathable air will have less dust and with the right filter, fewer germs. Cleaner air means less severe symptoms, a quicker recovery, and a smaller chance of getting sick in the first place.
Removes excess moisture that’s a breeding ground for germs
Your HVAC system can lower moisture levels in your home, limiting the conditions in which pathogens thrive. Having exhaust in your bathrooms and kitchen removes moist air that can build up and cause problems associated with high humidity. Not only will you reduce your chance of getting the cold and flu, but you won’t have other microbes making you sick or worsening your symptoms.
Adds moisture where needed to maintain the right humidity
If you’re experiencing air that’s too dry, a humidifier connected to your HVAC system can maintain the right humidity. You won’t have to worry about a dry nose making you susceptible to the cold and flu.
Keeps you comfortable
Finally, the most basic function of your HVAC system: keeping you comfortable. In addition to keeping conditions right for your body, it also lowers stress so your immune system can work. Exposing your body to uncomfortable conditions, in general, will reduce your ability to deal with the germs that you will inevitably encounter.
If you need help maintaining or upgrading your home’s HVAC system to reduce your risk of getting sick this flu season, give M.E. Flow a call (571) 350-3183. M.E. Flow has locations in Alexandria, Leesburg, and Winchester.