Understanding HVAC Guidelines
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Understanding HVAC Guidelines

Once I purchased my first home, I realized that I needed to do my part in caring for my home appliances. In addition to reading the user manuals for my kitchen appliances and state-of-the-art plumbing system, I realized that I also needed to do a little research about HVAC. Because I had no experience with HVAC systems, I called out a professional to teach me a thing or two. It was fascinating to talk with him, and I was able to take notes about all kinds of important topics, such as maintenance, troubleshooting, and even shopping for a new system. This blog is all about understanding HVAC guidelines.

Understanding HVAC Guidelines

Tackling Back-To-School Germs With Your HVAC System

Marilou Girard

School's back in session, but homework assignments aren't the only thing your kids will bring home from their first week of school. Germs and viruses can also hitch a ride and become unwanted houseguests, leaving everyone in your home at risk of a cold or flu.

Fortunately, you and your HVAC system can join forces to keep germs from spreading throughout your home. Here are a few tips you can use to keep back-to-school germs from landing your home in detention.

Use Airflow to Your Advantage

Good airflow is an effective secret weapon against germs and viruses. Recycling the same stale air allows germs to multiply out of control, whereas a steady flow of fresh air pushes that stale air out, creating a healthier indoor environment for your home and its occupants.

  • Open your windows to allow fresh air inside your home.
  • Use ventilation fans in your bathroom and kitchen to expel stale indoor air.
  • Run your HVAC system's blower fan continuously by setting your thermostat controls to "FAN" mode.

Upgrade Your Air Filter

In addition to replacing your air filter on a regular basis, think about upgrading your air filter to one that offers better filtration capabilities. Consider your current air filter's MERV rating and look for a filter that offers a significant improvement in filtration without overwhelming your HVAC system.

Upgrading from a standard fiberglass air filter with a MERV rating of 4 to a pleated air filter rated at MERV 8 offers significant improvements to your home's indoor air quality.

Consider Using UV Lights

Ultraviolet germicidal lights offer another way of combating germs and viruses from within your HVAC system. UV germicidal lights use the power of UV-C radiation to destroy harmful microbes on a molecular level, preventing them from thriving and reproducing.

UV germicidal lights are typically installed inside of the HVAC system's plenum or in the indoor air intake portion of the unit just ahead of the blower. A pair of UV germicidal lights near your HVAC system's evaporator coil not only prevents germs from thriving, but they'll also curtail mold and mildew growth on the coils themselves.

Invest in a Vent Cleaning

You'd be amazed at how your vents and ducts can be a conduit for germs and viruses. To prevent the spread of germs as well as dust and debris throughout your home, have a professional clean your ducts and vents with air conditioning services on a regular basis. A thorough duct and vent cleaning will also help your HVAC system perform more efficiently.


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