Improving Indoor Air Quality After a Hurricane
Hudson-area residents understand the challenges of living through hurricanes in Florida.
Many homeowners are still clearing away the destruction left by Hurricane Helene after it swept through our community in late September.
Addressing structural, safety, and health concerns as you clean and repair your Gulf Coast home is crucial to getting life back to normal. At Bill Bowers Air Conditioning & Heating, we also urge you to prioritize indoor air quality (IAQ) in your recovery plans.
Even if your Hudson, home avoided physical damage, the hurricane’s strong winds may have stirred up particulate matter and contaminants, blowing them inside through gaps around doors and windows and cracks in your attic or crawlspace.
At Bill Bowers AC & Heating, we can help you navigate IAQ issues and ensure your home environment is safe and healthy. With over 30 years of experience in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) business, we offer solutions to resolve your unique heating, cooling, and air quality issues.
Extreme Weather and Your Indoor Air Quality
Hurricane Helene endangered the community with a powerful storm surge and flooding. Water damage in and around your Florida home can worsen indoor air quality by creating an environment for mold and mildew growth.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also warns that floodwaters may contain chemicals and biological hazards like bacteria. Exposure to contaminants can cause disease, trigger allergies, and drive pests indoors.
Flooding is not the only way contaminants infiltrate your home. A hurricane’s strong winds can blow dust, debris, and other pollution inside, worsening allergy and asthma symptoms.
Household products and building materials used in cleaning and repairing your home after a hurricane can release chemicals indoors.
Indoor Air Quality Solutions
We offer products that create a healthier environment and help you breathe easier. One of our qualified technicians can recommend a whole-house HVAC accessory that fulfills your specific indoor air quality needs:
Dehumidifier: A whole-house dehumidifier can bring down a high humidity level, reduce the risk of mold growth, and improve air quality. Dehumidifiers maintain the optimal humidity level, which, according to the EPA, is below 60 percent and ideally between 30 and 50 percent.
Ultraviolet (UV) Light: UV lamps emit light that kills bacteria, viruses, and mold spores as air moves through your HVAC system. The lights operate inside your heating and cooling unit, cleaning the air before it circulates into your living space.
Air Purifier: Installed in your HVAC system or its ductwork, an air purifier removes odors and allergens. Some systems eliminate airborne and surface pollutants, including bacteria and viruses. Learn more about our recommended air purifiers, Plasma PURE 600, REME-HALO-LED®, and Air Scrubber by Aeros, on our products.
Air Duct Cleaning
Cleaning your system’s air ducts is another essential step in improving indoor air quality after a hurricane. Although ductwork can accumulate dust, debris, pet dander, pests, and mold in any weather, it is especially vulnerable after flooding and extreme winds.
Air duct cleaning removes contaminants and prevents mold growth, leaving the indoor air cleaner and safer to breathe.
It also enhances HVAC efficiency. Debris-free ductwork provides better airflow to your HVAC unit, enabling it to use less energy and saving you money on utility bills.
Our duct cleaning specialists use professional tools to brush, wash, and vacuum ductwork. We also offer duct fogging, which sanitizes your ductwork with an EPA-approved disinfectant.
In the few hours it takes to complete a thorough cleaning, your ductwork will go from encrusted with dirt to spotlessly clean!
Your Role in Clean Indoor Air
You can help improve the indoor air in your home by regularly replacing the air filter in your HVAC unit. Follow manufacturer recommendations for filter replacement frequency and inspect your air filter monthly for dirt and dust.
Ventilating your home is another simple but essential way to freshen the air. Open windows when possible to expel stale air and bring the outdoors inside. Use exhaust fans when cooking or after a steamy shower.
Dealing with the source of pollution in your home can reduce its effects:
- Many household products, including cleaners and paints, can release chemicals indoors. Consider storing them in the garage or shed.
- Prohibit tobacco smoke indoors.
- Clean up water spills and address plumbing leaks immediately to avoid increasing the humidity.
- Burn only seasoned wood in your natural fireplace. As an alternative to wood or natural gas, consider installing an electric fireplace.
- Refrain from tracking dirt into your house by replacing your shoes with slippers at the door.
Improve Indoor Air Today!
Contact our pros at Bill Bowers Air Conditioning & Heating to enhance safety and comfort in your Hudson, Florida, home. Call us at 727-683-6652 or request service online.