Why Your House's Indoor Air Quality is Significant

March 25, 2020

The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has likely flipped your daily routine upside down.

When things feel uncertain, you can feel good in knowing your residence is your safe space. You’re probably spending more time there now. 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 deliver hospital-grade filtration? These solutions can clear bacteria from your air, as well as allergens, odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Today’s residences are firmly sealed, which is great for energy efficiency. But it also means your home’s air may be worse than the air outside. In actuality, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This could lead to issues, since we spend about 90% of our time in a building.

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

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

Not sure which option is a good fit for your home? Our knowledgeable pros can do an indoor air quality audit. Based off of our findings, we can then recommend the best choice for your family’s distinctive needs.

Continue reading to find out more about the air quality products we offer.

 

Air Filtration

When comparing air filters, it’s essential to look at the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This measures how successfully it filters contaminants.

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

We recommend getting no less than a MERV 13, like the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the best outcome. This filter gives cleaner air while limiting energy consumption*.

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

Before buying a more powerful filter, contact us at 763-535-2000. Our pros can help you choose the best match for your unit.

Air Purification

Lennox® offers some of the most advanced air purification systems you can buy. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems provide hospital-grade filtration while managing all categories of indoor air contaminants.

This powerful equipment can eliminate:

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

UV Germicidal Lights

A UV germicidal light is installed inside your heating and cooling equipment. Its strong rays wipe out bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family has allergies or asthma, this equipment might provide relief. Especially if you reside in a humid climate where bacteria and mold thrive.

This light also offers an additional perk for your comfort equipment. It might help it last longer and run more efficiently, as it keeps the internal components 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 catch particles in your house’s air. It completes this without decreasing your comfort equipment’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Having correct humidity in your house could help keep your household in good health when it’s chilly. It can aid sore throats, flaky skin and chapped lips, among further cold weather bothers.

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

You can reach this optimum range by using a whole-home humidifier. This equipment typically accompanies your furnace or air handler to give optimal humidity throughout your home. Some units, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, contain an incorporated fan to spread humidity when your HVAC equipment isn’t on.

Turn to the Professionals for Your Indoor Air Quality Needs

At GV Heating & Air, we’re passionate about making your home comfier. That’s why we provide Lennox® air quality equipment, which are the most complete 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 loved ones. That’s why our technicians are taking extra precautions when we visit your residence.

To learn more about our air quality equipment, get in touch with us at 763-535-2000 or contact us online. Our friendly staff can also answer any apprehension you might have with a pro visiting your home 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.