Why Your House's Indoor Air Quality is Important

March 25, 2020

The global transmission of COVID-19 has likely shifted your daily routine into a jumble.

When things feel uncertain, you can take peace in knowing your house is your safe retreat. You’re likely spending more time there today. That’s why your indoor air quality is now more important than ever.

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

Up-to-date homes are firmly sealed, which is good for energy efficiency. But it also means your indoor air might be worse than the air outside. In reality, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This may be problematic, since we spend about 90% of our days in a building.

There are many factors that can contribute to poor indoor air quality, such as cleaning products and air fresheners. These may create headaches and irritate allergies and asthma.

There are several things you can do to better your air quality. Some include enhanced air filters, an air purification system or an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light.

Not sure which system is best for your home? Our skilled technicians can do an indoor air quality audit. Based off of the outcome, we can then suggest the best choice for your home’s unique needs.

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

 

Air Filtration

When looking at air filters, it’s important to look at the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This measures how successfully it filters contaminants.

One of the most average and least expensive filters, flat fiberglass filters, rank between 1 and 4 on the MERV register. Pleated filters are slightly better, graded between 8 and 12.

We recommend buying at least a MERV 13, for example, the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the most ideal effect. This filter gives fresher air while lowering energy consumption*.

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are regarded as the benchmark in air filtration, since they’re typically installed in hospitals. They’re effective at catching 99.97–99.99% of indoor pollutants, including pollen, pet dander and smoke.

In advance of installing a better filter, contact us at 918-212-8943. Our professionals can help you choose the best match for your system.

Air Purification

Lennox® offers some of the most advanced air purification systems you can buy. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems deliver hospital-grade filtration while handling all categories of indoor air contaminants.

These powerful units can wipe out:

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

UV Germicidal Lights

A UV germicidal light is installed on the inside of your heating and cooling equipment. Its penetrating rays wipe out bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family struggles with allergies or asthma, this system might give relief. Especially if you reside in a muggy area where bacteria and mold flourish.

This light also has an extra bonus for your HVAC equipment. It might help it work longer and heat and cool more efficiently, since it keeps the internal pieces clean.

Our air quality engineers recommend combining one of these lights with an enhanced filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for the best outcome. This filter provides industry-leading MERV 16 filtration in addition to carbon-coated fibers to catch particles in your residence’s air. It completes this without restricting your HVAC equipment’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Getting correct humidity in your home may help keep your household healthy when it’s cold. It can aid sore throats, flaky skin and cracked lips, in addition to added cold weather bothers.

If you aren’t aware of what your residence’s humidity percentage is, we’ll determine it while we do your indoor air quality audit. While the range fluctuates based off of outdoor temperatures, HVAC pros usually suggest keeping it between 40–60 percent.

You can achieve this ideal range by using a whole-home humidifier. This system typically works with your furnace or air handler to give optimal humidity across your residence. Some models, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, contain an included fan to move humidity while your comfort equipment isn’t on.

Turn to the Experts for Your Indoor Air Quality Necessities

At Air Service Co., we’re committed to making your house more comfortable. That’s why we sell Lennox® air quality equipment, which are the most comprehensive 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 family. That’s why our techs are taking additional precautions when we come to your house.

To find out more about our air quality equipment, reach us at 918-212-8943 or contact us online. Our skilled staff can also handle any apprehension you may have with a technician coming to your home 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.