Why Your House's Indoor Air Quality is Significant

March 25, 2020

The worldwide growth of COVID-19 has likely flipped your regular schedule all over the place.

When things feel uncertain, you can take comfort in knowing your home is your safe space. You’re likely spending more time there today. Consequently your indoor air quality is now more important than ever.

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

Today’s residences are firmly sealed, which is fantastic for energy efficiency. But it also means your home’s air may be worse than the air outside. In actuality, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This might be problematic, since we spend about 90% of our days indoors.

There are many elements that can cause poor indoor air quality, such as cleaning products and air fresheners. These may cause headaches and exasperate allergies and asthma.

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

Unsure which system is best for your home? Our skilled pros can conduct an indoor air quality audit. Based off of the outcome, we can then recommend the ideal choice for your household’s unique needs.

Continue reading to discover more about the air quality products we have.

 

Air Filtration

When comparing air filters, you should consider the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This assesses how successfully it filters contaminants.

One of the most common and most economical filters, flat fiberglass filters, rank between 1 and 4 on the MERV register. Pleated filters are a little bit better, ranking between 8 and 12.

We recommend getting at least a MERV 13, such as the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the best effect. This filter provides cleaner air while lowering energy consumption*.

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are deemed the gold standard in air filtration, since they’re usually in use at in hospitals. They’re effective at capturing 99.97–99.99% of indoor pollutants, including pollen, pet dander and smoke.

In advance of buying a better filter, reach us at 772-247-2283. Our pros can help you choose the right match for your equipment.

Air Purification

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

These powerful systems can wipe out:

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

UV Germicidal Lights

A UV germicidal light is placed inside your comfort system. Its penetrating rays eradicate bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family has allergies or asthma, this system might provide relief. Especially if you are in an extremely hot part of the country where bacteria and mold flourish.

This light also has an added bonus for your heating and cooling system. It might help it last longer and operate more efficiently, because it keeps the internal parts clean.

Our air quality engineers recommend combining one of these lights with an improved filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for the best effect. This filter provides industry-leading MERV 16 filtration in addition to carbon-coated fibers to remove particles from your residence’s air. It does all of this without limiting your HVAC unit’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Having balanced humidity in your home could help keep your household healthy during the winter. It can help with sore throats, flaky skin and peeling lips, among other cold weather irritations.

If you don’t know what your home’s humidity range is, we’ll measure it during your indoor air quality audit. While the range changes based upon outdoor temperatures, HVAC experts usually recommend keeping it between 40–60 percent.

You can accomplish this optimal range with a whole-home humidifier. This system generally accompanies your furnace or air handler to provide the right level of humidity around your home. Some equipment, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, have an incorporated fan to move humidity when your comfort system isn’t on.

Rely on the Experts for Your Indoor Air Quality Needs

At Custom Air Systems Inc, we’re passionate about making your house more relaxing. That’s why we provide Lennox® air quality products, which are the most exhaustive solution you can get.

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

To learn more about our air quality solution, get in touch with us at 772-247-2283 or contact us online. Our knowledgeable staff can also handle any worries you may have with a professional visiting your house now.

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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.