Why Your House's Indoor Air Quality Matters

March 25, 2020

The international spread of COVID-19 has likely turned your typical schedule upside down.

When times feel uncertain, you can take peace in knowing your home is your safe retreat. You’re likely spending more time there nowadays. That’s why your indoor air quality is now more crucial than ever.

Were you aware we can install indoor air quality products in your residence that provide hospital-grade filtration? These solutions can eliminate bacteria from your air, as well as allergens, odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

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

There are many things that can contribute to poor indoor air quality, like cleaning products and air fresheners. These could lead to headaches and irritate allergies and asthma.

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

Unsure which option is best for your house? Our expert professionals can conduct an indoor air quality audit. Based off of our findings, we can then advise you on the most fitting solution for your home’s unique needs.

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

 

Air Filtration

When browsing air filters, you should look at the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This gauges how efficiently it filters air.

One of the most average and least expensive filters, flat fiberglass filters, are rated between 1 and 4 on the MERV scale. Pleated filters are somewhat better, graded between 8 and 12.

We advise installing no less than a MERV 13, such as the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the most ideal results. This filter gives clearer air while lowering energy needs*.

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, like pollen, pet dander and smoke.

Ahead of getting an upgraded filter, contact us at 641-812-2028. Our experts can help you find the most ideal option for your equipment.

Air Purification

Lennox® has some of the greatest air purification systems you can get. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems provide hospital-grade filtration while taking care of all kinds of indoor air contaminants.

These powerful units can take care of:

  • 99.9% of allergens, including pollen, dust and pet dander
  • 95% of bacteria-sized particles, including ones that cause 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 penetrating rays eliminate bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family struggles with allergies or asthma, this equipment could give relief. Especially if you reside in a humid part of the country where bacteria and mold thrive.

This light also offers an added advantage for your heating and cooling equipment. It can help it run for a greater period of time and operate more efficiently, because it keeps the internal parts clean.

Our air quality engineers suggest installing one of these lights with an enhanced filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for the best effect. This filter delivers industry-leading MERV 16 filtration plus carbon-coated fibers to remove particles from your house’s air. It fulfills this without restricting your heating and cooling system’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Having even humidity in your residence might help keep your loved ones from getting sick during the winter. It can help with sore throats, flaky skin and cracked lips, in addition to further cold weather bothers.

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

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

Trust the Experts for Your Indoor Air Quality Needs

At Kapaun & Brown Inc., we’re passionate about making your home comfier. That’s why we offer Lennox® air quality options, which are the most exhaustive solution you can get.

We’re also more than only your heating and cooling company. We're concerned about the health of you and your loved ones. That’s why we’re taking more precautions when we come to your residence.

To discover more about our air quality products, get in touch with us at 641-812-2028 or contact us online. Our skilled staff can also address any worries you could have with a professional coming to your house today.

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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.