Why Your Home's Indoor Air Quality is Significant

March 25, 2020

The international transmission of COVID-19 has likely turned your typical schedule into a jumble.

When times feel uncertain, you can feel good in knowing your residence is your safe retreat. You’re probably spending more time there now. Consequently your indoor air quality is now more critical than ever.

Did you know we can install indoor air quality products in your home that deliver hospital-grade filtration? These products can clear bacteria from your air, as well as allergens, odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Modern residences are tightly sealed, which is great for energy efficiency. But it also means your home’s air might be worse than the air outside. In actuality, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This might be troublesome, since we spend about 90% of our lifetime in a building.

There are many factors that can cause poor indoor air quality, including cleaning products and air fresheners. These could create headaches and exasperate allergies and asthma.

There’s a combination of steps you can take to enhance your air quality. Some include better air filters, an air purification system or an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light.

Not certain which system is best for your house? Our expert technicians can do an indoor air quality audit. Based upon the outcome, we can then suggest the ideal option for your household’s distinct needs.

Keep on reading to discover more about the air quality products we offer.

 

Air Filtration

When browsing air filters, you should look at the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This assesses how effectively it filters pollutants.

One of the most average and lowest priced filters, flat fiberglass filters, are rated between 1 and 4 on the MERV system. Pleated filters are slightly better, rated between 8 and 12.

We recommend installing at least a MERV 13, like the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for optimal outcome. This filter delivers clearer air while limiting energy needs*.

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are considered the gold standard in air filtration, since they’re frequently installed in hospitals. They’re effective at catching 99.97–99.99% of indoor pollutants, like pollen, pet dander and smoke.

Ahead of getting a more powerful filter, contact us at 775-230-7628. Our pros can help you find the most ideal solution for your equipment.

Air Purification

Lennox® provides some of the greatest air purification systems you can purchase. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems deliver hospital-grade filtration while managing all kinds of indoor air contaminants.

These powerful systems can take care of:

  • 99.9% of allergens, such as pollen, dust and pet dander
  • 95% of bacteria-sized particles, including ones that cause strep throat
  • 50% of VOCs and odors within 24 hours

UV Germicidal Lights

A UV germicidal light is added on the inside of your HVAC equipment. Its strong rays eradicate bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family struggles with allergies or asthma, this equipment may deliver relief. Especially if you live in a humid climate where bacteria and mold flourish.

This light also provides an additional perk for your HVAC system. It might help it work longer and heat and cool more efficiently, as it keeps the internal components clean.

Our air quality engineers suggest installing one of these lights with an enhanced filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for optimal effect. This filter provides industry-leading MERV 16 filtration plus carbon-coated fibers to catch particles in your house’s air. It completes this without restricting your comfort unit’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Acquiring correct humidity in your residence can help keep your family from getting sick during the winter. It can help with sore throats, itchy skin and chapped lips, in addition to other cold weather irritations.

If you aren’t aware of what your residence’s humidity range is, we’ll measure it while we perform your indoor air quality audit. While the range changes based off of outdoor temperatures, HVAC experts typically recommend keeping it between 40–60 percent.

You can accomplish this ideal range by installing a whole-home humidifier. This system usually functions with your furnace or air handler to provide optimum humidity throughout your home. Some units, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, contain an included fan to circulate humidity when your comfort unit isn’t operating.

Turn to the Pros for Your Indoor Air Quality Needs

At Anderson Heating & A/C, we’re dedicated to making your residence comfier. That’s why we offer Lennox® air quality products, which are the most exhaustive solution you can buy.

We’re also more than only your heating and cooling company. We're concerned about the wellness of you and your loved ones. That’s why our technicians are taking extra precautions when we visit your residence.

To discover more about our air quality products, give us a call at 775-230-7628 or contact us online. Our friendly staff can also handle any concerns you can have with a pro coming to your house today.

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*Based on in-duct testing that shows Healthy Climate® filters reduce airflow restriction. Greater restriction of airflow creates a greater load on a unit’s fan motor, increasing energy consumption.