With the advent of the Covid-19 outbreak, many people are increasingly spending their time indoors, and it is in our best interest that we are in a healthy and safe environment.

One way of keeping our home air healthy is by installing a well-designed heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. Having a home with a well-maintained HVAC system provides a healthy indoor environment through controlling harmful organisms like mold, bacterial, dust mites, and viruses. So let’s explore the healthful benefits of HVAC;

1. Regulates Air Humidity

Low relative humidity can become a breeding ground and make you more susceptible to catching viral diseases due to speedier transmission and progression of the microorganisms in the air.

Viruses that cause influenza and the common cold spread more easily through dry air, and this includes the Covid-19 Virus. The reason why viral infection occurs more in dry and cold weather is because;

• Cold temperatures hold less moisture thus making it easy for the virus to spread easily;
• Airborne particles stay longer in low humidity, and this includes viruses;
• Low humidity does dry up the mucous membranes that protect the respiratory system thus making you more prone to infection.

A building with an HVAC system that controls both humidity and temperatures slows down the spread of viruses. But a high level of moisture may stimulate the growth of dust mites, mold, and bacteria organisms, harming our health.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, it is recommended to have a relative humidity of 30-50% to prevent mold growth. Having an HVAC that uses the energy recovery ventilation system can help to exchange humidity between the exhaust air and the outdoor air supply. The central air conditioning ensures the humidity level stays within the given healthy range.

2. Improves Indoor Air Quality

The atmosphere at home is usually riddled by pollutants that can cause serious harm causing symptoms like fatigue, difficulty in breathing, allergic reactions, coughing, headaches, irritated throat, and sneezing.

Having an HVAC with an air filtration system will help in pulling the air from the ducts and taking it through different stages of the filtration process. After the filtration process, the air filtration system will send it back to your home free and safe from particles and viruses.

3. Prevents accumulation of the Ground-Level Ozone

Lack of a properly installed and maintained HVAC system may cause a buildup of the ground-level ozone. Ozone is a gas that’s composed of the three atoms of the oxygen (O3), and it occurs on the ground level and upper atmosphere. The ground ozone creates harmful air pollutants that may aid in the spreading of viruses.

It occurs due to a chemical reaction between volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen. This happens when the contaminants emitted from power, chemical plants, and other sources of chemicals react with sunlight.

Ground ozone accumulation may linger in the air we breathe, causing health problems like coughing, chest pains, airways inflammation and reduced lung function. However, an HVAC System helps in cutting off environmental pollutants keeping your home free from unwanted viruses.

4. Improved Respiratory Conditions

Airborne particles and microorganisms stay in the air, but within our enclosed spaces, they get trapped hence causing problems like asthma and the spread of respiratory diseases.

To improve the quality of air in our enclosed spaces, we need an HVAC system that traps and filters the particles by making the air move at a rapid pace, thus preventing the viruses and allergens from creating their base on the pieces of furniture and floor. The allergens get trapped by the HVAC system HEPA filters, and the UV filters help to eliminate biological particles, viruses, and bacteria that pass through the filters.

5. Gives Consistent Temperature

While most people do underestimate the effects of fluctuating temperatures, using the HVAC system may help to regulate your body temperature, which in turn helps in fighting off viral infections.

Being overly warm may quickly sap out your energy, leading to depletion of the immune system and chronic fatigue. The central air conditioning system helps to maintain constant room temperature that enables the body to regulate its temperature, keeping you feeling energized.

 6. Enhanced Immune System

The HVAC system keeps off illness-spreading viruses by keeping the enclosed spaces cooler, thus limiting the growth of microbes. Putting the body through repetitive stress of extreme environments stresses the immune system.

An environment with well-regulated, constant temperature ensures your immune system does not get worn down, thus preventing you from becoming vulnerable to infections.

7. Better Sleep

The HVAC system does not only support a bigger picture of beating the summer heat but setting up the correct night temperature of between 70-74º F enables a person to sleep well.

Falling asleep when the temperature is within the proper range will eliminate the need for your body to use its energy in regulating its temperature. Keeping the room too cold or too hot forces the body to stay awake as it adjusts itself to the correct temperature.

Having an efficient HVAC system that ensures quality airflow and regulates indoor temperatures means a good night’s sleep that’s essential for your overall health and more specifically, your ability to fight off viruses..

Conclusion,

HVAC systems provide an ideal way to maintain good health through controlling sources of contamination and providing improved air quality. To enjoy the excellent benefits of the HVAC system, ensure its in peak working condition, replace filters regularly to allow healthy airflow, and consider annual cleaning and services by heating and air conditioning New Jersey HVAC professionals.