Back to School, Back to Germs: How to Protect Your Home

The new school year brings excitement, fresh supplies, and new routines. But it also brings something most families don’t look forward to: germs.

Between classrooms, buses, sports, and after-school activities, kids are exposed to countless bacteria, viruses, and allergens—and they often carry those home with them. If it feels like your family is passing around colds and sniffles all fall long, you’re not alone.

For years, my family called Back to School time "Back to Colds" time because one of the kids would inevitably come home with a sniffle or a cough and then the whole family would pass it around. Finally, after some research, and trying some of these methods ourselves, we have had much healthier school year starts!

Everyday Steps to Reduce Illness at Home

While you can’t keep every germ out, you can make your home less welcoming to them. Simple steps include:

• Handwashing: Encourage kids to wash their hands right after school.

• Backpack & Shoe Station: Keep backpacks, jackets, and shoes by the door to prevent germs from spreading through the house.

• Surface Cleaning: Regularly wipe down high-touch spots like door handles, counters, and remotes.

• Healthy Habits: Make sure everyone gets enough rest, eats nutritious meals, and stays hydrated to support strong immune systems.

• Don't forget the air you breathe! Change those furnace filters AT LEAST every 3 months, monthly during cold and flu seasons, to help keep your air cleaner.

Beyond the Filter: Indoor Air Quality Solutions

We often focus on surfaces, but the air inside your home plays a big role in how illnesses spread. According to the EPA, (https://www.epa.gov/iaq-schools/why-indoor-air-quality-important-schools?utm_source=chatgpt.com), indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times higher—and occasionally more than 100 times higher—than outdoor levels. Once germs or allergens enter your home, your HVAC system can circulate them from room to room.

This is where indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions can make a big difference. Options like whole-home air cleaners, in-duct purifiers, or electronic filters can help remove or neutralize particles that normal filters miss. These types of machines can be up to 99.99% effective at removing germs as small as 0.1 microns, capturing up to 99.98% of allergens, dust, bacteria, and viruses!

At Pendleton Heating & Cooling, we offer systems to fit different needs and budgets—including high-efficiency filters, electronic cleaners, and whole-home air purifiers. Whether you’re looking for advanced protection or a simple upgrade, IAQ solutions are a smart way to support your family’s health during the school year.

We love our CleanEffects, and have seen a significant change in the number of times we have gotten colds during the seasons, as well as better sleep and less dust!

A Balanced Approach

No single step can prevent every illness. But by combining good hygiene habits, a healthy lifestyle, and cleaner indoor air, you can reduce the spread of germs and give your family a healthier environment to thrive in.

If you’d like to learn more about indoor air quality options for your home, Pendleton Heating & Cooling is here to help.