Indoor air quality is a concern for anyone who lives in a big metro area. Pollutants, allergens, humidity and germs are just a few of the things you encounter outside but with efficient air cleaners, you won’t have to deal with them inside.
There are two basic types of cleaners from which to choose:
- Mechanical – These are the most common. They have filters that attract particles so that the particles stick to the material and are removed from the air.
- Electronic – These cleaners work differently. They send charged particles out into the air to bond with pollutants so that they settle on the walls, floor and other surfaces, where they’re easy to vacuum or clean up.
The right type of cleaner can help you improve your indoor air quality by capturing a variety of particles and removing from circulation:
- Dust and dirt
- Mold
- Pollen
- Bacteria
- Pet dander
- Smoke and tobacco smoke
All of these particles can be removed and controlled but you need to understand the limitations and weaknesses of your indoor air quality products:.
- Filters – Both mechanical and electronic filters struggle with large particles because they often settle from the air before reaching the filter. Also, the smallest particles can pass through most filters; high-efficiency filters can impede system airflow; and they need to cleaned or replaced regularly.
- UVGI – Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation lights can be effective if installed correctly but sometimes they’re placed where mold spores and bacteria pass through without being exposed to the lights long enough to be killed.
- PCO – Photocatalytic oxidation cleaners are supposed to convert gaseous particles to harmless particles but they don’t work well in most homes. We don’t recommend installing them in most circumstances.
The best thing for most homes is to combine high-quality air filters with properly installed UVGI cleaners. That way most particles are removed at some point in the process. You just need to remember to replace or clean your filters regularly.
Whether you’re having indoor air quality problems or you simply want to have your indoor air quality checked, contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been helping homeowners in The Twin Cities metro area stay comfortable and save money since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about indoor air quality and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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