Mitigate the effects of a smoky summer 

Replacing air conditioner filters is key to maintaining air quality, particularly in this summer of the Canadian wildfires. Courtesy Robison.

The Canadian wildfires are forecasted to”¯continue affecting our area throughout the summer, as high temperatures and humidity dovetail with smoke to create air quality alerts and harmful scenarios for residents, particularly those suffering from respiratory conditions. 

Port Chester based home-comfort company Robison offers some tips to stay safe during a challenging season: 

  • Change the filters on your air conditioning unit; 
  • Use an air purifier/ ionizer”¯if possible. An ionizer”¯is a low-maintenance, bipolar, high-output ion generator designed specifically for treating air in residential duct air conditioning systems (but could be used in other air conditioning applications). As the air flows past the ionizer, positive and negative ions actively purify the supply air, killing mold, bacteria and viruses in the coil and living space. The ionization process also reduces allergens, smoke and static electricity, as well as controls odors (cooking, pets, volatile organic compounds, or VOCs) and other particles (no more sunbeams) in the air without creating ozone or any harmful by-products; 
  • Keep windows closed; 
  • Limit physical activity outside; 
  • Wear a mask outdoors; 
  • Monitor exposure symptoms; 
  • Drink fluids, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool; 
  • Keep indoor heat down by keeping curtains/blinds closed and not using ovens and washing machines during the day; 
  • Get an annual tune up for your AC system to ensure optimal performance; 
  • Check on your pets and senior family members, neighbors and friends.