Why Your House's Indoor Air Quality Matters

March 25, 2020

The worldwide growth of COVID-19 has likely flipped your regular calendar upside down.

When times feel uncertain, you can feel good in knowing your house is your safe area. You’re probably spending more time there now. That’s why your indoor air quality is now more critical than ever.

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

Today’s houses are tightly airtight, which is great for energy efficiency. But it also means your home’s air may be worse than the air outside. In actuality, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This may be troublesome, since we spend about 90% of our lifetime in a building.

There are many things that can cause poor indoor air quality, including cleaning products and air fresheners. These could result in headaches and irritate 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 a good fit for your home? Our knowledgeable technicians can do an indoor air quality audit. Based on our findings, we can then recommend the best choice for your family’s unique needs.

Keep on reading to find out more about the air quality equipment we provide.

 

Air Filtration

When browsing air filters, it’s important to review the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This measures how effectively it filters air.

One of the most average and lowest priced filters, flat fiberglass filters, are rated between 1 and 4 on the MERV register. Pleated filters are slightly better, rated between 8 and 12.

We advise upgrading to at minimum a MERV 13, for instance, the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the best outcome. This filter gives clearer air while lowering energy use*.

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

Ahead of getting a more powerful filter, give us a call at 203-772-8319. Our experts can help you select the best match for your system.

Air Purification

Lennox® provides some of the greatest air purification systems you can buy. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems deliver hospital-grade filtration while taking care of all categories of indoor air contaminants.

These powerful systems can wipe out:

  • 99.9% of allergens, including pollen, dust and pet dander
  • 95% of bacteria-sized particles, such as ones that cause strep throat
  • 50% of VOCs and odors within 24 hours

UV Germicidal Lights

A UV germicidal light is installed on the inside of your HVAC system. Its strong rays wipe out bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family struggles with allergies or asthma, this unit might provide relief. Especially if you reside in a humid area where bacteria and mold grow quickly.

This light also has an added advantage for your HVAC unit. It may help it last for a greater period of time and operate more efficiently, because it keeps the internal parts clean.

Our air quality engineers suggest using one of these lights with an improved filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for the best effect. This filter delivers industry-leading MERV 16 filtration combined with carbon-coated fibers to remove particles from your home’s air. It completes this without restricting your HVAC system’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Acquiring balanced humidity in your residence may help keep your loved ones healthy in the winter months. It can assist with sore throats, dry skin and peeling lips, amidst further cold weather annoyances.

If you aren’t sure of what your house’s humidity percentage is, we’ll measure it during your indoor air quality audit. While the range fluctuates based off of outdoor temperatures, HVAC experts usually advise keeping it between 40–60 percent.

You can accomplish this optimum range with a whole-home humidifier. This equipment generally functions with your furnace or air handler to deliver optimum humidity throughout your residence. Some units, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, contain an included fan to spread humidity when your HVAC system isn’t running.

Trust the Professionals for Your Indoor Air Quality Requirements

At Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning, we’re passionate about making your home more comfortable. That’s why we sell Lennox® air quality products, which are the most exhaustive solution you can buy.

We’re also more than just your heating and cooling company. We're concerned about the well-being of you and your household. That’s why our techs are taking added precautions when we arrive at your home.

To learn more about our air quality products, give us a call at 203-772-8319 or contact us online. Our friendly staff can also answer any worries you may have with a tech visiting your house 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.