The problem with winter isn’t necessarily the temperature outside. The fact that we stay inside largely contributes to the spread of cold and flu. Your home is even more of a closed circuit in the winter than it is in warmer seasons. Your windows stay shut and the front door is open just long enough for you to run in and barricade yourself against the chill. Germs and allergens alike are circulated endlessly making everyone an easy target for a cold.

Here are a few things you can do to help deter catching a cold:

Invest in an air cleaner or purifier – Probably your best ally in the fight against airborne sickness. Air cleaners and purifiers single out undesirable particles and allergens to greatly improve your indoor air quality.

Get your ducts in a row – Air ducts are a favorite hiding space for germs and allergens. Getting them cleaned will prevent “infected” air from being circulated as much.

Keep up with regular heater maintenance – The dust and gunk that accrues on your heater when not in use can aggravate your already sensitive allergies and hinder recovery time. Regular maintenance will assure that your system is working properly and that all of that accumulation is long gone before you have to start it up.

Disinfect – This may not be strictly HVAC related but it’s still as important as ever. It’s nigh impossible to keep from spreading germs when you are constantly coughing and sneezing and touching surfaces in your house or workplace (Why are you at work? Go home and rest!)

Cold season really is a miserable time of year but we hope that these tips can help make it manageable.