Prepare Your Home for Cold and Flu Season to Stay Warm and Healthy

There is no question winter germs affect everyone. The cold winter days are here which means the flu and other germs could be knocking at your door for an unwelcome visit. Is your home prepared to fight the germs? As we tend to spend more time nestled inside our homes during the winter months, you’ll want your home to produce good, quality heat and clean air. We often hear about the quality of air outside, but how often are you ensuring the quality of the air inside your home? Your HVAC system holds a great level of responsibility regarding your health. Learn with Lee as we list some key upkeeping tips for your HVAC so that you and your family can stay healthy during the cold and flu season.

Upgrade Air Filter/ Filtration 

One of the best ways to assess the quality of air in your home is to check the filtration. When used properly, HVAC filters can reduce airborne contaminants including viruses in your home. Air filters should be regularly inspected and changed every 90 days or 3 months to facilitate the smooth flow of air into and from your furnace. Moreover, regular filter changes help preserve energy efficiency and reduce wear and tear on your furnace system. You’ll also want to ensure that your HVAC filtering system has a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values) Rating recommended for your home and needs. This rating helps to identify your filter's ability to remove a variety of particles from the home including; Pollen, Dust mites, Bacteria, Sanding dust, Textile/carpet fibers, Mold/spores, Dust lint and Cement dust. This value is important when comparing different filters and we have this table to help you determine the right filter for your home or business. 

Choose the right filter by understanding the MERV ratings:

To change and replace your air filter, click here for your options.  

Humidity Control – Humidifier 

Winter air tends to be very dry, which can irritate respiratory ailments, causing you and your family to be more susceptible to sickness. Installing a humidifier will take care of the dryness, however, it’s important that you don’t over-humidify your home and end up with an environment that’s perfect for mold and pathogens to grow. For your humidifier options by Lee, click here.  

Add an Air Purifier to Your Home 

An air purifier is an essential component of your HVAC system to avoid the buildup of dust, mold, bad smells, bacteria, and viruses in your home. Adding a whole-house air purifier, if not already in your HVAC system, is an effective way to improve the quality of air in your home and promote health for you and your family. Visit your nearest Lee Supply location or find a new UV Air Purifier here. While an air purifying system in your home may help rid the winter germs, you’ll want to ensure you are still cleaning surfaces, carpet areas, and maintaining a bacteria-free environment.

Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing 

While doing all the above is vital to ensure clean air is flowing throughout your home, the first line of defense is to clean and disinfect your home more than usual. Cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing surfaces and objects that are touched often, is always necessary when preventing the flu and other sicknesses.

Thanks for reading and following along. We hope that you stay warm and healthy this winter season. 

For HVAC accessories, humidifiers, or air purifiers to maintain the quality of air in your home, click here.