When thinking about air pollution, what comes to your mind? Are you visualizing factory smoke and car exhaust? We wouldn’t blame you if you did because those fumes do pollute the air. However, did you know that the inside of your home is likely more polluted than the outside? You heard it right. Dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, insect sprays, and even your cooking gas contribute to indoor air pollution. For this reason, you should protect your family from microscopic airborne contaminants released by these things.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted HVAC company in Minnetonka MN. We have been helping homeowners keep their indoor air clean and safe while maintaining a comfortable living space.
Air Purification and Its Importance
Let’s talk about statistics to help us understand the importance of having clean air that circulates throughout your home. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that indoor air is usually 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside. This number can go way higher if you have ongoing maintenance or renovation works.
Your indoor air has a direct effect on your comfort as well as your physical health. According to the National Air Filtration Association, about 95 to 98 percent of indoor air is made up of microscopic particles smaller than one micron. These particles include viruses, bacteria, dust, and smoke that can cause different kinds of illnesses.
Indoor air pollution weakens your body by decreasing your overall energy level, making your lungs work harder. This issue can lead to more serious health problems if not addressed appropriately.
Air purification systems are a great way to clean the air in your home. An air purifier works by passing air through filters, which catch small particles and remove them from the air in the room. It can help you deal with allergies, awful smells, snoring, and more.
What are HEPA Filters?
The name HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. This is a type of mechanical filter that works by forcing air through a very fine mesh that’s designed to capture harmful particles, like the one we mentioned above, plus tobacco or cigarette smoke.
Do you know how many chemicals are found in cigarette smoke? It contains over 4,000 chemicals, most of which are carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals). Direct inhalation of cigarette smoke can cause many health problems such as asthma, lung cancer, emphysema, and heart disease. You may not be a smoker yourself, but if you are exposed to one, you remain at risk of developing these illnesses.
HEPA and Regular Filters
A conventional filter (about 1 inch thick) protects your HVAC equipment but is not designed to improve indoor air quality. It takes the visible dirt out of the air but helps very little concerning the quality of the air you breathe.
Conversely, high-efficiency filters are engineered to clean contaminated air. They can remove even microscopic particles like bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and cigarette smoke. They also reduce allergens, respiratory irritants, dust, dirt, and pet dander.
You will appreciate upgrading to HEPA filters if you are living with kids, the elderly, or persons with preexisting respiratory conditions. Since these filters capture up to 99.97 percent of all airborne contaminants as small as 0.3 microns, so you are assured that your whole family inhales nothing but clean, fresh air. That’s something your regular HVAC filter just cannot promise.
HEPA Filters and Allergies
Equipping your home with HEPA filters allows you to remove most airborne particles that trigger or aggravate allergies. However, other contaminants are not found in the air but under your rugs, bedding, and drapes. Therefore, it’s necessary to keep these areas clean. Whenever possible, try to eliminate the sources of allergies and irritants. Using HEPA filters and regular home cleaning will keep contaminants at bay and keep you safe from allergy and respiratory infection triggers.
Boost Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality with the Pros
To increase your defense against airborne contaminants, be sure to call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We will provide you with helpful information about indoor air quality and guide you into making an informed decision. We have been the go-to Edina heating and air conditioning company since 1974.