Why Your Residence's Indoor Air Quality is Important

March 25, 2020

The worldwide transmission of COVID-19 has likely shifted your daily calendar all over the place.

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

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

Today’s homes are securely sealed, which is great for energy efficiency. But it also means your home’s air can be worse than the air outside. In fact, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This may be troublesome, since we spend about 90% of our lifetime in a building.

There are many things that can contribute to poor indoor air quality, such as cleaning products and air fresheners. These can result in headaches and exasperate allergies and asthma.

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

Unsure which system is right for your home? Our expert professionals can do an indoor air quality audit. Based upon the outcome, we can then recommend the best option for your family’s unique needs.

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

 

Air Filtration

When browsing air filters, it’s essential to review the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This assesses how efficiently it filters contaminants.

One of the most average and lowest priced filters, flat fiberglass filters, are graded between 1 and 4 on the MERV register. Pleated filters are somewhat better, rated between 8 and 12.

We suggest getting at minimum a MERV 13, for instance, the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the best outcome. This filter gives fresher air while limiting energy use*.

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

Ahead of installing an upgraded filter, contact us at 561-287-7071. Our experts can help you choose the right solution for your equipment.

Air Purification

Lennox® provides some of the most advanced air purification systems you can purchase. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems deliver hospital-grade filtration while taking care of all kinds of indoor air contaminants.

This powerful equipment can take care of:

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

UV Germicidal Lights

A UV germicidal light is placed inside your comfort system. Its powerful rays eradicate bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family struggles with allergies or asthma, this system can provide relief. Especially if you live in a muggy part of the country where bacteria and mold thrive.

This light also has an added bonus for your heating and cooling unit. It can help it last for a greater period of time and heat and cool more efficiently, because it keeps the internal parts clean.

Our air quality engineers recommend using one of these lights with an enhanced filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for optimal results. This filter provides industry-leading MERV 16 filtration combined with carbon-coated fibers to trap particles in your residence’s air. It fulfills this without restricting your heating and cooling unit’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Getting balanced humidity in your home can help keep your household healthy when it’s chilly. It can aid sore throats, dry skin and cracked lips, in addition to other cold weather bothers.

If you aren’t sure of what your house’s humidity level is, we’ll figure that out when we complete your indoor air quality audit. While the range varies based off of outdoor temperatures, HVAC experts usually advise keeping it between 40–60 percent.

You can achieve this optimum range with a whole-home humidifier. This system generally works with your furnace or air handler to deliver optimum humidity around your home. Some units, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, have a built-in fan to circulate humidity during the time your heating system isn’t operating.

Trust the Pros for Your Indoor Air Quality Needs

At Kilbourne Heating & AC, we’re dedicated to making your home more relaxing. That’s why we sell Lennox® air quality equipment, which are the most exhaustive solution you can get.

We’re also more than only your heating and cooling company. We're concerned about the well-being of you and your loved ones. That’s why we’re taking more precautions when we come to your home.

To learn more about our air quality products, reach us at 561-287-7071 or contact us online. Our knowledgeable staff can also address any worries you can have with a pro visiting your residence at this time.

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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.