Indoor AIR QUALITY (IAQ)
Do you or a family member suffer from seasonal allergies or have a family member with breathing issues? What about pets that may leave the house smelling not so fresh? If so, there are easy, affordable steps you can take to improve the air quality in your home, by reducing allergens, pet dander, and bacteria/viruses in the air!
With so many options how do I know which one is right for me?
Filtration
The first and easiest step to improve air quality is by choosing a good quality filter. Many people choose to buy cheap, standard quality filters that only catch larger particles of dust and other contaminants when there are plenty of higher MERV options available that do a much better job. What is MERV?At its most basic, MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is a measure of efficiency. The MERV value takes information on the efficiency of the filter against a range of particles from coarse (such as pollens) to fine (such as smoke), then condenses into one easy-to-understand number.
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MERV 1 to 4 - Minimal equipment protection, "Zero" air treatment level, this would be your 1-inch "spun fiberglass" cardboard frame throwaway type filter.
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MERV 5 to 8 - Basic equipment protection and basic air treatment level, this would be your 1-inch "pleated" cardboard frame throwaway type filter.
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MERV 9 to 12 - Better equipment protection and improved air treatment level, this would be your 2 to 4-inch "pleated" cardboard frame throwaway type filter media.
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MERV 13 to 16 (Hospital Grade) - Best equipment protection and superior air treatment level, this would be your special types 4-inch "pleated" media's and the electronic types.
​By having a larger filter housing installed you are able to filter much smaller particles resulting in a cleaner, healthier house. Another benefit is that you are protecting your HVAC investment by keeping the interior squeaky clean and running efficiently.
UV Lights
One of the most common ways to improve indoor air quality is by installing ultraviolet (UV-C) lights in the HVAC system. These lights emit UV-C radiation, which disrupts the DNA and RNA of microorganisms while also destroying essential proteins needed for their survival. This dual action prevents reproduction and eliminates the organism entirely, reducing airborne pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.
However, there are a few important considerations regarding UV lighting:
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Limited Contact: UV lights do not actively pull contaminants toward them. Microorganisms must pass directly through the light’s exposure zone to be affected.
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Ineffective for Non-Biological Particles: While UV-C light is highly effective against airborne biological contaminants, it does not capture or neutralize dust, dirt, pet dander, or chemical pollutants.
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Bulb Maintenance: Like any light source, UV bulbs degrade over time and require periodic replacement, which can be an added maintenance cost.
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Ozone Emission: Some UV-C lights produce a small amount of ozone as a byproduct, but it is typically within safe limits set by health standards. For those concerned about ozone, LED UV-C options are available that produce no ozone at all.
When combined with other air purification technologies, UV lights can significantly enhance indoor air quality by reducing biological contaminants in the air and on HVAC surfaces.
Ionizers
Ionizers are a simple yet effective way to improve indoor air quality and can be easily installed in most central HVAC systems. They work by using high voltage to electrically charge molecules in the air, creating ions (typically negatively charged). These ions then attach to airborne particles like dust, pollen, and smoke, giving them an electrical charge.
Once charged, these particles are naturally attracted to oppositely charged surfaces or other particles, causing them to clump together into larger, heavier particles. As a result, they either settle out of the air more quickly or get captured more effectively by HVAC filters—reducing the number of airborne contaminants in your home.
​Some early ionizer models produced ozone as a byproduct, which is known to irritate the lungs and should be avoided. However, the models we carry produce no ozone whatsoever and have been independently tested to be safe for indoor use. These ionizers are highly effective at reducing allergens, mold, bacteria, and even odors from pets and smoke. Plus, they self-clean and require no maintenance!
Ozone Emitters
Unlike safe ionizers, ozone generators (or ozone-emitting ionizers) intentionally produce ozone, which has been shown to cause respiratory issues, chest pain, and lung damage. These devices should be avoided entirely in occupied spaces.
