What exactly is indoor air quality? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns.
In other words, indoor air quality directly affects the health and well-being of you and your family — and not just those with seasonal allergies or other respiratory issues. As mentioned above, air quality plays a huge role in comfort as well, so knowing the air you breathe is clean, free of pollutants, and moisture, can provide peace of mind and keep you healthy.
The Indoor Air Quality industry for HVAC systems is ever evolving and has gained more focused attention since the emergence of COVID and the need for proper ventilation and air circulation.
At Hattersley, our experienced technicians can assess your current air filtration system and evaluate your needs to recommend the best solution for your family.
Here are a few of the residential options available:
Filtration:
- Proper air filtration and care for HVAC filters will result in better air quality inside your home, as well as increase the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system.
- Filtration is the first line of defense against pollutants, contaminants, and allergens. A good, high quality, dense air filter can greatly reduce the number of particles that get into your home. But beware, as the wrong type of filter that is too restrictive in regards to airflow can be even more detrimental to your HVAC equipment and cause damage!
- There are many different options, but our technicians can help you select the one that’s right for your HVAC system and your home.
Humidification:
- The next component of indoor air quality is humidity. In our region, we focus on dehumidifying in the summer and humidifying in the winter.
- While most of the time, your homes air conditioning system can remove enough humidity in the summer months when it’s hot out, the problem comes, that it’s not able adequately dehumidify to when the temperature is milder outdoor or when we experience ultra-high humidity days for extended periods of time. Upgrading your HVAC equipment that is designed for advanced humidity removal capability and/or adding separate dehumidification systems can reduce problems since as mildew and molds that can cause significant health problems.
- Adding a humidification unit to your home can improve your health, your home’s comfort, reduce damage to your home, and even save you money. There are several options available, whether your purchase a standalone unit, or have one installed in your HVAC unit.
Ultraviolent Germicidal Light, Bi-Polar Ionization & Outdoor Fresh Air:
- Taking air purification one step further, Ultraviolet Germicidal Light deactivates the DNA of bacteria, virus and other pathogens, thus destroying their ability to cause illness and disease. UV light has a long history in medical and commercial settings, but it is becoming more commonly used in residential settings as well. The bulb looks like a blacklight and is installed in the ductwork of your home.
- Bi-Polar Ionization (BPI) is another emerging technology that much like sunlight does in the atmosphere, BPI technology produces a natural bio-climate rich in positive and negative oxygen ions. The negative ions contain an extra electron while the positive ions are missing an electron resulting in an unstable condition. In an effort to re-stabilize, these bipolar ions seek out atoms and molecules in the air to trade electrons with, effectively neutralizing particulate matter, bacteria and virus cells, odorous gases and aerosols, and VOCs.
- Outside air/fresh air systems and/or energy recovery ventilators can offset fresh air from outdoors with stale air that is high in particulates.
Compared to furnace and A/C filters, these are more expensive option, but is highly effective in improving the indoor air quality of your home.
If you’re looking to improve the air quality in your home, call Hattersley today at (260) 483-6473 or send us a message.
