People often attribute air pollution to the outdoors. While it's true that many germs and viruses, including the one responsible for COVID-19, circulate outdoors, indoor air pollution levels can be even higher inside a home due to poor ventilation. Fortunately, the HVAC system can be an ally in preventing the spread of contaminants. Here's more information about the steps you can take to protect your family and maintain cleaner air.

How Does Indoor Air Become Contaminated?

Air contamination occurs when someone who has contact with germs, bacteria, or viruses transmits pathogens indoors by sneezing or coughing, or touching surfaces with unclean hands. Airborne pathogens can travel throughout the house, triggering allergy and flu-like symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and throat irritation. When germs circulate with stagnant air and can't exit outdoors, the risk of being infected by a virus increases.

Other pollutants can also affect the air. For example, cooking, burning scented candles, and using cleaning supplies release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are toxic gases. The HVAC system can also develop mold and spread spores throughout the environment. Mold thrives on organic matter in ducts and moisture from evaporator coils, contributing to poor indoor air quality. Excessive exposure to mold spores and VOCs can produce allergy-like symptoms and respiratory irritation.

How Can You Improve Indoor Air Quality?

You can reduce how many viruses potentially circulate in the home by covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Washing hands frequently throughout the day according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines also helps prevent germs from getting on surfaces. Taking these actions won’t eliminate all the contaminants from your home but will help prevent the spread of viruses.

The HVAC system can also help, as it has a filter to trap airborne pollutants. Upgrade to a filter with a higher minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating. MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, with higher numbers indicating that the unit can trap smaller particles. You can also have an HVAC contractor install an air purifier and dehumidifier in the heating and cooling system to control moisture and capture more contaminants, helping clean the air and prevent mold growth.

Improve your home's indoor air quality with the help from Tin Man Heating & Cooling. Based in Bowling Green, OH, this HVAC contractor has served residents of northwest Ohio for over 30 years. Their team offers a wide range of air quality solutions, including dehumidifiers and air purifiers. Visit them online today to learn more about this topic, or call (419) 353-4448 to schedule an appointment.