How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality During Flu Season

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a vital aspect of maintaining good health, especially during flu season. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights that we spend nearly 90% of our time indoors, where pollutant levels can be two to five times higher than the outdoors'. During flu season, these conditions significantly influence and impact the spread of illnesses and recovery times.

What is an Indoor Pollutant?

Pollutants within homes or buildings come from a variety of sources. Biological pollutants like viruses, mold spores, and dander are common offenders, while chemical pollutants such as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can also accumulate. Everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, and moving around your home stir these particles into the air, and without adequate ventilation, they remain trapped indoors.

What are the Effects of Poor Air Quality?

Exposure to polluted indoor air can cause symptoms like lung irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and chronic headaches. Long-term exposure escalates risks of diseases such as respiratory ailments and even cancer. In colder months, poor air quality exacerbates flu symptoms and increases your body's susceptibility to infections as fine particles can more easily irritate the respiratory system.

Is Air Quality Testing Worth It?

Air quality testing is essential for understanding what pollutants are present in your home. Identifying the presence and concentrations of molds, dander, carbon monoxide, and VOCs, allows homeowners to take specific, targeted actions to enhance IAQ. Identifying mold spores, for example, helps address respiratory problems or allergies.

Air Filter Maintenance 101

Air filters in HVAC systems play a foundational role in capturing pollutants before they disseminate throughout a home. When filters are clogged, they lose efficiency and the system must work harder. Regularly checking and replacing filters every one to three months is recommended to maintain clean air and system efficiency.

Should I Get My Ducts Cleaned?

Over time, air ducts gather dust, pet hair, and mold, which circulate throughout your home when an HVAC system is active. Duct cleaning becomes particularly important if mold growth, pest signs, or large dust quantities are present. However, regular inspections can prevent ducts from contributing to poor air quality.

What is a Healthy Indoor Humidity Level?

Maintaining indoor humidity between 30% and 50% is crucial for healthy air. High humidity promotes mold growth, whereas low humidity dries out nasal passages, which in turn causes viral infections to be more common. Utilizing humidifiers and dehumidifiers will help maintain an even moisture level, no matter the season.

Are Air Purifiers Worth It?

Air purifiers complement other air cleaning practices by capturing additional particles. HEPA filters, for example, are excellent at trapping tiny particles like allergens. Although not a total substitute for ventilation and maintenance, purifiers can help significantly reduce airborne pollutants.

What Does Ventilation Do?

Ventilation is key in diluting indoor pollutants. It aids in dispersing contaminants and supports overall respiratory health. By improving airflow through HVAC settings, windows, or fans, you can minimize the risk of virus transmission indoors.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Implementing small changes can greatly improve IAQ. Avoiding indoor smoking, using exhaust fans during cooking, opting for gentler cleaning solutions, and regularly vacuuming with HEPA filters are among the easiest and most popular things you can do today to improve your home's indoor air quality.

Understanding the impact of indoor environments on your health, particularly during flu season, is essential. By focusing on air quality testing, regular maintenance and upkeep of air systems, and improving overall ventilation, you create a healthier and more comfortable living space for you and your family.