The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been sounding the alarm for years regarding indoor air quality. It estimates that the concentrations of some pollutants are 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. This is an issue since most people spend the majority of their time inside, even more so over the past few years. It’s only getting worse thanks to energy-efficient building construction (with tight seals and little air exchange) and using synthetic building materials, furnishings, personal care products, pesticides and household cleaners. Add too humid or too dry air, dust, pet dander, dust mites and such, and no wonder homeowners and business owners are investing in products that make the air they breathe as healthy as possible.
When customers ask our HVAC experts what they recommend to improve indoor air quality, these are the top seven products we suggest.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Above all else, we recommend every home and business have a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide isn’t just an indoor pollutant, it’s a deadly one. Even worse, carbon monoxide is odorless, making it impossible to detect by smell. Envirotech trusts CO-EXPERTS CO-2004 Low Level Carbon Monoxide “Health” Monitor because it uses the same electrochemical sensor technology found in professional carbon monoxide analyzers costing hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Whole-Home Humidifier
Maintaining the correct humidity level in your home or business helps prevent mites, mold and viruses—all of which can cause illness or aggravate existing medical conditions. Beyond the health reasons, using a whole-home humidifier throughout the winter reduces energy bills since moist air holds more heat. It also protects your furnishings and electronics because proper humidity keeps wood from cracking and reduces static electricity.
Pleated Media Filter
Upgrading to a pleated media filter from the traditional flat fiberglass type pulls contaminants ranging from dust to viruses from the air. Also, it helps remove most pollen, dust, mold, spores and dust mites. The pleats work better because they create more surface area through which the air can flow. Pleated media filters go up to MERV 11 (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), and MERV 10 meets guidelines from the American Lung Association Health House. Ask your Envirotech expert for the right pleated media filter for your HVAC system. Too thick and the filter can reduce airflow, causing your system to work harder.
Electronic Air Cleaner
An electronic air cleaner uses electrically charged filters to help remove airborne contaminants. The air cleaner’s filter traps dust, pollen and dust mites, then the second electrically charged filter catches smaller contaminants from the air as it passes through your system and before it circulates throughout your home or business.
UV Lights
UV light air purifiers use short-wave ultraviolet light (UV-C light) to inactivate airborne pathogens and microorganisms like mold, bacteria and viruses, reducing indoor air pollutants. The UV light not only kills bacteria, microbes and allergy-causing fungi and molds, but also reduces biological odors in your home or business so it smells cleaner and fresher.
Air Scrubber
An air scrubber is a small piece of equipment that attaches to your HVAC system’s ductwork. It treats the air as it flows through the unit, and that treated air then travels through the ducts into every area of your home. Air scrubbers are designed to reduce airborne and surface contaminants along with other indoor pollutants such as smoke, dust, mold, pollen, odors and VOCs. Because the air entering your HVAC equipment is cleaner too, an air scrubber can also help limit the dust and dirt buildup that causes problems over the years. Installation is simple: a technician cuts an opening in the existing ductwork and mounts the unit above the air handler, often during a routine maintenance visit.
Whole-Home Dehumidifier
Kansas City summers are humid, and high humidity makes it easier for mold and mildew to grow, especially in basements and ductwork. A whole-home dehumidifier works with your HVAC system to keep moisture in check so your air stays healthier and more comfortable.
Indoor Air Quality Tips for Every Season
Products help, but everyday habits and regular HVAC maintenance matter just as much.
- Change your air filter regularly. A dirty filter sends dust and allergens back into your home and makes your system work harder. Check it often and plan to replace a standard filter every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage and pets. We recommend a filter rated at least MERV 8.
- In winter, keep humidity between 30% and 50%. Dry air irritates skin and sinuses. If your system has a built-in humidifier, have it checked during furnace maintenance.
- In summer, control humidity and keep the AC maintained. Standing water in condensate lines is a breeding ground for mold and mildew. During AC maintenance, a technician checks that the condensate and drain lines are clear and cleans the coils.
- Ventilate. Tightly sealed homes trap pollutants. Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to remove moisture and odors. A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) can bring in fresh air without wasting heat.
- Have your ducts checked. Dust and allergens can build up in ductwork over time. If yours have not been cleaned in several years, ask about it at your next maintenance visit.
- Keep up with furnace and AC maintenance. A well-maintained system filters air better, and a technician will also check for safety problems such as carbon monoxide leaks.
Ready to Breathe Healthier? Envirotech Heating & Cooling’s Experts Can Help
Depending on your home or business environment and any health concerns of those who live or work there, we can recommend the right product or mix of products to improve the air quality. Envirotech’s experts will answer all your questions and help you make the right decisions for your best health.