Most people spend many hours indoors at home and at work, making indoor air quality (IAQ) one of the most influential factors affecting health. Unfortunately, the IAQ in the average home is quite polluted and is even more polluted than city air. Without a proactive IAQ strategy in place, occupants are at risk of illness, less productive work and long-term adverse health effects. Keep reading to learn how whole-house air cleaners may benefit your health and home.
IAQ and Health Risks
The average home contains a host of allergens, microorganisms, viruses, emissions, germs and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This is a lot to take in, but it’s an unfortunate reality. Household members with pre-existing health ailments, such as asthma and allergies, or the very young and old, are at higher risk of illness or irritated and exacerbated symptoms of existing conditions caused by poor IAQ.
Whole-House Air Cleaners
Installing air cleaners in the home is beneficial for trapping and removing airborne pollutants that might otherwise recirculate through your forced-air HVAC system. While portable and tabletop air cleaners may benefit a small room, the real solution to poor IAQ is whole-house air cleaners.
Whole-house air cleaners are installed inside the ductwork of an existing forced-air furnace. Return air is pulled through the air cleaner before it enters the blower compartment. In this design, the air cleaner protects the HVAC components as well. Here are some common devices of whole-house air-cleaning systems:
- HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are common components in air-cleaning systems, and remove 99.97 percent of viruses, bacteria, particulates and emissions.
- Carbon-activated filters remove common odors, such as tobacco smoke and pet odors.
- Electronic air cleaners use attraction with washable electrically-charged plates to remove airborne allergens.
- Ultraviolet (UV) light systems destroy microorganisms, such as mold spores, viruses and bacteria with low levels of radiation.
Each of these air-cleaning devices are available singularly, or you can opt for an air-purification system which combines these devices for powerful whole-house air purification.
For more information about the health benefits of whole-house air cleaners, please contact Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. in Dayton today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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