Buyers Guide to a Better Air Filtration System

Ozone. Emissions. Bad air quality days. If you focus on news sources, it’s easy to assume the worst air quality exists outside of your home. Would it surprise you to learn how unhealthy the air is inside your home?

Indoor air quality – IAQ – refers to the quality of air inside a residential or commercial location. It refers to the comfort levels, well-being, as well as the overall health of everyone who occupies the space. It may impact comfort or health immediately – a cold room, or noticeable allergy symptoms – or may take weeks or even months to be noticeable – mold and mildew problems.

Indoor air quality problems can be caused by a variety of things, including

• Asbestos
• Pesticides
• Mold
• Formaldehyde
• Second hand smoke
• Lead
• VOCs – volatile organic compounds
• Asthma triggers
• Combustible products
• Chemicals

Proper ventilation can reduce the impact of these indoor air pollutants. But what does that mean? How do you achieve proper ventilation inside your home?

It starts with identifying problem areas. Have you recently remodeled or renovated your home? Do you have one room that’s stuffier than the rest? Are there musty odors? Do you have moisture problems? Are some areas better controlled than others?

Working with one of our technicians, you can analyze the problem areas in your home. Measure the pollutant levels to discover where your problems lie. If you determine radon or other VOCs exist in heavy concentrations, you can do what’s necessary to solve the problem.

Better air filtration starts with taking the proper steps to reduce energy consumption. Add weather stripping to windows and doors. Caulk to fill in gaps. Ensure proper levels of insulation.

It also means changing out old filters regularly to ensure your HVAC equipment is running effectively.

If you have never had your ductwork cleaned, it may be worth investigating. It’s also worth looking at the condition of your ductwork, to ensure there aren’t any leaks or other problems causing your HVAC to be less than efficient.

A better air filtration system also looks at humidity levels. Proper humidity levels should be between 30 to 50 percent. If it’s above 50 percent, you risk mold growth. If it’s lower, the dry air can impact everything from your health to impacting hardwood throughout your home. It may be time for a whole house humidifier to properly monitor humidity levels no matter what the weather conditions are on the outside.

Better ventilation also means installing air cleaners, purification systems, and other mechanical items that help clean your living environment. With today’s technology, there are many ways to accomplish this using air cleaners, air scrubbers, UV lights, and other technology.

What’s the best way to create a healthier, more comfortable environment inside your home?

Contact us today. We’re happy to evaluate your current system, and make recommendations to give your more comfort, better health, and a more efficient way to enjoy all you do inside your home.