Why Your House's Indoor Air Quality is Important

March 25, 2020

The international transmission of COVID-19 has likely shifted your daily calendar upside down.

In uncertain times, you can take comfort in knowing your residence is your safe area. You’re possibly spending more time there today. That’s why your indoor air quality is now more important than ever.

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

Modern houses are tightly closed, which is fantastic for energy efficiency. But it also means your home’s air may be worse than the air outside. In fact, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This may cause a problem, since we spend about 90% of our days in a building.

There are many elements that can contribute to poor indoor air quality, including cleaning products and air fresheners. These could lead to headaches and exasperate allergies and asthma.

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

Not certain which solution is right for your residence? Our knowledgeable pros can do an indoor air quality audit. Based upon the results, we can then suggest the best choice for your family’s unique needs.

Keep on reading to learn more about the air quality equipment we offer.

 

Air Filtration

When browsing air filters, it’s essential to look at the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This measures how effectively it filters pollutants.

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

We advise installing no less than a MERV 13, for instance, the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the best outcome. This filter gives clearer air while reducing energy consumption*.

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

Ahead of buying a better filter, reach us at 402-509-5940. Our pros can help you choose the best option for your system.

Air Purification

Lennox® has some of the most advanced air purification equipment you can get. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems provide hospital-grade filtration while managing all types of indoor air contaminants.

These powerful systems 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 placed inside your HVAC unit. Its strong rays eliminate bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family suffers from allergies or asthma, this system may give relief. Especially if you live in an extremely hot area where bacteria and mold thrive.

This light also provides an added advantage for your HVAC system. It can help it work longer and heat and cool more efficiently, as it keeps the internal pieces clean.

Our air quality engineers advise combining one of these lights with an upgraded filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for the best outcome. This filter offers industry-leading MERV 16 filtration plus carbon-coated fibers to remove particles from your house’s air. It does all of this without limiting your HVAC equipment’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Getting balanced humidity in your home could help keep your loved ones from getting sick during the winter. It can assist with sore throats, dry skin and cracked lips, in addition to other cold weather annoyances.

If you don’t know what your home’s humidity range is, we’ll determine it while we perform your indoor air quality audit. While the range changes based off of outdoor temperatures, HVAC professionals usually suggest keeping it between 40–60 percent.

You can achieve this optimum range by using a whole-home humidifier. This equipment usually functions with your furnace or air handler to give the right level of humidity throughout your residence. Some models, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, contain a built-in fan to move humidity during the time your HVAC unit isn’t on.

Rely on the Pros for Your Indoor Air Quality Requirements

At Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re dedicated to making your home more comfortable. That’s why we sell Lennox® air quality equipment, which are the most complete solution you can buy.

We’re also more than merely your heating and cooling company. We're concerned about the well-being of you and your household. That’s why our techs are taking more precautions when we come to your residence.

To discover more about our air quality solution, give us a call at 402-509-5940 or contact us online. Our skilled staff can also handle any concerns you can have with a technician arriving at your home 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.