Improving Your Indoor Air Quality
How much have you thought about the air you breathe? Do you constantly feel congested, or like your allergy symptoms are the strongest while at home? Does the air feel thick and dense?
These are all problems that stem from poor indoor air quality. Conditions like this can lead to increased symptoms for allergy sufferers, plus general discomfort in your home. No matter how you’ve adjusted the temperature, the quality of air will still be a major factor in whether your home is a comfortable environment.
There are many tools to help improve your indoor air quality, and we’ve compiled a list of the most popular so you can see which may be right for your home.
High-Quality Air Filters
Air filters are a crucial part of your HVAC system. Although they sometimes need help, clean air filters do wonders for your indoor air quality.
HEPA filters are among the most effective at filtering out small particles that may travel through the air. These filters are rated to filter out particles that are 0.3 microns or larger, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This means dust, pollen, mold, and even some bacteria will be caught in the filter.
When looking for a filter, you may see something called a MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, rating ranging from one to sixteen. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient a filter is at removing small particles.
Air Purification Systems
When filters aren’t enough to purify your air, you may want to consider a whole-home air purifier. There are various models that work differently and often attach to your existing HVAC system. Air purifiers also come in standalone models that are suitable if only a certain area has poor air quality.
Some models can even help reduce pathogen buildup on your surfaces!
UV Light
Believe it or not, a simple light setup can remove harmful particles from your indoor air. Well, it’s not that simple, but UV lights are a great tool for eliminating particulate matter that could make your indoor air worse.
UV light systems are highly effective at removing microorganisms that pass through, which include viruses, bacteria, and mold.
Humidifier/Dehumidifier
Although humidity is simply a measure of the amount of moisture in the air, it can have a major impact on how well you breathe, and whether or not you stay comfortable. Those who live in humid climates know the difference between a humid and non-humid day, even if the temperature is the same.
The ideal humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent. This is where you should aim to keep your home throughout the year. In the summer, it will often get way higher, and the winter is notorious for being dry.
Luckily, air conditioning helps remove moisture from the air through its natural process, which is why having the AC often helps when it’s humid. However, for certain environments, it just isn’t enough. Installing a dehumidifier will not only make the air easier to breathe but you’ll be able to feel cooler without using your AC as much.
Humidifiers are crucial in the winter to prevent dry sinuses, dry eyes, and even nosebleeds. Plus, it has the opposite effect for winter: the air will feel warmer and you won’t need your furnace as much.
Breathe Easier With Our Indoor Air Quality Solutions
With a variety of products from purifiers to UV lights, R. Brooks Mechanical is the go-to option when you’re looking for better quality air. Contact us today at (855) 912-6489 to see which option will work best for you.
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