As many of you know from the various media sources that are out there, everybody is talking about the “flu”. Whether it is the “swine flu”, that we have heard so much about, or just your average ordinary “influenza flu” that everybody seems to catch at one time or other in his or her lifetime. The point of this article is what can we in the heating and air conditioning field do to help our customers avoid catching the “flu”.
Believe it or not, in an effort to make our homes energy efficient, we have created breeding grounds for germs. In the old days before there was insulation, and double pane windows, and caulk was used to try and seal up any holes, your house always had a steady source of fresh air. Germs would get in your house, but because of the constant fresh air coming in, they would soon be gone. Now however, because houses have gotten so “tight”, germs get in and stay. In fact, the air in your home may be at least 25 times more polluted than the air outside. The virus that causes the “flu” is mainly an airborne virus. That’s the reason you have seen the medical profession recommend you wear a mask for protection. The problem you have in a tight house is that if somebody with the “flu” sneezes, and doesn’t cover their nose with a tissue, you now have the “flu” virus floating through the air. The virus then floats in the air, where an unsuspecting individual can breathe it in.
What can be done to minimize your risk? One of the best ways is with better filtration of the air in your house.
Following is an excerpt from Trane’s website, which talks about the benefits of the Trane CleanEffects™ Electronic Air Cleaner:
The research shows Trane CleanEffects™ will remove more than 99 percent of the influenza A (including swine flu or H1N1) from a home's filtered air.
Keep in mind that your filter will need to be on at all times to maximize the benefits of an air cleaner. Simply go to the thermostat and put the fan in the “on” position. This way your air cleaner is always working to filter the air in your home.
While this article talks about the Trane CleanEffects™ air cleaner, there are other electronic air cleaners that you may want to consider. The key thing to remember is that an electronic air cleaner does the best job at removing airborne virus germs. However, don’t forget to wash your hands and easily contaminated surfaces. In particular, clean the phone, refrigerator door and all doorknobs. And don’t forget, we at Bragg Heating are here to help you.