When Your Cough is a Symptom of Poor IAQ

It seems like cold and flu viruses start going around the minute winter hits Woodbridge, Virginia, doesn’t it? This winter, if you start experiencing cold symptoms that persist longer than you think they should, bad indoor air quality (IAQ) could be contributing to your illness. To feel better this winter, make sure to observe a regular HVAC maintenance schedule.

The Symptoms of Bad IAQ

You may be overlooking bad IAQ in winter because the symptoms are so similar to colds and the flu. Coughing, a sore throat, watery or red eyes, tightness in your chest, and sometimes difficulty breathing are symptoms of IAQ that you may be misreading.

Keep Your Filters Clean

When you notice flu-like symptoms that aren’t going away, check your air filters. They are responsible for keeping the air in your home clean. If you have the basic fiberglass variety, try upgrading to one with a slightly higher MERV rating that will catch more dust and debris. Change them once a month to keep your air fresh.

Watch Your Humidity Levels

We all feel the high summer humidity levels, especially when the AC stops working, but low humidity can be just as damaging. Cold air is drier, and if the humidity in your home gets too low, it can cause symptoms such as dry eyes and a dry cough. You may also notice excessive dry skin. Add a humidifier to your HVAC system, or get a portable humidifier for your bedroom. It will help with the winter dryness.

Try An ERV

HVAC systems are designed to ventilate, but your home might need a little extra help, especially if it’s older. An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) is an extremely efficient way to ventilate your home, replacing the stale indoor air with filtered, fresh air from outside.

At Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we can help you to eliminate bad IAQ from your home so that you and your family can keep healthy this winter. Give us a call today at 703-783-0145.

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