Why Your Home's Indoor Air Quality Matters

March 25, 2020
When times feel uncertain, you can feel good in knowing your residence is your safe space. You’re possibly spending more time there nowadays. As a result, your indoor air quality is now more important than ever.

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

Up-to-date residences are firmly airtight, which is great for energy efficiency. But it also means your inside 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 lead to issues, since we spend about 90% of our days indoors.

There are many factors that can lead to poor indoor air quality, including cleaning products and air fresheners. These could create headaches and irritate allergies and asthma.

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

Not sure which system is best for your residence? Our expert technicians can complete an indoor air quality audit. Based off of the results, we can then advise you on the most fitting solution for your household’s distinct needs.

Continue reading to discover more about the air quality products we have.

 

Air Filtration

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

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

We advise upgrading to at least a MERV 13, such as the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the most ideal outcome. This filter provides fresher air while limiting energy use*.

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

Before installing a more powerful filter, reach us at 847-362-0262. Our experts can help you choose the best solution for your unit.

Air Purification

Lennox® provides some of the greatest air purification units you can buy. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems deliver hospital-grade filtration while handling all categories of indoor air contaminants.

This powerful equipment 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 installed inside your HVAC unit. Its penetrating rays eliminate bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family suffers from allergies or asthma, this equipment might give relief. Especially if you reside in a muggy area where bacteria and mold thrive.

This light also offers an extra bonus for your comfort equipment. It can help it run for a greater period of time and operate more efficiently, as it keeps the internal pieces clean.

Our air quality engineers recommend combining one of these lights with an improved filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for the best effect. This filter offers industry-leading MERV 16 filtration plus carbon-coated fibers to trap particles in your house’s air. It fulfills this without decreasing your heating and cooling system’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Getting correct humidity in your residence can help keep your household in good health when it’s chilly. It can help with sore throats, dry skin and cracked lips, amidst further cold weather irritations.

If you aren’t aware of what your house’s humidity level is, we’ll determine it while we do your indoor air quality audit. While the range fluctuates based on outdoor temperatures, HVAC experts generally advise keeping it between 40–60 percent.

You can accomplish this ideal range by installing a whole-home humidifier. This unit usually accompanies your furnace or air handler to give optimum humidity around your home. Some units, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, use an included fan to circulate humidity when your heating equipment isn’t on.

Trust the Professionals for Your Indoor Air Quality Needs

At TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, we’re dedicated to making your residence more relaxing. That’s why we offer Lennox® air quality equipment, which are the most comprehensive solution on the market.

We’re also more than merely your heating and cooling company. We're concerned about the health of you and your family. That’s why our techs are taking more precautions when we visit your residence.

To find out more about our air quality equipment, reach us at 847-362-0262 or contact us online. Our skilled staff can also answer any concerns you could have with a professional visiting your house 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.