Why Your House's Indoor Air Quality is Significant

March 25, 2020

The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has likely shifted your regular calendar all over the place.

In uncertain times, you can take comfort in knowing your house is your safe retreat. You’re possibly spending more time there now. That’s why your indoor air quality is now more crucial than ever.

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

Modern houses are tightly closed, which is great for energy efficiency. But it also means your inside air can be worse than the air outside. In actuality, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This could cause a problem, since we spend about 90% of our lifetime indoors.

There are many things that can lead to poor indoor air quality, like cleaning products and air fresheners. These can lead to headaches and worsen allergies and asthma.

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

Not sure which solution is best for your residence? Our skilled pros can conduct an indoor air quality audit. Based off of the results, we can then suggest the most fitting solution for your home’s distinctive needs.

Keep reading to discover more about the air quality equipment we offer.

 

Air Filtration

When looking at air filters, it’s important to look at the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This assesses how successfully it filters pollutants.

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

We suggest upgrading to at minimum a MERV 13, such as the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for optimal outcome. This filter gives fresher air while limiting energy needs*.

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

In advance of buying a more powerful filter, reach us at 281-231-8768. Our professionals can help you find the right option for your equipment.

Air Purification

Lennox® has some of the best air purification systems you can get. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems deliver hospital-grade filtration while taking care of all types of indoor air contaminants.

This powerful equipment can take care of:

  • 99.9% of allergens, like 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 unit. Its powerful rays eliminate bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family has allergies or asthma, this equipment may deliver relief. Especially if you reside in an extremely hot part of the country where bacteria and mold flourish.

This light also offers an added bonus for your comfort unit. It could help it work for a greater period of time and run more efficiently, because it keeps the internal pieces clean.

Our air quality engineers recommend installing 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 home’s air. It completes this without decreasing your heating and cooling system’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Getting balanced humidity in your residence can help keep your household from getting sick during the winter. It can assist with sore throats, itchy skin and peeling lips, amidst further cold weather irritations.

If you don’t know what your house’s humidity percentage is, we’ll measure it while we do your indoor air quality audit. While the range changes based on outdoor temperatures, HVAC professionals typically advise keeping it between 40–60 percent.

You can reach this ideal range by installing a whole-home humidifier. This unit typically accompanies your furnace or air handler to deliver the right level of humidity throughout your house. Some models, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, use an incorporated fan to move humidity when your comfort system isn’t operating.

Turn to the Experts for Your Indoor Air Quality Necessities

At JTech Mechanical, we’re dedicated to making your residence comfier. That’s why we sell Lennox® air quality equipment, which are the most complete solution on the market.

We’re also more than only your heating and cooling company. We're concerned about the health of you and your loved ones. That’s why our technicians are taking added precautions when we come to your home.

To find out more about our air quality products, get in touch with us at 281-231-8768 or contact us online. Our knowledgeable staff can also handle any concerns you could have with a tech coming to your residence 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.