Air purification is an often overlooked aspect of your home’s HVAC system. Whole house purification systems are available that can lead to cleaner, fresher air in your home. Should you get an air purification system for your home? Discover more with the following considerations.
Health Concerns
Poor indoor air quality can make existing health conditions more of a concern. Improving air quality is a must if anyone in your household suffers from the following:
- Emphysema
- COPD
- Asthma and allergies
- Respiratory illness
The quality of the air can also lead to health concerns even in previously healthy individuals. Pollutants in the home, such as from a fireplace or trapped radon, can lead to major issues such as respiratory diseases or cancer.
There are also concerns with mold growth and the proliferation of other allergens when there is poor air circulation. Dust and pollen trapped in the home, including mold spores, can irritate the eyes and lungs even in those with no severe allergies when circulation is so poor that irritants are able to build up. Keeping these irritants out of the indoor air is the most effective solution.
General Benefits
Although the health benefits of indoor air purifiers are the main reason to consider their installation, other general benefits make the appliance a worthwhile investment.
In areas with pronounced dust issues, such as near dirt roads, or high spring pollen counts, an indoor air purifier can make cleaning much easier. The purifier will remove the dust and pollen from the air so it doesn’t settle so heavily on surfaces. Less dusting and vacuuming can free up a lot of time in your day.
Homes with pets also benefit from cleaner air, since fur and pet dander in the air can be an irritant for both people and the animal. Not only does the purifier keep the dander out of the air, but it can also reduce pet odors since less dander collects on surfaces in the home.
Another benefit that can’t be overlooked is the improved quality of life during the Colorado fire season. Wildfire smoke carries many pollutants and chemicals depending on what is being burned. Having a safe home to return to where you can be sure the air is clean and free of smoke contaminants isn’t just good for your physical health, it can also be an oasis to relax in during the stressful wildfire season.
Purifier Options
You have a large range of purifier types to consider. Your choice should be governed by the main contaminants you hope to remove from the air. Common contaminants include:
- Allergens, such as pollen and mold spores
- Pet hair and dander
- Blown-in dust and debris
- Wildfire smoke
- Gaseous irritants, such as radon or home off-gassing
Whole house purifiers are often better suited to removing contaminants compared to portable purifier options. HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particular Air) are considered the standard when removing the smallest of contaminants from the air, as these have filters with very small openings that effectively filter out irritating particles.
Filtration is measured with a MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value), and all air purifiers will have the MERV rating clearly provided to the consumer. The rating will show the size of particulates that the filter can remove from the air. For this reason, know what specific contaminants you want to filter. A filter rated to remove larger dust particulates, for example, may not be effective at removing gaseous or fine soot particulates.
Ratings range from 1 to 16. The larger the rating number, the finer the particulate matter filtered. Those that carry the HEPA rating will filter out the finest of particulate matter.
Contact Steele Brothers Heating, Inc., to learn more about installing an air purification system.
