You replace the air filter furnace in your central air system every month, and yet, your indoor air quality still leaves something to be desired.
You’re expecting too much from your air filter.
A cheap, disposable filter has one primary function: to prevent dust and debris from interfering with the HVAC unit’s inner workings. Improving your indoor air quality is only a secondary benefit. This filter type is typically made of spun polyester and will have a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) of 6 to 8. That means it can filter out dust, pollen, and lint. Many other household pollutants will slip past and circulate in the air.
If you really want to breathe cleaner air, you should invest in an IAQ system.
Why Install a Residential Indoor Air Quality System?
Eliminate contaminants: Dust, debris, mold and mildew, pet danger, and chemical sprays all conspire to foul up the air inside your home. Air cleaners work in conjunction with your central air system to reduce the number of airborne contaminants. These systems have proven to remove as much as 97.5% of household dust and nearly 99.9% of allergens, such as spores and pollen. Airborne pathogens pose less of a threat, too. An IAQ system with ultraviolet lamps neutralizes certain viruses and bacteria to reduce the risk of infection.
Bring in fresh air: Complicating our indoor air quality is the way homes are built today. An emphasis on energy efficiency means a tighter envelope to control indoor temperatures better. While that helps lower your energy bills, air sealing has a drawback: All those pollutants are trapped inside. A home needs to breathe. In addition to eliminating airborne irritants, an IAQ system will also allow for proper ventilation. An IAQ system should include energy recovery ventilators to bring in a fresh supply of outdoor air while exhausting stale from inside your home.
Control humidity: You should keep your relative indoor humidity between 30% and 50% for your health and comfort. That can be a challenge during the muggy summer months. Likewise, winter air can become dry, resulting in chapped lips and irritated sinuses. A humidifier and dehumidifier will keep your humidity in a healthy range.
What is Indoor Air Quality Testing?
The IAQ experts at Southport Home Services can assess your air quality to find the source of frequent allergy problems and the cause of stuffy, dusty conditions. They’ll then walk you through your IAQ options to help you determine the best solution, whether that’s a HEPA filter, air purifier, UV lamps, or a combination of systems. To schedule your appointment, call 1-888-474-0277
