What is Air Purification and Why Do I Need It?

One of the biggest misconceptions in relation to indoor air quality is that the air outside is more polluted than the air inside your home. If you think this way, you may want to reconsider your beliefs. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be two to five times more dangerous than outdoor air. This fact is particularly concerning because most Americans spend their time indoors. Statistically speaking, that’s about 90 percent of your day spent inside, exposing you to different pollutants.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is a preferred HVAC company in Forest Lake MN. For over forty years, we have been helping families establish not only a comfortable living space but also making sure they inhale clean, fresh air.

Overview

The EPA defines Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) as “the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns.”

According to this government agency, there are three basic ways to improve your indoor air quality, namely:

⁃ source control
⁃ improved ventilation
⁃ air cleaners

Source Control

The most effective way to improve your home’s indoor air quality is to eliminate each source of pollution or at least minimize their emissions. One of the most common sources of poor indoor air quality is asbestos, which can be easily sealed or enclosed. Also, gas stoves can be regulated to lower the number of emissions. Most of the time, controlling sources of indoor air pollution is a more cost-effective way to protect your family from contamination than improving ventilation, which can increase energy consumption.

Improved Ventilation

In addition to controlling sources of indoor air pollution, you can also lower the accumulation of airborne pollutants in your home. How? By enhancing your home’s ventilation. The easiest to achieve this is by simply allowing fresh air into your house by opening windows, doors, and other exhaust systems. Your household bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans also remove contaminants directly from the room where these appliances are located.

Air Cleaners

Mechanical ways of purifying your indoor air are also available these days. There are several types, brands, and models of air purification systems. Some units are highly effective at removing particles, while others aren’t. To make sure you’re buying a good air purification system, see how well it collects contaminants from your home and how much air it draws through the filter.

Benefits of an Air Purification System

A good air purification system does more than just regular cleaning. It is a powerful system that combats microscopic contaminants in your home. A household appliance like this will help you and your family breathe more easily, especially those who have preexisting respiratory conditions.

Certain air purification systems are equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that can catch up to 99.97 percent of airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns. HEPA filters remove smaller allergens like dust, smoke, asbestos, radon, pollen, and pet dander.

Not only does an air purification system improve your indoor air quality, but it also helps increase your HVAC system’s efficiency.  A regular HVAC filter only protects your system from visible objects but is not enough to capture other airborne particles. These contaminants can easily pile up in your system and will force it to work with added stress, compromising its energy efficiency. When ignored, your HVAC system will be subjected to more repairs and a shortened lifespan. To avoid these issues, be sure to have a complete air purification system installed in your home.

You may not be aware, but running an air purification system can also help lower your chances of developing Diabetes. This disease isn’t only about poor diet, smoking, and genetics. Studies have shown that poor indoor air quality contributes to the development of Type 2 Diabetes. The risk of having this disease is significantly increased by both gaseous and particulate air pollutants. So, maintaining healthy indoor air quality is a step toward avoiding Diabetes, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease.

Contact the Indoor Air Quality Pros

To find out more about air purification in your home, call Four Seasons Air Specialists, your leading Hugo heating and air conditioning company.