Why Your Residence's Indoor Air Quality Matters

March 25, 2020

The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has likely flipped your daily schedule into a jumble.

When things feel uncertain, you can take comfort in knowing your residence is your safe space. You’re probably spending more time there nowadays. Consequently your indoor air quality is now more important than ever.

Did you realize we can install indoor air quality products in your house that offer hospital-grade filtration? These products can remove bacteria from your air, as well as allergens, odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Modern houses are securely sealed, which is good for energy efficiency. But it also means your home’s air can be worse than the air outside. In reality, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This may be problematic, since we spend about 90% of our lifetime indoors.

There are many elements that can lead to poor indoor air quality, such as cleaning products and air fresheners. These might create headaches and worsen 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.

Unsure which solution is right for your house? Our knowledgeable techs can perform an indoor air quality audit. Based on our findings, we can then suggest the most fitting option for your home’s distinctive needs.

Keep reading to learn more about the air quality products we provide.

 

Air Filtration

When comparing air filters, you should consider the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This assesses how successfully it filters contaminants.

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

We suggest buying at minimum a MERV 13, for example, the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the best outcome. This filter delivers fresher air while lowering energy consumption*.

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

Before installing a more powerful filter, reach us at 949-317-4175. Our professionals can help you find the right option for your unit.

Air Purification

Lennox® provides some of the most advanced air purification systems you can purchase. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems deliver hospital-grade filtration while handling 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, such as ones that lead to strep throat
  • 50% of VOCs and odors within 24 hours

UV Germicidal Lights

A UV germicidal light is added inside your comfort system. Its strong rays eliminate bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family suffers from allergies or asthma, this unit may offer relief. Especially if you reside in a humid area where bacteria and mold flourish.

This light also offers an extra perk for your comfort equipment. It can help it last for a longer period of time and operate more efficiently, since it keeps the internal pieces clean.

Our air quality engineers advise combining one of these lights with an improved filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for optimal results. This filter provides industry-leading MERV 16 filtration in addition to carbon-coated fibers to remove particles from your residence’s air. It completes this without restricting your heating and cooling system’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Acquiring correct humidity in your home might help keep your loved ones in good health when it’s cold. It can aid sore throats, itchy skin and chapped lips, in addition to further cold weather irritations.

If you aren’t aware of what your home’s humidity percentage is, we’ll measure it while we do your indoor air quality audit. While the range varies based upon outdoor temperatures, HVAC experts usually advise keeping it between 40–60 percent.

You can accomplish this optimum range with a whole-home humidifier. This system usually accompanies your furnace or air handler to deliver optimum humidity across your house. Some units, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, have an included fan to move humidity while your comfort unit isn’t on.

Depend on the Pros for Your Indoor Air Quality Requirements

At Ocean Air Conditioning and Heating , we’re dedicated to making your home more comfortable. That’s why we provide Lennox® air quality products, which are the most complete solution on the market.

We’re also more than just your heating and cooling company. We're concerned about the health of you and your loved ones. That’s why our techs are taking extra precautions when we come to your home.

To discover more about our air quality solution, give us a call at 949-317-4175 or contact us online. Our friendly staff can also handle any concerns you can have with a tech arriving at 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.