Are you breathing clean air in your home? While most of us don’t need to be convinced about the value of a quality air conditioner or furnace, there are still many misconceptions about indoor air purification systems. In this guide, we’ll explain how these vital systems protect your health and safety through enhanced indoor air quality (IAQ), why it’s important to filter indoor air, different types of purifiers on the market, and how to get the right air purification unit installed in your home.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Before we look at how to improve indoor air quality, let’s consider why it matters. According to research conducted by the EPA, many people’s indoor air may have up to five times more pollution than the atmosphere outside, even in densely populated cities. Since we spend so much time in our homes, breathing the same recirculated air, we face serious health risks without a solution to remove indoor allergens and contaminants.
Exposure to poor indoor air quality can cause health effects almost immediately or years down the line, depending on the contaminants present. In homes with poor indoor air quality (IAQ), common health issues include asthma, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, worsening allergy symptoms, and constant fatigue. In more severe cases, poor air quality can manifest as respiratory diseases, heart disease, or even cancer years later. For this reason, advanced air filtration systems are an invaluable investment in your health and well-being.
Types of Advanced Indoor Air Purification Systems
What are your options when it comes to air quality solutions for homes? You can break these appliances up into five main categories.
Whole-home Air Purifiers
Whole-home air purifiers are a type of IAQ system that is implemented into your existing heating or cooling system. They work with your other HVAC units to clean the air as it is heated, cooled, and circulated. As the name suggests, whole-house air purifier installation cleans all of the air inside your home, making it an effective and comprehensive IAQ solution.
UV Light Systems
UV light air purification systems are a newer form of air purification. They use the power of ultraviolet light to instantly kill or neutralize most bacteria, viruses, mold, and yeast that may be in your air, greatly improving your indoor air quality. These systems don’t filter dust or other solid particles, so they should be used with another system.
Air Scrubbers
Although they have similar names, there are differences when it comes to air scrubbers vs. air purifiers. Air scrubbers are specifically designed to remove a wide spectrum of contaminants using multiple filtration and purification technologies, reducing the levels of allergens like pollen and mold spores, as well as bacteria and other contaminants.
HEPA Filtration
Another common IAQ solution is a HEPA air purifier. For homeowners looking for the utmost protection from a wide spectrum of contaminants, including tiny viruses measuring as little as 0.3 microns, HEPA filtration is a great option. These filters can remove as much as 99.97% of dust, pollen, and other pollutants from your home.
MERV Filters
MERV, or minimum efficiency reporting value, isn’t a type of filter but a rating used to measure the filtration ability of an IAQ solution. MERV ratings range from MERV 1 (simple mesh filters designed to trap pollen, pet dander, etc.) to MERV 20 (HEPA filters capable of filtering viruses, smoke, and carbon dust). There are many benefits to using a high MERV filter, thanks to its exceptional filtration abilities, in places that require a sterile environment, such as hospital operating rooms.
How These Systems Improve Air Quality
Air purification systems improve air quality in two main ways: neutralization and mechanical filtration. UV light is an example of neutralization— the high-powered light is enough to kill bacteria and mold spores, rendering them harmless. HEPA filters, on the other hand, use an advanced filter to physically block debris from entering your air supply. To choose the right system for your needs, you’ll need to determine which pollutants are of the most concern for your IAQ.
Choosing the Right Air Purifier for Your Home
Each filtration system mentioned above has its pros and cons. UV purification is relatively inexpensive to install but doesn’t remove as many types of contaminants as a mechanical HEPA filter with a high MERV rating. Whole-home purification offers the most complete protection (many units include both neutralization and mechanical filtration), but these systems can be a large investment for some.
If you’re not sure which air purifier is right for your space, consult an IAQ expert.
Installation Considerations and Professional Help
Some air purifiers can be installed quite simply, but for more complex systems (such as whole-home purification), installation should be left to the experts. Not only that, but an IAQ professional can advise you on the right unit for your specific needs, such as suggesting the best air purifiers for allergies, asthma, or other conditions.
Plus, working with a pro means you can count on quality installation, ensuring your new system will work smoothly and efficiently for years to come. And if you ever have an issue, they’re just a call away for troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs.
Breathe Easy with Chud Cooling & Heating
Indoor air quality is as important as AC or furnaces, but doesn’t always get the same attention. Unlike a cold bedroom or a hot kitchen, poor IAQ has serious implications for your health.
Protect yourself and your family by investing in professional IAQ services from the team at Chud Cooling & Heating. We’ll help you fit your home with a comprehensive system that will remove bacteria, mold, pollen, and other airborne hazards from your space. For more information on choosing the right air purifier for you or to schedule your first appointment today, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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“I had a great experience with Chud. Lewis and Sebastian did a fantastic job. They were communicative and on time, explained everything that they would be doing to clean my HVAC ductwork, answered all of my questions, were honest about not being able to properly clean my dryer vent, and cleaned up after they were done. They also went above and beyond, even cleaning dust from each slat of the return vent. Highly recommend.”
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“We have been a customer of Chud Air Conditioning, Heating & Duct Cleaning for many years and have always had a very satisfying experience. The technicians have been very responsive during emergencies, are informative, and professional. Shane was our recent service technician who replaced our water heater. Shane was excellent, very thorough, friendly, and dependable. I would not hesitate to use them again and don’t forget to ask for Shane!”
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“We rely on Chud Duct Cleaning to perform our regular duct cleaning in our home. Your service technicians Lewis and Sebastian arrived promptly, introduced themselves and got right to work. Our home has many vents behind and under furniture, which was moved and replaced as if nothing ever happened. My home was carefully prepared and respected throughout the entire process. An access panel was replaced for a more pleasant look and better access in the future. I will not hesitate to use this company for service again.”
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“They came to service my heater and clean my ducts. They were super respectful of my property, thourough with their work, and carefully explained everything to me. My system is falling into disrepair. I could clearly see the rust and hear the problems they found. They recommended a variety of possible solutions from temporary furnace repairs to a new HVAC system. No pressure. I have a lot to think about, but it is good to know I have found someone I can trust to do the job.”
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“Lewis and Sebastian were professional, knowledgeable and polite, and worked diligently over the course of two days to clean and sanitize the immense ductwork system at this location. They took the time to explain the process in detail, and were extremely aware of the need to treat a customer’s home as if it were their own. This was my second experience with Chud, and I won’t hesitate to call them again in the future.”
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“Had a new heater and ac installed. Very pleased with entire process, from troubleshooting the old system to choosing the new to installation. Rich had patience with all my questions about the new system and helped me to understand the differences I should expect with the new. Matt and John did an outstanding job pulling out the old and installing the new. They got there on time and got right to work. Very professional technicians. Overall, a top notch job at a fair price. I highly recommend Chud.”
