8 Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality for COPD Patients

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality for Those with Chronic Respiratory Issues

Twelve million people in the US have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, and millions more might have undiagnosed COPD. COPD is a group of illnesses that include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and severe allergies, all of which inflame the tissues of the lungs and make breathing difficult. Common factors in developing COPD include:

  • Tobacco smoke
  • Genetics
  • Pollutants in the home, workspace, or environment, including dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold spores, bacteria, viruses, and fumes from household supplies.

These illnesses demand excellent indoor air quality to reduce potential irritants to lung tissue. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce airborne contaminants and improve indoor air quality, including wise HVAC choices.

  1. Frequent Cleaning. Most airborne contaminants are heavier than air; when the air is still, gravity brings them to whatever surface is below. Dusting, vacuuming, and mopping frequently permanently remove them from the home.
  2. Change Air Filters. The air filter collects airborne particles with every heating and cooling cycle, but it does not take long for the collection of dust, pollen, and dander to clog the filter. Normally, the filter is changed every three months, but a family with COPD may need to change the filter more often.
  3. Increase the MERV. Air filters are rated by the size of the openings in the filter surface called Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value—the higher the MERV number, the more particles that get removed. Determine the highest rating of filter your system can handle and buy a supply of these filters.
  4. Consider UV Lights. Ultraviolet light is extremely disruptive to cell membranes and DNA; it is the part of sunlight that causes sunburn. When UV light is installed in HVAC ductwork, it gives dust mites, pollen, bacteria, mold, and viruses a fatal case of sunburn. The remaining lifeless husks can be collected by cleaning or an air filter.
  5. Annual Clean/Inspect. Every HVAC system should receive a preventative maintenance check each year. During this visit, further cleaning will ensure fewer particles get through and sufficient humidity is removed to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
  6. Duct Cleaning. Airborne particles that are in the duct when the heating/cooling cycle ends will be deposited inside the duct and eventually form a thick collection. COPD and other breathing illnesses may require frequent duct cleaning.
  7. Reduce Harmful Fumes. The overspray from cleaning supplies and other household aerosols can be a problem. Choose all-natural supplies in spray bottles to reduce the irritation from fumes. (Make sure to keep fuel, paints, and adhesives in air-tight containers when stored in the garage.)
  8. Fresh Air. Opening windows or doors at the right time can help dilute the concentration of airborne particles, but it must be done at the right time. When is the right time? When the air temperature is agreeable, and the outdoor pollutant level is lower than the indoor level. Avoid times of high pollen count or mold spore count, for example.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it is a good start for improving indoor air quality.

Let AllCool AC Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home.

Routine maintenance and preventative tips like we have outlined can help improve indoor air quality in your home to help those with chronic respiratory issues. Schedule your Katy AC repair consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified Katy AC repair technicians put their experience to work for you.