A number of factors determine whether you’ll make it through the coming cold and flu season without “ill effects.” Some are in your control; some are more a matter of random chance. Certainly, you can improve those chances by controlling your indoor environment and the conditions that promote transmission of these viruses.
Here are a couple of ways your HVAC system can make it more likely you’ll beat the odds this cold and flu season:
Control humidity.
For generations, people believed damp conditions increased the likelihood of catching colds and flu. Now we find out it’s the opposite: Airborne viruses thrive and are more efficiently transmitted in low humidity that’s common in winter. Research by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that at a 23% indoor humidity level over 70% of cold and flu viruses are contagious. Maintaining indoor humidity up around 40 percent, however, cuts the contagious viral amount down to just 14%.
A whole-house humidifier added to your existing HVAC ductwork continuously monitors indoor humidity and keeps it at an exact level selected on a digital humidistat. This ensures healthy household humidity. Alternatively, you can buy individual room humidifiers to place in single rooms during dry winter conditions.
Consider UV lights.
The disinfecting power of ultraviolet light is a scientific fact. Certain wavelengths of natural light that are harmless to humans kill viruses including cold and flu as well as other bacteria exposed to it. That’s why UV light is one of the methods utilized to sterilize surgical implements in hospitals.
A UV light array installed inside your HVAC ductwork continuously disinfects the system airflow passing through the ducts. Because the entire air volume inside your house passes through the ducts multiple times every day, harmful viruses and other microscopic airborne pathogens like mold are neutralized continuously. These small light tubes use very little electricity and can be installed by an HVAC contractor.
Stay healthy this cold and flu season with help from your HVAC system. Ask the professionals at Paitson Bros. for more information. We’ve been here to help Terre Haute homeowner since 1922.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about home comfort and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 812-645-6859.
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Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922