The COVID-19 pandemic has made many people in Knoxville, TN and the surrounding areas wonder what they can do in order to lower their risk of becoming sick. Other viruses, including influenza, also spread easily through a household. Here are several solutions you can use in order to rid your home of airborne pathogens.
Increase Ventilation
When a person with a cold, COVID-19, or influenza coughs or sneezes, they leave behind an aerosol cloud of droplets. Those droplets contain infectious viruses. Increasing your home’s ventilation removes the old, stale air and brings in new, clean air. Faster ventilation means that your home’s air gets filtered more frequently. An HVAC filter with a minimum efficiency reported value of 16 or higher removes most viruses from your home’s air.
Clean or Change the Air Filter
Dirty air filters hinder airflow in your home. When air filters are clogged with dust and other debris, those particles can get blown into your living spaces. Organic growth, pet dander, and dust are common allergens that proliferate in dirty conditions and affect your respiratory health. If your immune system is overstimulated with allergens, it might not be effective at fighting COVID-19 or influenza.
Sanitize the Air
According to the National Air Filtration Association, installing an air purifier that uses UV-C technology is an effective method of removing coronavirus, influenza and other viruses from your home. This technology deactivates viruses, bacteria, spores, and other contaminants. They work best when used at the same time as air filters, ventilation systems, and dehumidifiers. When changing the air filter in an air purifier or your HVAC system, be sure to wear a face mask and gloves.
To learn more about the ways to reduce airborne pathogens in your home, check out Chaffee Air’s indoor air quality products, or contact us today for additional details.
