Back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and chaos. Fresh backpacks, new shoes, and a renewed routine signal the start of a new academic year. But along with the thrill of new beginnings comes an inevitable reality: germs.
As kids spend more time in classrooms, interacting closely with other students, they’re exposed to viruses, bacteria, and allergens—and often bring those invisible passengers home. That’s why this time of year, indoor air quality in your home becomes more important than ever.
Increased Germ Exposure
Schools are, by nature, breeding grounds for germs. Kids touch surfaces, share supplies, and spend hours in close quarters with classmates. Viruses like the flu, cold, and RSV can linger on desks and in the air, making their way into backpacks, lunchboxes, and jackets. When children return home, these germs don’t stay contained—they can circulate throughout your living spaces via your HVAC system.
A properly maintained system with clean air filters can help reduce the spread of airborne pathogens, keeping the air you and your family breathe cleaner and healthier. Investing in air purifiers, HEPA filters, or upgraded HVAC filtration can be an essential step to protect your household this school year.
Closed Windows and Doors
As the weather begins to cool in many regions, it’s common to start closing windows and doors more often. While this helps maintain indoor comfort, it also traps pollutants, allergens, and germs inside. Dust, pollen, pet dander, and other contaminants accumulate more quickly when ventilation is reduced.
When your HVAC system runs with clogged or outdated filters, these pollutants recirculate, reducing air quality and potentially triggering allergies or respiratory issues. Regular maintenance, including filter replacement and duct cleaning, ensures that your system continues to circulate clean, healthy air even when the home is tightly sealed.
Health Benefits for the Whole Family
Prioritizing indoor air quality during back-to-school season offers tangible benefits:
- Reduced sick days: Cleaner air helps limit the spread of germs, which can mean fewer colds, flu episodes, and missed school or workdays. A healthier home environment supports not only your children’s academic performance but also parents’ productivity.
- Allergy and asthma management: By removing excess dust, pollen, and other irritants, you can reduce flare-ups of allergies or asthma symptoms, keeping everyone more comfortable throughout the year.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that your HVAC system is functioning optimally and your indoor air is clean provides reassurance as your family navigates a busy schedule of school, activities, and work commitments.
Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Taking proactive steps now can make a noticeable difference:
- Schedule HVAC maintenance: Ensure your system is running efficiently, with clean coils and properly sized filters.
- Upgrade filters: Consider high-efficiency filters designed to trap smaller particles and pathogens.
- Add air purifiers: Portable or whole-home air purifiers can reduce contaminants in high-traffic areas like living rooms and bedrooms.
- Ventilate wisely: When weather permits, open windows for short periods to introduce fresh air without compromising comfort.
- Keep surfaces clean: Wipe down high-touch areas such as counters, doorknobs, and backpacks regularly.
Back-to-school season isn’t just about fresh notebooks and new routines—it’s also the perfect time to focus on the health of your home environment.
Contact Regal Plumbing, Heating and A/C to schedule an appointment for better indoor air quality. Committed to Service, Committed to You, Since 1974.