Why Your House's Indoor Air Quality is Important

March 25, 2020

The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has likely turned your regular calendar all over the place.

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

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

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

There are many elements that can cause poor indoor air quality, like cleaning products and air fresheners. These can cause headaches and worsen allergies and asthma.

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

Not certain which system is best for your home? Our expert techs can complete an indoor air quality audit. Based off of the outcome, we can then suggest the most fitting option for your family’s unique needs.

Continue reading to learn more about the air quality solutions we provide.

 

Air Filtration

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

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

We recommend getting no less than a MERV 13, such as the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for optimal effect. This filter gives cleaner air while lowering energy needs*.

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

Before buying a more powerful filter, contact us at 952-373-0377. Our professionals can help you choose the right match for your system.

Air Purification

Lennox® provides some of the greatest air purification systems you can get. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems offer hospital-grade filtration while handling 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, such as 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 heating and cooling equipment. Its powerful rays eradicate bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family struggles with allergies or asthma, this unit might provide relief. Especially if you reside in an extremely hot part of the country where bacteria and mold grow quickly.

This light also has an additional perk for your heating and cooling system. It can help it run for a greater period of time and heat and cool more efficiently, because it keeps the internal pieces clean.

Our air quality engineers suggest using one of these lights with an upgraded filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for the best effect. This filter delivers industry-leading MERV 16 filtration plus carbon-coated fibers to trap particles in your home’s air. It completes this without restricting your HVAC system’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Acquiring balanced humidity in your home may help keep your household from getting sick during the winter. It can aid sore throats, itchy skin and chapped lips, in addition to added cold weather irritations.

If you aren’t aware of what your house’s humidity percentage is, we’ll figure that out during 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 accomplish this ideal range with a whole-home humidifier. This equipment generally functions with your furnace or air handler to deliver optimal humidity across your home. Some equipment, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, use a built-in fan to circulate humidity during the time your comfort unit isn’t running.

Rely on the Professionals for Your Indoor Air Quality Requirements

At Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning, we’re dedicated to making your residence comfier. That’s why we sell Lennox® air quality products, which are the most exhaustive solution you can buy.

We’re also more than just your heating and cooling company. We're concerned about the health of you and your family. That’s why our technicians are taking more precautions when we come to your house.

To discover more about our air quality equipment, get in touch with us at 952-373-0377 or contact us online. Our friendly staff can also handle any concerns you might have with a pro visiting your residence 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.