What makes a comfortable and healthy indoor climate for some may not be the best setting for certain other, more vulnerable members of your household. Individuals experience the indoor environment differently, and some folks have special needs that must be considered. Controlling indoor conditions can help support comfort, health, and increased well-being. Here are some issues that may affect the vulnerable members of your household:
Temperature
As we age, most people experience increased sensitivity to cold. Certain problems like thyroid conditions also cause persons to feel colder. Indoor temperatures that suit younger individuals may not be comfortable for vulnerable older household members.
Safe use of portable space heaters or the installation of ductless mini-split heat pumps that heat and cool individual living spaces help customize temperatures in certain rooms while permitting more typical temperature levels elsewhere in the home.
Indoor Air Quality
Today’s tightly sealed homes may cause indoor contaminants to accumulate to levels that affect many people, especially those vulnerable household members with sensitivities like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and various allergies. Airborne irritants that may affect these individuals include:
- Airborne particulates such as dust, pollen, and lint.
- VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).
- Mold spores.
- Excess humidity.
Your HVAC system can be an important ally in reducing the effects of poor indoor air quality on vulnerable household members. Here are some upgrades that enhance both the health and comfort of the household environment:
- Install a quality, high-efficiency air filter with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating between 10 and 13 for maximum particulate removal. Change the filter monthly.
- If tests confirm the presence of VOCs, consider adding HEPA-grade filtration to augment standard air filters. Installed as an adjunct to your household ductwork, HEPA filtration effectively removes VOCs.
- Ultraviolet light bulbs installed inside HVAC ductwork sanitize system airflow, destroying mold spores and other microbes that may pose a threat to vulnerable household members.
- Keep indoor humidity in the healthy range of 30% to 50% by installing a whole-house dehumidifier that continuously maintains precise humidity settings.
For professional HVAC advice to keep your home safe and comfortable for vulnerable household members, contact Paitson Bros., serving Terre Haute since 1922.
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