Replacing Air Filters in Your Home Helps Prevent the Spread of Airborne Viruses

Breathing Unhealthy Air At Home

On top of new concerns about airborne particles like the virus causing COVID-19, we still have to deal with the annual flu season. During flu season and throughout the year families are exposed to viruses that circulate in the air they breathe indoors, so taking every measure to prevent illness makes good sense. If you are concerned about indoor air quality and exposure to airborne pathogens like COVID-19, replacing your HVAC air filter is a simple, cheap, and effective way to remove harmful particles from the air in your home.

In addition to viruses circulating in the air, there are other particles that a clean air filter can remove from your home.

Pollutants That We Breathe

Indoor dust and pollutants are much more dangerous to breathe than outdoor dust. Indoor dust can contain bacteria, pollen, skin flakes, decaying organic matter, fungi, dust mites, textile fibers, mold, mildew, pet dander, and residue from smoke, chemicals, and other contaminants.

Airborne particles come in a range of sizes, most of which you can’t actually see. Particles smaller than 10 microns — such as the ones mentioned above — are easily inhaled. These particles have the potential to irritate your eyes, nose, and throat and affect both your lungs and your heart.

Reducing Airborne Particles

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the three most effective ways to reduce airborne particles in your home are by:

• Removing the source of the particles: Regularly cleaning and dusting surfaces, brushing your pet outdoors, not smoking inside your home, and eliminating any potential for moisture buildup.
• Ensuring proper ventilation: Using properly installed exhaust fans while cooking or using household cleaning products.
• Air cleaning: Using a medium-to-high efficiency air filter and replacing it regularly, or adding an air purifier to a commonly used space in your home.

At-Risk Group For COVID-19

The above steps are preventative only and filters must be replaced regularly. If you are in an at-risk group for COVID-19 you should consider regular AC & duct cleaning, in addition to the following ways to fight the flu and other viruses based on tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 

• Avoid close contact with sick people. Keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
• Stay home when you’re sick. If possible, stay home from work or school and avoid running errands when you’re sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; it may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

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