Ensuring Air Quality Stays High During Fall Season

At My Buddy the Plumber in Provo, we’re your one-stop team when it comes to vital fall heating maintenance and upkeep services. We’ll handle every area when it comes to preparing your system for the upcoming winter, from inspecting for minor damage concerns to changing filters and ensuring your ducts are clear and working properly.

One priority area for many homeowners, particularly those with someone in the house who suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory concerns: Keeping air quality high, which can be a particularly difficult balance during the fall period. Let’s look at some of the possible concerns that may arise here, plus how you can mitigate them and ensure your home’s air quality stays high throughout the season.

Temperature Changes and Thermostat Considerations

One of the primary causes of air quality concerns during the fall: Changing temperatures, which often force the HVAC system to switch back and forth between heat and air conditioning based on how hot or cold it is outside. This causes strain on the system, particularly if the furnace hasn’t been primed for the fall yet – one of the possible results is low-quality air being pushed out.

One easy way to avoid many of these concerns is to install a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one. This allows you to program the system in advance, making the transitions easier and limiting the stress placed on your system.

Pumpkins and Pumpkin Spice

Many people associate fall with pumpkins and related items, and this is perfectly natural. At the same time, there are a couple related air quality risks to be aware of:

• Pumpkin rot: For those who like to purchase pumpkins and place them in or around the home leading into Halloween season, they often make for a beautiful and appropriate aesthetic. But they’re also made of organic matter, which will eventually rot and bring mold and mildew into the air. If you place pumpkins inside, it’s vital to replace or remove them before they are allowed to rot. Alternative options include air purifiers in the area or plastic pumpkins.
• Pumpkin spice: Another common presence this time of year is pumpkin spice, whether in candles, air fresheners, fireplace logs or other airborne forms. These may smell great to some, but they can also cause allergies or asthma attacks in others, and they’re commonly breeding grounds for dust mites. Limit your use of these where possible, and utilize air purifiers where needed.

Early Planning and Maintenance

One of the best ways to avoid any air quality risks in your home this fall: By planning in advance. This means calling our team for a furnace tune-up and general inspection earlier rather than later – our pros will identify any air quality risks present, such as worn-down filters or other older components, helping you get to the root of the issue before it becomes more significant.

For more on keeping your air quality high this fall, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at My Buddy the Plumber today.