With endless shopping lists and countless events, poor air quality may not be at the top of your mind this holiday season. Healthcare organizations across America, however, want us to remember that November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
To help bring awareness to the effects of poor air quality on our lungs, the team at United Refrigeration, Heating and Air is highlighting simple ways that North Central Florida homeowners and business owners can take action to improve the quality of the air we breathe.
Improving Air Quality in Florida Homes and Businesses
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about lung cancer, specifically, is smoking. Cigarette smoke is harmful for a smoker, but it also lingers in the air, spreading hundreds of different chemicals linked to asthma, cancer, and an array of respiratory issues. Other things like household cleaners, pesticides, mold, debris, dust, dander, and humidity can also impact our lungs and overall health. Here are tips for reducing health risks and improving air quality:
- Decrease Indoor Pollutants. Avoid smoking indoors and limit the use of strong chemicals. Provide proper ventilation by opening windows or doors when using certain cleaners, chemicals, paints, solvents, or pesticides.
- Take Precautions and Mitigate Risks. Install a carbon monoxide detector for safety. Do NOT idle a running car in an attached garage. Also, take steps to prevent mold and mildew by adding sealants, quickly repairing leaks, and removing any standing water.
- Control Humidity Levels. Experts recommend keeping humidity levels in your home below 50 percent. In places like Ocala and the Villages, this means you will want to keep your HVAC system operating efficiently, run exhaust fans in kitchens and baths to expel moisture, and consider investing in a dehumidifier if needed for certain spaces.
- Schedule HVAC Maintenance. Poor circulation of indoor air can worsen allergies and lung conditions, which makes HVAC maintenance essential. An efficient HVAC system can play a key role in filtering allergens from the air you breathe.
- Keep a Clean AC Filter. Be sure to change your AC Filter every month to filter particles and ensure your AC runs efficiently and correctly. A clean air filter with a high MERV ranking is helpful for reducing allergens and combatting poor air quality.
- Clear Your Air Ducts. Much like the airways through our nose and mouth, clear ducts are essential for clean indoor air. Now is a great time of year to consider a professional duct cleaning to improve the air quality in your home or business.
- Install an In-Duct Air Purifier. If you want to purify every cubic inch of the air that your AC system reaches, consider a REME HALO® Whole Home In-Duct Air Purifier. It can help reduce odors, pollutants, particulates, microbials, and gases in indoor air.
- Invest in an Air Purification System. For cleaner air, United’s experts also recommend Global Plasma Solutions (GPS), which is a high-tech purification system to break down gases, control odor, filter airborne particles, and kill viruses, bacteria, and mold.
Call United Refrigeration, Heating and Air today at 352-629-1187 to speak with one of our experienced professionals about the latest options for repairing, replacing, or installing a new HVAC system or air purification solution for your home or business.
