Help Your Kids Stay Healthy With These HVAC Tips
Your home’s HVAC system affects children the most, with their developing brains and bodies, making them more sensitive to the indoor environment. With many kids still doing remote or online learning, getting this right is even more critical. Here are some ways you can ensure that your home’s HVAC system will benefit your kids’ health.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH VENTILATION
The best way to get fresh air is to go outside, but that isn’t always practical and, in general, we’re indoors more and more. Here is where your home’s ventilation is important. Removing bathroom and kitchen air with exhaust and replacing it with outside air ensures that the air inside your home is fresh and contaminants are removed. Carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and bacteria levels must all be controlled to minimize health issues related to your kids’ bodies as well as brain development.
REPLACE YOUR FILTER REGULARLY
(Consider upgrading it) Your furnace filter catches dust and other allergens that can affect your child’s health. Replacing it regularly prevents these nasty particles from recirculating throughout your home. With their rapid breathing and smaller lungs, children are more susceptible to respiratory issues and irritation from dust. If your child has allergies, consider upgrading your filter to a higher rating. Be sure to get a professional’s input because this could affect your furnace blower performance.
HAVE YOUR DUCTS CLEANED REGULARLY
In addition to replacing your filter, having your ducts professionally cleaned will remove dust and allergens from your entire system. A clean filter will only do so much if your ductwork has a layer of dust. Consider annual or seasonal cleaning to ensure that your air distribution stays clean for your kids to breathe easy.
DEAL WITH HOT AND COLD SPOTS
If your child’s room gets cold at night or hot in the day, this can lead to health issues caused by the temperature extremes. If your children wake up at night because they are too cold, then it’s time to have your HVAC system reviewed and adjusted as necessary. This is particularly important for these days of homeschooling and virtual classes.
REPLACE HIGH TEMPERATURE RADIATORS
This one is more of a safety tip but if you have a boiler system with high temperature radiators, consider replacing them with the low temperature version. You’ll keep little ones safe while saving on energy. You need to discuss this with a professional but it would be well worth the investment.
DON’T FORGET
If you need help with your HVAC system to keep your kids healthy and safe, give us a call and we can help you.
