Indoor air pollution is considered to be one of the worst pollution problems we all have to deal with, and not dealing with it could make you sick. Here along the Grand Strand, we are not immune to the circulation of the COVID-19 virus. Because of the virus, it’s more important than ever before to make sure your home’s indoor air quality is the best it can possibly be.
Ways to better the indoor air pollution you may be dealing with in your home:
COVID-19 is spread through airborne particles. As experts in indoor air quality, we recommend a few things.
As the effects of COVID-19 spread locally and globally, we know having a technician in your home may be a concern, but we want you to know that the health and safety of our customers and team members are our highest priority. Just below these tips to help you with your indoor air quality, we outline what we’re doing during this crisis.
1) Get your HVAC system professionally inspected at least annually (preferably twice a year). A properly maintained and working furnace or HVAC system will filter many contaminants out of the inside of your home or office. Furnace repair and maintenance professionals recommend you have yours inspected at the beginning of every heating and cooling season. Inspection is relatively inexpensive and will ensure that you become aware of potential problems (some of which can be deadly) before they happen.
2) Consider investing in a UV light for your system to kill viruses and bacteria in your home (Change Bulb if the one you have is old).
3) Make sure the humidity in your home is between 35% – 50%.
4) Change your furnace filter as frequently as is recommended by the manufacturer. Often this is every 2-3 months, but maybe as frequently as monthly, depending on the make/model of your heating or AC system. Filters are inexpensive, and you should be able to do this job yourself without calling in a professional. It’s the absolute easiest way to cut down on indoor air pollution.
5) Consider using a HEPA filter. “HEPA” stands for “High-Efficiency Particulate Air.” This type of filter is designed to remove more contaminants than regular filters. In fact, they are able to remove 99.97% of particles that are larger than 0.3 micrometers, which goes a long way toward reducing indoor air pollution.
6) Have your air ducts cleaned regularly. A majority of particles get blown through your air ducts and get caught in your filter. However, some, particularly bigger ones, may settle deep inside your ducts. The only way to remove these particles is by getting the ducts professionally cleaned. Professionals recommend having them cleaned at least once every 2 to 3 years, more often if your situation and living conditions warrant it.
7) Don’t allow smoking indoors. It’s no secret that cigarette smoke is packed full of harmful pollutants. When you smoke inside, even if you confine smoking to a single room, it simply blows those contaminants throughout the whole house. All smoking should be limited to outdoors only to cut down on indoor air pollution, far away from doors and windows (so pollutants aren’t blown back inside).
What we’re doing to protect you during the pandemic
Below is an update on what we are doing during this crisis.
Before We Arrive: We are monitoring all team members for Flu-like symptoms and are taking action accordingly. We will not knowingly send a technician who is ill into your home.
When We Arrive: Our technicians are supplied with hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, masks, gloves, and as always, shoe covers. We are doing everything in our power to ensure we are stocked on all these items to reduce the spread of infection.
While in Your Home: Our technicians will keep a safe distance from our customers. This is not us being unfriendly; we feel it is in everyone’s best interest to take reasonable precautions during this health emergency. We are also suspending our customer signature protocol so you do not have to sign for your job on the technician’s tablet, which may have been touched by other customers.
Rest assured, Swift Services Heating, Cooling & Electrical is taking every precaution possible to make sure our visit to your home is a safe experience for you during this time. Call us today at (843) 352-6427, or someone will contact you as quickly as possible to answer any questions you may have about your home’s indoor air pollution and its air filter, and whether it’s time for a system check-up. You can save time, money, and further breakdowns in the long term, as well as make sure you’re prepared to face whatever the weather is outside. Our Swift Services technicians are trained to help assist you in knowing whether it’s better to repair your current heating and cooling system or replace it with a new, more energy-efficient system for your Grand Strand area home.