Is anybody else ready to throw open the windows and get some fresh air moving? I know that’s insane – it’s the middle of February and 20 degrees outside, but we’re feeling the effects of breathing stale air at our house. 

It’s been a tough couple of months health-wise for my boys, who have had recurring illnesses – sinus infections, ear infections, bronchitis, you name it. (And teething on top of it! Don’t get me started…) I know that winter is really challenging for little kids’ immune systems, but I had a Mom revelation last week when somebody at work asked me what I was doing to make the house cleaner for them.

That’s when it hit me: we’re recycling cooties! The house is all closed up, and the air – which is full of viruses, germs and who-knows-what – is being recirculated over and over. Since I work at Genteq, I know a lot about home filtration systems, but it’s funny how things don’t really hit home until they, well, hit home.

So Guy and I talked over the weekend about installing a HEPA filter, which removes more than 99 percent of dirt, dust, allergens and even tiny particulates like germs from the air. I know others who have HEPA filters and swear by how effective they are in cutting down on allergens, so we’re going to make this investment. I expect it to pay for itself quickly simply by reducing the number of doctor’s visits!