COVID-19 has had the world on hold but it didn’t put your family on hold. Even with rising vaccination rates, catching COVID-19 is still a big concern. It’s important to take care of your family by keeping your home’s indoor air quality clean. Healthy air makes for a healthy home. With new variants spreading, concerns are rising as our local leaders and scientists try to learn more about the new strains. Champion AC & Plumbing is here to help answer some common questions about (indoor air quality) and COVID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will running an evaporative cooler or a whole-house fan help protect me and my family from COVID-19?
Having an evaporative cooler, also known as “swamp coolers,” or a whole-house fan can potentially help protect you and your family from COVID-19 at home. By using an evaporative cooler or a house fan, you are increasing ventilation with air from outside to the air inside. That can potentially help protect people from airborne transmission.
Evaporative coolers are used in dry environments to bring moisture into the air. They should be used with windows open. When used correctly, these devices can increase ventilation indoors. Whole-house fans are also good options for increasing ventilation within the home.
But, these options are not foolproof. By using evaporation coolers or whole-house fans, you are not guaranteed to not catch COVID-19. Although they can potentially decrease the risk of transmission.
What kind of filter should I use in my home HVAC system for high-quality indoor air quality?
Air filters have ratings called Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values (MERV) that describe the filter’s ability to capture particles. Filters with the rating of MERV-13 or higher can catch smaller particles like viruses for improved indoor air quality. Most homes have default filters of MERV-8, so upgrading to MERV-13 filters can potentially help protect your family from COVID-19. If your HVAC system fan and filter slot can’t support a MERV-13 or higher, go for the next highest filter that it can support. It’s a good idea to consult your HVAC manual or talk to a professional before making the switch.
How can I increase ventilation at home to help protect my family from COVID-19?
One of the best things you can do at home to potentially help prevent COVID-19 is to increase ventilation with outside air. But, it’s not the only thing you can be doing. It’s recommended to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more ideas that you could be doing at home.
Here are some ways to increase ventilation at home:
- Open windows and doors if possible and if outdoor air quality is good enough.
- Consider a window air conditioner that has an outdoor air intake or vent.
- If your HVAC system has an outdoor air intake, open it!
- Use the bathroom fan when the bathroom is in use and continuously if you can.
Before opting for any of these ideas, check the air pollution in your city first. It’s not recommended to use these tips if air pollution is high or if it makes your house too cold, hot, or humid.
If you are interested in indoor air quality products for you and your home, please contact Champion AC & Plumbing today!
