HOPEDALE, Mass. - BostonChron -- It's that time of year again, flu season. Julian Picard, CEO of Centerline Mechanical in Hopedale, is sharing expert tips on how homeowners can combat the flu season by optimizing their HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality. Staying inside your home while being sick may make you more ill if your HVAC system is not working properly or is out of date. Staying on top of these tasks will help reduce the potential buildup of bacteria.
By circulating air throughout a home, an HVAC system has the power to dilute the concentration of spreadable germs. Meaning, these viruses are less likely to be breathed in by the individual. Generally, running an HVAC system for 20 minutes each hour can maintain healthy air circulation.

"It's completely overlooked that someone can get sick from their indoor air quality conditions," states Julian Picard, CEO of Centerline Mechanical LLC. "If homeowners change their air filters regularly, schedule routine maintenance, use a whole-home air purifier or UV Light System, and control humidity levels, good air circulation will be able to flow throughout the home and filter through all of the potential germs brought in."

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To help prevent germs coming into your home, Julian Picard has provided four steps to take to combat the flu season and significantly improve indoor air quality:

1. Change Air Filters Regularly – It is recommended that you replace or clean your HVAC air filters every 1 to 3 months to reduce allergens, dust, and bacteria in the air. High-efficiency HEPA filters can trap smaller particles that contribute to respiratory issues. Running an HVAC system at all times, even when the homeowner is gone, will allow it to carry clean air throughout the home, leaving no time for dust to collect on this equipment.
2. Schedule Routine Maintenance – Have your HVAC system professionally inspected and serviced at least twice a year. This helps ensure that the system is running efficiently, prevents mold growth in ducts, and reduces the risk of circulating airborne contaminants. Bacteria, viruses, pollen, and mold can enter the home under the conditions of poor HVAC maintenance.
3. Use a Whole-Home Air Purifier or UV Light System – Installing an air purification system or UV light in your HVAC system can help eliminate bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and other harmful microorganisms. Aside from catching the flu virus, an unregulated HVAC system may cause respiratory infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infections, and throat infections.
4. Control Humidity Levels – Maintain indoor humidity between 30-50% to prevent mold growth and dust mites, both of which can contribute to allergies and respiratory problems. A whole-house dehumidifier or humidifier can help regulate moisture levels. For more information on Centerline Mechanical LLC, please visit www.centerlinemech.com.

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