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For many, spring is a time for baseball games, picnics in the park, and backyard barbeques. But for those who suffer from seasonal (or year-long) allergies, springtime is more synonymous with runny noses and itchy, watery eyes. Unfortunately, retreating indoors doesn’t always provide a haven from your misery. So, to help everyone breathe easier, here are 5 home improvement projects to tackle today.
Change HVAC filters. One of the easiest and least expensive preventive measures you can take is to replace HVAC filters more often. As warm or cool air circulates throughout your home, heating and AC filters trap pet dander, dust, and other allergens and prevent them from being reintroduced through the vents. For best results, clean or replace the filters monthly.
Keep water leaks in check. When was the last time you checked for leaks in your plumbing pipes? How about the ones in your basement or those hard-to-reach places? The truth is, small leaks can go undetected for weeks or months before causing visible damage, allowing plenty of time for mold to grow and release spores into the air. But you can prevent significant damage and stop mold in its tracks with water leak detectors. Installed on water pipes, they sense tiny droplets of water and emit an audible beep, even alerting you on your smartphone or tablet so you can make repairs right away.
Install a whole-house air filtration system. If simply changing the filters doesn’t cut it, or if someone in your household suffers from severe allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues, consider installing a whole house air filtration system. Working with your home’s HVAC system, they typically feature a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter that blocks up to 99.97% of airborne particles, leaving you with clean, clear, breathable indoor air.
Invest in a whole-house dehumidifier. If you live in a house with higher than recommended humidity levels, consider investing in a whole-house dehumidifier to maintain healthy air and keep airborne mold spores from wreaking havoc on your respiratory system. Sure, you can run a portable dehumidifier in every room, but that’s not nearly as effective at removing excess humidity.
Update to a smart thermostat. If you think that the only benefit of a smart thermostat is the ability to control and adjust temperatures while away from home, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Some smart thermostats also monitor indoor air quality, alerting you to changes indoors and out. They even integrate with your whole-house air filter or dehumidifier for remote control indoor air quality adjustments.
For more information on how to improve air quality inside your home, contact GBT Heating & Air Conditioning today.