Air quality concerns should be on your radar as winter gives way to spring. The combination of warmer temperatures and frequent rain showers can often lead to heightened levels of humidity. Many plants and trees will also begin to bloom, and the pollen levels can create invasive allergens for unprepared homeowners.  

“Although we’re quickly moving past the freezing, dry air of winter, it is important to acknowledge as we begin to change seasons that spring can also wreak havoc on the air quality inside a home,” said Tommy Webber, owner of T.

Webber Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. “Excessive humidity can lead to mildew, mold, peeling wallpaper and rot in wooden window frames from running condensation.

(prathan chorruangsak, Canva)

Allergens bloom and worsen in humid environments as well, so it’s important to keep pollen and other similar airborne threats from entering the home.”


Tips to Maintain Great Indoor Air Quality

Use Allergen-Rated Filters

Aside from changing your air filters regularly, use a high-quality filter rated for allergen filtration. This will help clean the air as it cycles. Regular filters protect the heating and cooling system by trapping larger particles such as dust before they reach the unit. High-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters will trap much smaller particles and keep offending allergens from recirculating back into the living space.

Consider an Air Cleaner

 If you experience severe negative health effects from invasive allergens, use an air cleaner in conjunction with HEPA air filters. This will dramatically increase the HVAC unit’s effectiveness HVAC unit and overall indoor air filtration. Air cleaners remove mold, mildew, dust, pollen and pet dander from the air inside the home.

Install Ultraviolet Lamps

Ultraviolet lamps inside the heating and cooling unit kill mold and bacteria that might develop on and around the coil. There are also lamps available that can sterilize the moving air. They’re effective at killing germs that may otherwise recirculate through the home and ruin your home’s air quality.

Maintain Proper Ventilation

Bathrooms and kitchens both contribute majorly to a home’s humidity and must be properly ventilated. Check exhaust vents to make sure they are free of obstruction and working properly so that excess moisture and pollutants can be removed.

Utilize a Dehumidifier

After the winter passes, most place their humidifiers in storage until the dryer months of summer arrive. Keep the dehumidifier out this spring to maintain a balanced indoor environment. It will remove excess moisture from the air and help prevent mold and mildew development.

“Following these tips and preparing your home in advance can save a lot of time, money and heartache battling the effects of moisture on the home and fending off allergy-related health issues,” Webber says.


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