Why Your House's Indoor Air Quality is Important

March 25, 2020

The international growth of COVID-19 has likely flipped your regular calendar upside down.

In uncertain times, you can take comfort in knowing your house is your safe area. You’re possibly spending more time there now. As a result, your indoor air quality is now more crucial than ever.

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

Up-to-date residences are tightly airtight, which is fantastic for energy efficiency. But it also means your home’s air can be worse than the air outside. In actuality, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This may be troublesome, since we spend about 90% of our days in a building.

There are many things that can contribute to poor indoor air quality, such as cleaning products and air fresheners. These may result in headaches and exasperate allergies and asthma.

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

Not certain which system is a good fit for your residence? Our skilled technicians can complete an indoor air quality audit. Based on the results, we can then recommend the most fitting option for your household’s distinct needs.

Keep reading to learn more about the air quality solutions we sell.

 

Air Filtration

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

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

We suggest buying at minimum a MERV 13, like the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the most ideal outcome. This filter gives clearer air while reducing energy use*.

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are deemed the gold standard in air filtration, since 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 getting a more powerful filter, contact us at 308-832-4321. Our professionals can help you find the right solution for your equipment.

Air Purification

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

These powerful systems can eliminate:

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

UV Germicidal Lights

A UV germicidal light is placed within your heating and cooling equipment. Its strong rays eradicate bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family suffers from allergies or asthma, this equipment can give relief. Especially if you live in a humid part of the country where bacteria and mold thrive.

This light also provides an additional perk for your HVAC equipment. It can help it last longer and operate more efficiently, since it keeps the internal pieces clean.

Our air quality engineers recommend combining one of these lights with an enhanced filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for the best effect. This filter offers industry-leading MERV 16 filtration combined with carbon-coated fibers to trap particles in your home’s air. It fulfills this without decreasing your comfort system’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Getting even humidity in your house might help keep your family in good health in the winter months. It can aid sore throats, dry skin and chapped lips, in addition to further cold weather irritations.

If you aren’t sure of what your home’s humidity percentage is, we’ll determine it while we perform your indoor air quality audit. While the range fluctuates based upon outdoor temperatures, HVAC professionals usually recommend keeping it between 40–60 percent.

You can achieve this optimum range by installing a whole-home humidifier. This equipment usually functions with your furnace or air handler to deliver optimum humidity throughout your home. Some equipment, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, have an incorporated fan to spread humidity while your comfort system isn’t on.

Turn to the Professionals for Your Indoor Air Quality Needs

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

We’re also more than just your heating and cooling company. We're concerned about the well-being of you and your loved ones. That’s why our technicians are taking more precautions when we visit your home.

To discover more about our air quality solution, reach us at 308-832-4321 or contact us online. Our friendly staff can also answer any apprehension you may have with a pro visiting your residence at this time.

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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.