The Stiles Blog

Do you suffer from asthma? What if I said that you could prevent asthma attacks in your home through proper HVAC maintenance?

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.”

Every asthma-inflicted person is triggered differently, but some of the more common asthma triggers include dust, bacteria, mold, pet dander, smoke and chemical odors. (Download the EPA’s “Asthma Home Environment Checklist” to learn more about the asthma triggers most commonly found in homes.)

To neutralize these airborne triggers, it is important to maintain clean and healthy indoor air. How do you do that? Proper HVAC maintenance is key. Remember the three Airs:

• Air Filters – While your HVAC system circulates air throughout your home, you certainly don’t want it circulating dust and other airborne asthma triggers along with it. A high-quality air filter will trap dust and other allergens, preventing them from moving around your house. Be sure to change your air filter regularly to ensure the greatest amount of particles is trapped. Depending on the type of filter you use, you should clean or replace it every 30-90 days.
• Air Conditioning – Air conditioning reduces the humidity level in your home. Why is that important, especially for asthma sufferers? Low humidity in your home means less moisture, and it is very important for hindering mold growth. It is important to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment to have your air conditioner checked. The technician will ensure it is running efficiently and will check for any potential issues or repairs needed as well. You can also use a dehumidifier in your home to help with humidity as well.
  
  Something else to remember about air conditioning is to keep your home’s windows and doors closed, especially for asthma sufferers. Not only does it increase the efficiency of your air conditioner and costs less since you’re not allowing cooled air to flow outside of your house, it lowers the chances of outdoor allergens coming into your house and wreaking havoc on asthma sufferers.
• Air Purifier – An air purifier is great at combating several asthma triggers. It helps neutralize bacteria, viruses, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, smoke and chemical odors. An air purifier, along with HVAC maintenance and high-quality air filters, help neutralize these pollutants inside your home and remove them from your airways. You can consult with your local HVAC professional to identify which one may be best to install in your home.

Although there is no cure for asthma, symptoms can be controlled and proper HVAC maintenance can play a critical role in reducing the triggers inside your home.

Check out our blog for even more ideas for reducing indoor air pollution in your home. And for more information on indoor air quality, see this “Care for Your Air” guide from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Call Stiles Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment and get on your way to better indoor air quality. We can also provide an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) evaluation to see how breathable your air is.