Spring is in full bloom, and if you’re like us, then you’ve probably been dealing with pretty severe allergies since the season began. As if that weren’t enough, you’re probably dealing with the effects of indoor and outdoor pollutants, which can exacerbate existing symptoms and even cause new ones. Today’s post features a few things you can do this spring and in the future to keep the air in your home clean.
Contact Cool City Air Conditioning in El Monte if you need air conditioning repairs or any kind of HVAC tuneup as you allergy-proof your home! We proudly provide services such as AC repair, AC installation, and tuneups to get your whole home ready for summer.
1. What Is Clean Air?
It’s important to say what we mean by “clean air” before we talk about it in more detail.
The concept of clean air is somewhat tricky and nebulous, as there’s no one-size-fits-all definition that’s been universally agreed upon. However, it’s uncontroversial to say that clean air in a residential setting is simply air that’s free of common household pollutants:
- Allergens
- Mold particles
- Pet dander
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Polycyclic organic matter (POM)
- Exhaust from nearby streets
This list isn’t complete, but it covers the main pollutants responsible for respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, sneezing, and congestion.
2. Your HVAC System Plays a Crucial Role Inside the Home
Your HVAC system is your first line of defense not just against allergens, but the entire list mentioned in the previous section. The system is pushing air throughout your entire home, and if that air isn’t clean, your respiratory system will pay the price.
If you want to improve your home’s air quality, start by looking at your ventilation. When was the last time they were inspected by a professional HVAC company? Has the humidity common to El Monte caused mold growth anywhere in the vents? If you aren’t able to answer these questions, it may be time to schedule an HVAC inspection.
You should also make sure that your system’s filter has been changed in the last three months. If it’s been longer than that, then the system is probably blowing dirt, dust, dander, and anything else that the filter can’t effectively trap throughout your entire home. Consider changing it sooner if you have several pets in the home or suffer from severe allergies.
Wondering how to change your HVAC system’s filter? Contact Cool City Air Conditioning and we’ll be happy to take a look! We can even provide you with an AC tuneup and make sure that your whole system is ready for summer.
3. You Can Take Steps to Reduce Your Exposure Outside the Home
Investing in HVAC maintenance and air filtration are great ways to reduce the number of pollutants in your home, but unfortunately, pollution is often much worse outside the home.
You’ve probably noticed a change in air quality due to the effects of social distancing. Many California residents have noticed that their asthma has improved and that the air just feels easier to breathe due to the lack of cars on the road. We’ll take this breath of fresh air while it lasts, but we all know that cars will be back on the roads soon enough.
When things are back to some semblance of normalcy, keep your eye on air quality indicators from reputable sources such as the CDC and the American Lung Association. Both websites can help you find information about the air quality in your community, and keeping up with this information can help you stay informed about when it is and is not safe to be outside for prolonged periods of time.
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We hope that today’s post will help you keep the air in your home as clean as possible. If you found this entry useful, look through the rest of our blogs for even more information about HVAC systems, and quality, and other related topics.
Summer is just around the corner, and there’s no better time than right now to invest in AC repair, AC installation, or any other HVAC-related services you need to keep your home cool and comfortable during the warmest months of the year!
