Indoor air quality is rapidly becoming one of the biggest health concerns in the United States. Recent studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency have shown that Americans spend an average of 90% of their time indoors, where the concentration of airborne contaminants can be two to five times higher than it is outdoors. This is due to a combination of lifestyle changes, energy-efficient construction practices, inadequate air exchange systems, and the increasing use of synthetic building and furnishing materials.
Children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems are impacted the most by poor indoor air quality. Luckily, a mix of new and old HVAC technology can greatly improve the quality of the air you breathe in your home.
Using HVAC Technology To Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Air Purifiers and Scrubbers
Airborne contaminants and allergens pose the greatest health risk in an indoor environment. Modern air purifiers and scrubbers use advanced air filters to remove up to 90% of these pollutants, as well as mold spores, some viruses and harmful bacteria.
Humidity Controls
Humid air can create a breeding ground for hazardous biological contaminants like mold and bacteria. Newer HVAC systems can incorporate built-in dehumidifiers and humidifiers to keep the moisture content of your indoor air at the right levels.
Improved Air Circulation
Increasing the ventilation in your home is one of the best ways to improve the quality of indoor air — basically moving bad air out and fresh air in — as well as keeping mold and mildew at bay. A great way to do that is by installing a whole-house fan. Our partner QuietCool is one of the leading manufacturers of whole house fans, as well as smart and solar attic fans, and garage fans. We highly recommend the company and their products.
UV Lighting
An effective way to keep your indoor air clear of biological dangers is with ultraviolet (UV) lamps that kill living organisms like bacteria and viruses on contact. These can be installed on your air conditioning coils and at other strategic points in your system to treat the air moving through to keep your air clean.
HVAC System Maintenance
One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways of keeping your indoor air quality healthy is by regularly changing your filters, having your ductwork cleaned, and keeping your system working efficiently with regular professional inspections and maintenance.
Contact A-1 Heating & Cooling for more tips for improving your home’s indoor air quality and to schedule your professional maintenance.
