Dealing with asthma can be a real problem for McKinney, Texas, residents in the winter, when the dry air irritates your airways. Indoor allergens can also wreak havoc on your respiratory system. When you’re faced with asthma flare-ups in winter, consider the following tips to help you get back to breathing easy.
Change the Filters
Your heating system’s filters tend to get clogged and bogged down by dust and debris, making it more difficult to produce quality indoor air. Be sure to change these filters at the start of the season to ensure that air circulates properly throughout the home, and keep an eye on them throughout the winter for signs they need to be changed again.
Use a HEPA Filter-Equipped Vacuum
Vacuuming frequently can help reduce indoor allergens, but a vacuum is more effective when it features an on-board HEPA filter. These filters trap everything from dust mites to pet dander, so most microscopic allergens don’t stand a chance. Also, make sure to regularly vacuum your heating system’s vent grates and registers to reduce dust accumulation.
Use a Humidifier
Humidifiers work wonders for asthma sufferers during the wintertime. Dry air can irritate the respiratory system, aggravating asthma and allergies, but humidifiers put moisture back into the air so you can breathe easier. If you find that humidifiers work well for your asthma, consider installing an energy-efficient whole-home humidifier.
Reduce the Temperature
Allergens such as mold and dust mites can’t thrive when your home is cool, so avoid cranking the heat up. You still want to be comfortable throughout the chilly winter, so don’t be afraid to use your heater. Instead, just reduce the temperature by a few degrees. In addition, use ceiling fans set on low to circulate heated air. Fans also help reduce the accumulation of allergens.
Call Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating at 888-414-4655 to learn more about our asthma-friendly products and innovative HVAC services. We’ll work with you to improve your home’s indoor air quality year-round.
