Spring is in full force, which means pollen is here threatening the health and well-being of allergy sufferers and asthmatics alike. While you may think you can escape it by staying indoors, the opposite is usually true. Today’s homes are “tightly” built, meaning that there is no room for air to escape. While this is great for the efficiency of your HVAC systems, it actually hurts your indoor air quality. In fact, your indoor air quality can actually be worse than your outdoor air quality. This is particularly true this time of year. So what’s the solution?
Air Cleaners
Electronic Air Cleaner: This type of air cleaner works by pulling air into an ionization chamber. Here, pollutants in the air are given an electrical charged, then trapped either on a collector plate or on the walls and surfaces of your home where they can easily be cleaned off rather than circulate through the air.
Electronic air cleaners are highly efficient, removing up to 95% of the contaminants in your air. Your standard air filter that comes with your HVAC system—which is designed to protect the system itself from contaminants, not your air—only removes about 10% of these contaminants. This type of air cleaner will effectively improve the quality of your home’s air.
Mechanical Air Cleaner: This type of air cleaner is installed within your ductwork, and as air is forced through it, it traps pollutants on a filtering material. An air filter with a high MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) is needed to effectively improve your indoor air quality.
This type of air cleaner is composed of a mesh material—typically fiberglass fibers—which traps the particles passing through it. The most common type of mechanical air cleaner is the HEPA (high energy particulate air) filter, although these are typically better for commercial use rather than residential: reason being that they create a lot of blockage against airflow.
UV Germicidal Lights: A UV air purifier is an excellent addition to your air filtration system. This is installed in your ductwork, and effectively kills and eliminates developing mold, mildew, and other bacteria that can make you sick. Your ductwork—a cool, dark climate—provides the perfect breeding ground for these bacteria. However, UV germicidal lights can effectively destroy them on a cellular level.
Learn more about the positive effects of quality air cleaners in Cottonwood Heights, UT and surrounding areas by contacting Design Comfort today.
