Is your HVAC unit Hurting or Helping your Health?

09 Jun Is your HVAC unit Hurting or Helping your Health?

SERVING AREAS OF BRISTOL, JOHNSON CITY, AND KINGSPORT TN

Viral pandemics are a significant concern, and limiting your exposure to the virus is critical to the health of your family. Since bacteria, mold, and viruses can travel and spread through your HVAC system, the air you breathe in your home could increase health risks. The average person spends approximately 90% of their life indoors, and according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one of the top environmental hazards is indoor air pollution. Pollutants indoors are as high as 100 times the level of contaminants outdoors. Your professional HVAC technicians in the Tri-Cities area, Thompson Electrical Service is sharing more information about how your HVAC system could be hurting or helping your health.

Conventional Methods of Virus Transmission

• Airborne Transmission – When an infected person coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets containing the virus are released into the air. Unfortunately, the contaminated air can be circulated through your home via your HVAC system and ductwork. In some cases, the droplets can remain in the air for an extended period and travel through the ductwork, causing infection in other members of your family. Therefore, if not adequately maintained by a certified HVAC technician in Bristol from Thompson Electrical Service, your HVAC system could be spreading unwanted pathogens throughout your home.
• Intermediate Surface Transmission – Another method of travel for viruses, bacteria, and mold is when an infected person sneezes or coughs into their hand and then touches a surface in your home before washing their hands. Once someone else touches the surface and touches their face, nose, or eyes, the virus is transmitted to the new person. If the second infected person does not cover their sneeze or cough, it could lead to contamination of the air in your home. Your professional HVAC company in Johnson City, Thompson Electrical Service, recommends washing your hands regularly and cleaning the surfaces of your home to prevent transmission and air contamination.

Virus Transmission Prevention

It is normal for humans to fall ill to mold, viruses, and bacteria. However, preventative measures can help protect your home and family from airborne infections. Through the use of particle filtration and ultraviolet light, you can reduce the spread of airborne pathogens in your home. Below are two methods recommended by your Kingsport HVAC company, Thompson Electrical Service, to help protect your home and family.

• HVAC Allergen Control Filters – Allergen resistant filters may reduce most of the airborne particles in your home, depending on the type of filter you purchase from your local retailer. High-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) are 99.7% effective in trapping small particles in your home that may carry the virus through your HVAC system. When choosing an appropriate filter for your home, your Bristol HVAC technician from Thompson Electrical Service advises purchasing one made with more dense material. Filters should be changed once a month for maximum effectiveness.
• Ultra+-Violet Light – Conventional filtration for your home is good, but an ultraviolet disinfection system for your HVAC system is better. A UV disinfection system is designed to deactivate airborne pathogens, so the microorganisms that are not captured by the HEPA filter can be destroyed. UV-C surface cleaning systems provide irradiation of HVAC components. The process kills bacteria, viruses, and mold that are present on drain pans, air filters, coils, and ducts preventing the circulation of airborne pathogens.

HVAC Service in Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, TN

Family members who are susceptible to airborne contaminants could benefit significantly from the installation of a HEPA filter. Just be sure to change the filter once a month. If you or someone in your family suffers from compromised immunity conditions, respiratory conditions, asthma, or is elderly, having an HVAC system that is airborne pathogen-free is key to their health. Call your professional HVAC company in Kingsport, Thompson Electrical Service, at (423) 343-5726 or visit us online to schedule your appointment for better quality air in your home today.hav