How to Reduce the Impact of Air Quality Irritants

May 19, 2016

How Can I Improve My Indoor Air Quality?

Spring has gratefully arrived! Which may not be such wonderful news for allergy sufferers. While you’re staying inside to avoid the pollen, you likely have indoor allergens to resist with as well. Luckily, Phelps Heating & Cooling has the tools to help you defeat the battle against allergens and help improve your indoor air quality.

One-inch Air Filters

One-inch filters should be switched in your system every couple months. You may have to change them more or less often depending upon a few factors such as: pets, the outdoor air elements and the number of people living in your home. It’s essential to keep on top of filter replacement not only to benefit your indoor air quality, but also because if your filter is messy your system has to work harder.

Electrostatic Air Filters

These filters generate strong static charges as air passes through them. This charge gathers particles that are small enough to get through replaceable filters. Often, electrostatic filters never need to be replaced as they are washable--either by you or a professional. This is an advanced maintenance chore. This variety of filter does result in more confined air flow, which can get worse with time and lack of maintenance.

High Efficiency Air Filters

These are usually four to five-inch-wide high efficiency pleated filters which are tucked like an accordion, which allows for bigger surface area and lower defiance to air-flow. These filters have the best efficiencies (or MERV ratings), which means it removes more of the small particles from the air flow. Some also have activated carbon fibers which offset odors.

Germicidal Lights

Our current, energy efficient homes present a breeding ground for the increase of mold and bacteria that stir with the air we breathe. Ultraviolet light wrecks the DNA of mold, spores, fungi and bacteria on the indoor coil which keep them from getting in the air stream.

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

There are a number of problems that form from having either too much, or too little humidity in your home. Too much humidity creates mold; too little humidity causes respiratory problems. Lennox gives a number of whole-home humidity solutions that will keep you satisfied and breathing easy.

Whole Home Solution

Lennox’s PureAir Air Purification System is a whole-home solution that utilizes a high efficiency carbon filter and photocatalytic oxidation to combat all three types of indoor pollutants: airborne particles, germs and bacteria, and chemical odors and vapors.

The professionals at Phelps Heating & Cooling would love to get together with you and keep the air quality in your home up to the best standards. Call us at 270-358-3167 to talk with one of our indoor air quality specialists if you have any questions about your home comfort.