Why Your Residence's Indoor Air Quality is Important

March 25, 2020

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

When times feel uncertain, you can take peace in knowing your house is your safe area. You’re probably spending more time there nowadays. As a result, your indoor air quality is now more critical than ever.

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

Up-to-date houses are tightly closed, which is great for energy efficiency. But it also means your inside air might be worse than the air outside. In fact, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This can be troublesome, since we spend about 90% of our time inside.

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

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

Unsure which solution is a good fit for your home? Our knowledgeable pros can conduct an indoor air quality audit. Based on the outcome, we can then recommend the best solution for your home’s distinctive needs.

Keep on reading to find out more about the air quality equipment we provide.

 

Air Filtration

When comparing air filters, you should look at the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This assesses how efficiently it filters pollutants.

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

We advise installing at minimum a MERV 13, for instance, the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for optimal results. This filter gives cleaner air while limiting energy use*.

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

Before getting a more powerful filter, give us a call at 336-853-6070. Our professionals can help you choose the best match for your equipment.

Air Purification

Lennox® offers some of the greatest air purification equipment you can purchase. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems provide hospital-grade filtration while handling all categories of indoor air contaminants.

These powerful systems can wipe out:

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

UV Germicidal Lights

A UV germicidal light is placed on the inside of your comfort equipment. Its powerful rays eradicate bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family struggles with allergies or asthma, this system can offer relief. Especially if you are in an extremely hot area where bacteria and mold thrive.

This light also provides an additional advantage for your HVAC system. It may help it last for a greater period of time and heat and cool more efficiently, as it keeps the internal pieces clean.

Our air quality engineers suggest installing 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 combined with carbon-coated fibers to catch particles in your house’s air. It fulfills this without limiting your heating and cooling unit’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Having balanced humidity in your house can help keep your family in good health in the winter months. It can assist with sore throats, itchy skin and cracked lips, among added cold weather irritations.

If you aren’t sure of what your residence’s humidity level is, we’ll measure it while we do your indoor air quality audit. While the range varies based upon outdoor temperatures, HVAC professionals typically recommend keeping it between 40–60 percent.

You can achieve this optimal range by using a whole-home humidifier. This unit generally accompanies your furnace or air handler to give optimum humidity around your residence. Some units, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, use an incorporated fan to spread humidity when your comfort unit isn’t running.

Trust the Professionals for Your Indoor Air Quality Requirements

At James Heating & A/C, Inc, we’re passionate about making your house more relaxing. That’s why we provide Lennox® air quality options, 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 wellness of you and your family. That’s why we’re taking added precautions when we arrive at your residence.

To discover more about our air quality products, get in touch with us at 336-853-6070 or contact us online. Our skilled staff can also handle any concerns you may have with a pro visiting your home 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.