Poor air circulation in your home can endanger your health and that of your family. With COVID-19 cases rising across the country and families having to stay indoors for longer periods of time during the winter months, experts encourage maintaining a steady flow of fresh air in your home to help slow the transmission of coronavirus.
"According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the levels of indoor air pollutants are often two to five times higher than outdoor levels," said Mary Kay Groth, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors. "Ensuring proper ventilation with outside air can help reduce indoor airborne contaminants, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and other viruses."
Here are some quick tips to improve the airflow in your home from the EPA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other sources:
Open your windows
The CDC and state health departments agree that opening your windows is a simple way to help to reduce the spread of coronavirus; yet a study conducted by Pella Windows and Doors found only 57 percent of homeowners open their windows in the winter. Opening windows for 15-20 minutes a day encourages air flow, and clears homes of indoor pollutants and odors. Fresh air also can be a powerful lift to physical and mental health.
Turn on indoor fans
Consider using indoor fans along with opening windows or screen doors to help cross-ventilation. In addition to ceiling fans, box fans or tower fans can be placed toward the window (blowing air out of the window) or away from the window (blowing air into the room). Direct the airflow of the fan so that is does not blow directly from one person to another. Keep fans out of reach of small children and keep them stable so they do not fall.
Run your HVAC system's fan
If you have an HVAC system, run the system fan for longer times, or continuously. HVAC systems filter the air only when the fan is running. In many systems, you can set the fan to run even when no heating or cooling is taking place.
Replace your air filter
A dirty air filter will reduce clean airflow, can raise your energy bill and lead to costly HVAC system repairs. Replace the air filter and/or consider upgrading the filter to a higher efficiency filter or the highest-rated filter applicable to your system fan.
Use an air purifier
Air purifiers can help reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, in a home. Make sure you direct the air purifier's airflow, so it is does not blow directly from one person to another.
Add houseplants
House plants in your home serve as natural air filters that purify your home. Research shows plants reduce stress and create a more tranquil and relaxed environment.
"Making simple adjustments can improve the air circulation and ventilation in your home and ensure you can breathe clean air. However, this alone is not enough protection from exposure to COVID-19 and other viruses. When used along with other best practices recommended by the CDC, such as wearing masks, social distancing, frequent hand washing, and surface disinfection, improving air circulation and ventilation can be part of a plan to protect yourself and your family," says Groth.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.