Why Your Home's Indoor Air Quality Matters

March 25, 2020

The global growth of COVID-19 has likely flipped your typical schedule into a jumble.

When things feel uncertain, you can take peace in knowing your house is your safe area. You’re possibly spending more time there now. That’s why your indoor air quality is now more important than ever.

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

Up-to-date houses are securely closed, which is great for energy efficiency. But it also means your indoor air could be worse than the air outside. In fact, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This could be troublesome, since we spend about 90% of our time inside.

There are many elements that can contribute to poor indoor air quality, like cleaning products and air fresheners. These could create headaches and irritate allergies and asthma.

There’s a combination of actions you can take to improve your air quality. Some include improved air filters, an air purification system or an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light.

Not certain which solution is best for your house? Our expert techs can complete an indoor air quality audit. Based upon our findings, we can then recommend the best solution for your home’s distinctive needs.

Keep reading to find out more about the air quality solutions we offer.

 

Air Filtration

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

One of the most ordinary and lowest priced filters, flat fiberglass filters, rank between 1 and 4 on the MERV register. Pleated filters are a little bit better, rated between 8 and 12.

We recommend buying at minimum a MERV 13, for instance, the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the most ideal results. This filter provides cleaner air while reducing energy use*.

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

In advance of buying a better filter, give us a call at 270-358-3167. Our professionals can help you find the most ideal option for your system.

Air Purification

Lennox® provides some of the best air purification equipment you can buy. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems provide hospital-grade filtration while managing all categories of indoor air contaminants.

These powerful systems can eliminate:

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

UV Germicidal Lights

A UV germicidal light is installed within your HVAC system. Its powerful rays eliminate bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family has allergies or asthma, this system can give relief. Especially if you reside in an extremely hot climate where bacteria and mold grow quickly.

This light also offers an extra perk for your HVAC system. It may help it last for a longer period of time and run more efficiently, as it keeps the internal parts clean.

Our air quality engineers advise using one of these lights with an improved filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for optimal outcome. This filter provides industry-leading MERV 16 filtration plus carbon-coated fibers to catch particles in your house’s air. It fulfills this without limiting your heating and cooling system’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Having correct humidity in your residence might help keep your loved ones healthy when it’s cold. It can assist with sore throats, flaky skin and peeling lips, amidst further cold weather irritations.

If you don’t know what your home’s humidity percentage is, we’ll measure it while we perform your indoor air quality audit. While the range varies based upon outdoor temperatures, HVAC pros typically recommend keeping it between 40–60 percent.

You can achieve this ideal range with a whole-home humidifier. This system generally works with your furnace or air handler to provide optimal humidity throughout your residence. Some units, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, have a built-in fan to spread humidity during the time your heating unit isn’t running.

Depend on the Experts for Your Indoor Air Quality Needs

At Phelps Heating & Cooling, we’re committed to making your home comfier. That’s why we provide Lennox® air quality products, which are the most comprehensive solution on the market.

We’re also more than merely your heating and cooling company. We're concerned about the health of you and your family. That’s why our techs are taking extra precautions when we come to your residence.

To find out more about our air quality products, reach us at 270-358-3167 or contact us online. Our knowledgeable staff can also answer any concerns you might have with a tech coming to your house today.

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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.