Why Your House's Indoor Air Quality Matters

March 25, 2020

The international growth of COVID-19 has likely turned your regular routine into a jumble.

When times feel uncertain, you can take peace in knowing your home is your safe retreat. You’re probably 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 house that deliver hospital-grade filtration? These options can remove bacteria from your air, as well as allergens, odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Modern residences are securely closed, which is great for energy efficiency. But it also means your home’s air could be worse than the air outside. In actuality, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This can lead to issues, since we spend about 90% of our lifetime indoors.

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

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

Not sure which option is right for your home? Our skilled techs can conduct an indoor air quality audit. Based on our findings, we can then recommend the best option for your home’s unique needs.

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

 

Air Filtration

When browsing air filters, it’s important to look at the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This assesses how successfully it filters air.

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

We recommend installing at minimum a MERV 13, for example, the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the most ideal results. This filter gives clearer air while reducing energy use*.

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

Before buying a better filter, reach us at 304-707-0600. Our professionals can help you select the best solution for your equipment.

Air Purification

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

This powerful equipment can eliminate:

  • 99.9% of allergens, like pollen, dust and pet dander
  • 95% of bacteria-sized particles, such as ones that contribute 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 penetrating rays eradicate bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family has allergies or asthma, this system may deliver relief. Especially if you are in a humid area where bacteria and mold thrive.

This light also has an added bonus for your heating and cooling equipment. It may help it work longer and heat and cool more efficiently, since 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 delivers industry-leading MERV 16 filtration plus carbon-coated fibers to remove particles from your house’s air. It does all of this without decreasing your heating and cooling equipment’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Having even humidity in your home could help keep your family healthy during the winter. It can help with sore throats, flaky skin and peeling lips, amidst further cold weather bothers.

If you aren’t aware of what your house’s humidity level is, we’ll figure that out during your indoor air quality audit. While the range changes based upon outdoor temperatures, HVAC pros generally suggest keeping it between 40–60 percent.

You can achieve this optimum range by using a whole-home humidifier. This unit typically accompanies your furnace or air handler to deliver optimum humidity around your house. Some units, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, use a built-in fan to move humidity during the time your HVAC unit isn’t on.

Depend on the Experts for Your Indoor Air Quality Needs

At Appalachian Heating, we’re passionate about making your residence more relaxing. That’s why we offer Lennox® air quality products, which are the most complete 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 family. That’s why our techs are taking additional precautions when we visit your residence.

To discover more about our air quality products, give us a call at 304-707-0600 or contact us online. Our friendly staff can also answer any apprehension you could have with a technician coming to your residence now.

--

*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.