Why Your Home's Indoor Air Quality is Important

March 25, 2020

The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has likely turned your typical schedule upside down.

When things feel uncertain, you can take peace in knowing your home is your safe retreat. You’re probably spending more time there today. As a result, your indoor air quality is now more critical than ever.

Did you realize 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 firmly airtight, which is good for energy efficiency. But it also means your inside air may be worse than the air outside. In fact, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This could be troublesome, since we spend about 90% of our days inside.

There are many things that can lead to poor indoor air quality, such as cleaning products and air fresheners. These may cause headaches and irritate allergies and asthma.

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

Not sure which solution is right for your house? Our skilled professionals can conduct an indoor air quality audit. Based on the outcome, we can then recommend the ideal choice for your home’s distinct needs.

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

 

Air Filtration

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

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

We suggest upgrading to at minimum a MERV 13, for instance, the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the best results. This filter delivers clearer air while lowering energy needs*.

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

Before installing a better filter, reach us at 877-389-2465. Our professionals can help you select the right option for your system.

Air Purification

Lennox® has some of the best air purification equipment you can purchase. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems deliver hospital-grade filtration while managing all categories of indoor air contaminants.

These powerful units can wipe out:

  • 99.9% of allergens, including 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 within your heating and cooling system. Its powerful rays eliminate bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family suffers from allergies or asthma, this system could offer relief. Especially if you reside in a humid climate where bacteria and mold flourish.

This light also has an added perk for your HVAC unit. It can help it last for a greater period of time and run more efficiently, as it keeps the internal components clean.

Our air quality engineers suggest using one of these lights with an improved filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for optimal outcome. This filter offers industry-leading MERV 16 filtration in addition to carbon-coated fibers to trap particles in your residence’s air. It does all of this without decreasing your heating and cooling system’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Having even humidity in your residence could help keep your family healthy in the winter months. It can aid sore throats, flaky skin and cracked lips, among added cold weather irritations.

If you aren’t aware of what your home’s humidity level is, we’ll measure it while we do your indoor air quality audit. While the range fluctuates based on outdoor temperatures, HVAC experts generally recommend keeping it between 40–60 percent.

You can reach this optimum range by using a whole-home humidifier. This system usually works with your furnace or air handler to deliver optimal humidity across your residence. Some equipment, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, use a built-in fan to move humidity when your HVAC unit isn’t operating.

Rely on the Professionals for Your Indoor Air Quality Needs

At Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, we’re dedicated to making your residence more relaxing. That’s why we offer Lennox® air quality products, which are the most comprehensive solution you can buy.

We’re also more than merely your heating and cooling company. We're concerned about the well-being of you and your household. That’s why we’re taking added precautions when we arrive at your home.

To learn more about our air quality equipment, reach us at 877-389-2465 or contact us online. Our friendly staff can also answer any apprehension you could have with a professional visiting your residence 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.