While we’re celebrating the return of spring and warmer weather to the Delmarva region, something else is also making a comeback.
Allergies.
You think staying indoors may provide some respite, but that may not be the case, as you’re learning since we’re at home so much now due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The best and easiest way to improve the indoor air quality in your home while reducing the allergens is with a good HVAC air filter.
Have you met MERV? It’s an acronym for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.
The MERV number stands for how well an air filter actually filters small particulates. The higher the MERV number, the more small particulates it filters.
A MERV rating of 11 is fine for most of us when it comes to filtering allergens, as it performs similarly to HEPA filters while letting your system still run efficiently; and they can go as high as 13 to filter bacteria and virus carriers.
Make sure you know what size air filter you need before you buy it. Check your current filter: on the outer part of the frame, you’ll see a set of three numbers separated by “x” between each one, like “20 x 25 x 1.” That is your air filter size and what should be used with your system.
Air filters need to be changed frequently to be effective. Create a reminder on your calendar to check them at least once a month so you can change them as before they start to get dirty and lose performance. If you have pets, or if someone in your home has a respiratory condition like asthma or COPD, check twice a month.
Don’t go longer than three months without changing your filter. Not only will allergens get and stay in your home, your HVAC system will not run efficiently, increasing your energy costs as well.
Clean air filters are a great defense against allergens being spread around your home, but there are some other things you can do:
Spring-cleaning. Vacuum your window treatments and have curtains and draperies professionally cleaned. Thoroughly vacuum your floors and have carpeting and rugs professionally cleaned. Clean vents and registers thoroughly.
Professional HVAC service. Install indoor air quality equipment like a whole-house air purifier. Or, use freestanding single-room purifiers. Have your ductwork professionally cleaned, and have Poore’s Propane experienced, trained service technicians do a tune-up of your HVAC system.
Poore’s Propane is here to help you protect the indoor air quality of your home. Contact us today to learn more, and see how we can be of help.
A REMINDER: Our services may be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Find out more at our COVID-19 page and follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.
