Why Your Home's Indoor Air Quality is Important

March 25, 2020

The worldwide growth of COVID-19 has likely shifted your typical routine all over the place.

When things feel uncertain, you can feel good in knowing your residence is your safe retreat. You’re possibly spending more time there today. Consequently your indoor air quality is now more crucial than ever.

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

Up-to-date houses are securely sealed, which is good for energy efficiency. But it also means your indoor air might be worse than the air outside. In actuality, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This might be problematic, since we spend about 90% of our time indoors.

There are many factors that can lead to poor indoor air quality, like cleaning products and air fresheners. These might create headaches and irritate allergies and asthma.

There are a few actions you can take to enhance your air quality. Some include enhanced air filters, an air purification system or an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light.

Not certain which system is best for your house? Our expert professionals can complete an indoor air quality audit. Based upon the outcome, we can then suggest the ideal option for your family’s distinct needs.

Continue reading to discover more about the air quality solutions we offer.

 

Air Filtration

When browsing air filters, it’s essential to consider the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This gauges how efficiently it filters contaminants.

One of the most common and most economical filters, flat fiberglass filters, are graded between 1 and 4 on the MERV scale. Pleated filters are slightly better, graded between 8 and 12.

We suggest installing no less than a MERV 13, like the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for optimal results. This filter provides clearer air while limiting energy use*.

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

In advance of installing an enhanced filter, contact us at 204-272-8128. Our experts can help you choose the most ideal option for your unit.

Air Purification

Lennox® provides some of the most advanced air purification systems you can buy. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems provide hospital-grade filtration while handling all kinds of indoor air contaminants.

These powerful units can wipe out:

  • 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 inside your heating and cooling system. Its strong rays wipe out bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family struggles with allergies or asthma, this equipment could offer relief. Especially if you reside in an extremely hot area where bacteria and mold thrive.

This light also provides an added bonus for your comfort system. It may help it work for a longer period of time and run more efficiently, since it keeps the internal parts clean.

Our air quality engineers recommend combining one of these lights with an improved filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for the greatest results. This filter provides industry-leading MERV 16 filtration in addition to carbon-coated fibers to remove particles from your residence’s air. It fulfills this without decreasing your comfort unit’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Getting even humidity in your residence could help keep your family from getting sick when it’s cold. It can aid sore throats, dry skin and chapped lips, in addition to other cold weather annoyances.

If you aren’t sure of 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 equipment typically functions with your furnace or air handler to give the right level of humidity around your residence. Some equipment, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, use a built-in fan to move humidity during the time your comfort unit isn’t operating.

Trust the Professionals for Your Indoor Air Quality Requirements

At Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re dedicated to making your residence more comfortable. That’s why we provide Lennox® air quality equipment, which are the most exhaustive solution you can get.

We’re also more than merely your heating and cooling company. We're concerned about the health of you and your loved ones. That’s why our technicians are taking more precautions when we arrive at your residence.

To find out more about our air quality equipment, get in touch with us at 204-272-8128 or contact us online. Our knowledgeable staff can also address any apprehension you may have with a pro visiting your home 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.