Tightly sealed modern homes are excellent at reducing energy costs yet simultaneously create the perfect environment for indoor air pollution. Since indoor pollutants tend to concentrate, indoor air quality (IAQ) if often much worse than outdoor air quality. Installing an air purification system is one effective method of improving your IAQ and increasing the overall comfort level of your home.
Different types of filters typically remove or destroy different types of pollutants. You likely have three main classes of indoor air pollutants in your home:
- Airborne particles including dust, pet dander, pollen, etc. These can be removed with mechanical air filtration units containing replaceable filters having a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 8 or greater, or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which will have a MERV rating between 17-20. (Note that high-end MERV filters – 13-20 – tend to restrict airflow, and as a result, may require system modifications.) Electronic air cleaners are also effective at capturing airborne particles by generating an electric charge that attracts and holds the pollutants. These have the advantage over washable filters, which do not need replacement.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) off gassing from items such as carpets, furniture, paints, etc., as well as unpleasant household smells. These gases require a gas-phase filtration device containing an activated carbon filter to be removed; filters must be replaced frequently.
- Microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, dust mites, mold spores and other fungi. These are destroyed after exposure to a strong ultraviolet (UV) light source found in UV germicidal irradiation (UVGI) cleaners.
Choosing an air purification system designed to reduce the levels of all three main classes of airborne contaminants will help anyone in your household who suffers from allergies or other respiratory issues, and bring a feeling of freshness inside your home.
Certain air purification systems are designed to be installed directly into your HVAC system for whole-house air quality improvement. Portable units are also available for placement in the locations where they are needed most.
If you live in Lorain, Erie or Cuyahoga county and would like to learn more about choosing an appropriate air purification system, the professionals at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning would love to share our 35 years of business experience with you.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air pollutants and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area