You already know that your air conditioner plays a vital role in your comfort. This is particularly true in Florida, where temperatures can get quite warm throughout the year.
However, you might not realize that your HVAC equipment can also protect your health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding how can be very reassuring.
How Your HVAC Equipment Protects You
Boosting Indoor Air Quality
Before going on, it’s worth noting that not all HVAC systems will provide the same health-boosting benefits. Keep this in mind if you were thinking about replacing yours. Our team of experts can recommend an upgrade that’s better for your health and energy bills. We’ll also assist in removing and replacing your current AC system.
That said, many types of HVAC equipment these days don’t just keep a home comfortable. They also improve indoor air quality in a range of ways.
Some feature UV antibacterial lamps designed to kill bacteria and similar biological contaminants. Others remove dust and related debris with in-duct air purification systems. Air filtration systems capture dust and other contaminants before they get into your home, and humidifiers help to maintain healthy moisture levels. In general, these all facilitate the kind of home environment where threats to your health are less likely to thrive.
Keeping You Indoors
It may be a simple point, but it’s one worth covering. Anyone who has followed the COVID-19 situation as it continues to develop likely knows that one of the smartest ways anyone can protect their health (and the health of others) is to stay home whenever possible.
In a state like Florida, this is much easier when you have functioning HVAC equipment. It’s easy to overlook just how much extra time you spend outside when your AC isn’t working properly. If your home isn’t optimally comfortable, you’ll naturally be more inclined to venture out.
You’re less likely to feel that way when you know you can rely on your HVAC equipment to keep you comfortable. Remember this as the warmer months approach. Although the COVID-19 pandemic will hopefully have run its course by then, there is a possibility that we’ll need to continue limiting our outdoor trips for the next few months. You need to know your HVAC equipment will remain in good working order during this time.
That’s why you might consider scheduling an inspection now. If you’ve noticed even minor issues, such as inconsistent performance, you should definitely schedule service. Even though we do offer 24-hr emergency AC repairs, ideally, you’ll never have to deal with your HVAC equipment suddenly breaking down in the middle of a heat wave.
Protecting from Outdoor Threats
Again, a working AC will help you comfortably stay indoors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It may also protect you from outdoor contaminants.
Official CDC information reveals we’re still learning all the ways COVID-19 spreads. As of now, the primary means of transmission appears to be contact between an infected individual and a healthy individual. Keep in mind that this contact can be indirect; an infected person merely sneezing close to you could put you at risk. Additionally, the CDC states there’s reason to believe people may contract the virus simply by touching surfaces that have been exposed to it.
All this means you need to guard against outside contaminants as thoroughly as possible if you want to stay safe. It’s better to take unnecessary precautions and remain healthy than let your guard down and get sick.
Thus, it makes sense to keep your doors and windows closed while waiting out the pandemic. This is key to exercising control over your immediate environment. Luckily, when your HVAC equipment is functioning as it should, you can easily keep your windows closed while also remaining comfortable.
How to Protect Yourself from COVID-19
These points should help you better understand the essential role your HVAC equipment plays in your health during the COVID-19 pandemic. That said, we at Easy AC want to ensure our customers are thoroughly familiar with the additional steps they can take to remain healthy. While your HVAC equipment may help, you shouldn’t overlook the basics. They include:
Washing Your Hands Frequently
Wash your hands regularly throughout the day, particularly after coming into contact with outside people or surfaces. Just remember that merely rinsing your hands off for a few seconds isn’t enough to remove germs thoroughly. For ideal results, you should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Research consistently indicates the difference between washing your hands for five seconds, and washing your hands for 20 seconds is substantial.
Avoid Touching Your Face
Many of us touch our faces almost subconsciously throughout the day. Unfortunately, if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, touching your face significantly boosts your odds of contracting the virus. Make a point of monitoring your behavior to avoid this habit over the next few months.
Stay Away from Others
While it’s immensely important to stay indoors whenever possible these days, sometimes you do need to go out. Maybe you’re an essential worker who can’t perform their duties from home. Or maybe you need to pick up groceries. Regardless, when you are out among others, try to maintain a distance of at least three feet (and ideally six feet) between yourself and other people. Consider wearing a mask and gloves to protect both yourself and the people around you as well. Of course, if you feel sick yourself and your condition is not improving, you should seek medical attention.
Just remember, the best thing most of us can do right now is to remain in our homes. Your HVAC equipment will keep you healthy and comfortable throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
That is, if your HVAC equipment is working properly. If you suspect it might need AC repairs or maintenance work, we at Easy AC, proudly serving homeowners throughout the Tampa Bay area, can help. Call us today at 813-COLDAIR to learn more.