Why Your House's Indoor Air Quality Matters

March 25, 2020

The global growth of COVID-19 has likely turned your daily calendar upside down.

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

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

Modern residences are securely airtight, 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 time inside.

There are many factors that can lead to poor indoor air quality, including cleaning products and air fresheners. These may result in headaches and exasperate allergies and asthma.

There are several things you can do to improve your air quality. Some include enhanced air filters, an air purification system or an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light.

Unsure which system is best for your house? Our knowledgeable professionals can conduct an indoor air quality audit. Based on the outcome, we can then suggest the best option for your household’s distinct needs.

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

 

Air Filtration

When comparing air filters, you should consider the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This gauges how efficiently it filters air.

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 a little bit better, rated between 8 and 12.

We suggest upgrading to no less than a MERV 13, for example, the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the most ideal effect. This filter gives fresher air while lowering energy needs*.

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

Ahead of installing a more powerful filter, give us a call at 254-355-3833. Our professionals can help you find the most ideal option for your unit.

Air Purification

Lennox® offers some of the best air purification systems you can buy. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems offer hospital-grade filtration while managing all kinds of indoor air contaminants.

These powerful units can take care of:

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

UV Germicidal Lights

A UV germicidal light is placed on the inside of your heating and cooling unit. Its penetrating rays eradicate bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family struggles with allergies or asthma, this system might provide relief. Especially if you are in a muggy area where bacteria and mold flourish.

This light also offers an added advantage for your heating and cooling system. It might help it run for a greater period of time and operate more efficiently, since it keeps the internal components clean.

Our air quality engineers recommend using one of these lights with an upgraded filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for optimal effect. This filter delivers industry-leading MERV 16 filtration combined with carbon-coated fibers to remove particles from your home’s air. It fulfills this without limiting your comfort system’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Acquiring correct humidity in your house could help keep your loved ones from getting sick when it’s cold. It can help with sore throats, flaky skin and chapped lips, among further cold weather bothers.

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

You can achieve this ideal range by installing a whole-home humidifier. This equipment generally accompanies your furnace or air handler to provide optimum humidity throughout your house. Some equipment, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, have a built-in fan to circulate humidity during the time your heating unit isn’t on.

Turn to the Professionals for Your Indoor Air Quality Necessities

At J & J Air Conditioning, we’re dedicated to making your house more comfortable. That’s why we offer Lennox® air quality products, which are the most comprehensive solution on the market.

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

To discover more about our air quality solution, get in touch with us at 254-355-3833 or contact us online. Our friendly staff can also address any apprehension you might have with a professional visiting 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.