CHAMPAIGN-URBANA (Chambana Today) – As the winter chill settles in, many families spend more time indoors, which can lead to indoor air quality issues. Drew Cooke, Technical Development Advisor at Lanz Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Underground Solutions, shares tips to help homeowners improve air quality and ensure a healthier, more comfortable winter.
Humidity: A Key to Comfort
Most people focus on temperature when considering home comfort, but humidity also plays a significant role. “Winter air becomes dry, leading to skin irritation, nosebleeds, and other discomforts,” Cooke explains. Adding humidity to the home can help alleviate these problems.
Cooke recommends keeping humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Maintaining levels above 30% in winter prevents condensation on windows and damage to window frames. Lanz offers state-of-the-art humidification systems that adjust based on outdoor temperature, ensuring a balanced indoor environment.
Filtration: Tackling Allergens
In Central Illinois, allergens are a year-round issue, and effective filtration is essential for managing them. “Poor filtration can exacerbate allergy symptoms by circulating pollen, dust, and other allergens,” says Cooke. Lanz recommends upgrading to denser filters with a higher MERV rating. These filters capture smaller particles, but homeowners should be cautious, as denser filters can reduce airflow, stressing the HVAC system. Lanz offers larger filtration systems and filtration boxes that maintain airflow while capturing harmful particles.
Ventilation: Fighting VOCs and Improving Air Quality
Tightly sealed homes can trap volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints, cleaning products, and furniture. These harmful chemicals can negatively affect health, but proper ventilation is the solution. Lanz recommends installing Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) that bring in fresh outdoor air while recovering heat and moisture. This improves indoor air quality and maintains energy efficiency.
Preventing Mold and Microbial Growth
While dry air reduces mold growth in winter, humidity imbalances can still create conditions for mold and mildew, particularly around HVAC evaporator coils. Lanz installs ultraviolet (UV) lights in HVAC systems to prevent microbial growth, ensuring clean air circulation and avoiding mold buildup.
Battling Viruses with Air Purification
Winter often brings viruses and germs, especially when children bring home illnesses. “Filtration doesn’t always trap viruses due to their small size,” Cooke says. Lanz offers advanced air purification systems with UV light and ionizers that actively destroy viruses, bacteria, and mold spores, improving air quality and helping protect families from illness.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
Regular HVAC maintenance is crucial for ensuring optimal performance. “Maintenance is the most important thing you can do for your system,” Cooke advises. Lanz’s “Comfort Family” maintenance program includes two check-ups each year—one for heating and one for cooling. The program also provides discounts on repairs and installations, extending the life of your HVAC equipment.
How to Improve Your Home’s Air Quality
For homeowners looking to improve air quality, Cooke recommends starting with a professional consultation. With expert tips from Lanz Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Underground Solutions, you can create a healthier, more comfortable home environment. To get started, call Lanz Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Underground Solutions at 217-776-8325 for more information or to schedule an indoor air quality consultation.