We are often concerned about exterior air quality relating to levels of pollen and other particulates. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), however, pollutant levels can be 100 times higher inside your home than outside. That’s because new homes utilize more airtight construction techniques for greater energy conservation. Plus, most air conditioning units are closed systems: the same air is recirculated without fresh air being introduced. This may result in bad air quality, and we’ll discuss three methods to deal with this below.
Dealing with Bad Air Quality
There are several indicators of bad air quality in your home. First, persistent condensation on the inside of windows indicates high humidity which can lead to mold growth. You may have a persistent musty smell no matter how often you air out your house. You might also notice more frequent allergy or asthma flare-ups.
Bad air quality is nothing to take lightly given the health issues it can cause. If you suspect air quality is a problem in your home, contact your local air filtration experts for a thorough inspection and evaluation.
1. Electronic Air Filters
One option we highly recommend is an electronic air filter. These filters typically have three components working in tandem to create fresh, clean air.
The first stage is a filter which captures larger particles. Smaller particles remaining in the air then enter an ionizing area where charged particles clump together and are captured by a second filter. Air finally moves into an ozone generator where unstable molecules containing extra oxygen bond with and then kill microorganisms.
2. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters
HEPA filters use only air flow to capture over 99% of particles larger than three microns. Larger particles are trapped first by HEPA filter fibers overlaid like an accordion. Smaller particles are filtered out by either diffusion, interception, or impaction. Odors are not removed by HEPA filters, so they are often paired with an activated carbon filter.
3. Duct Sealing & Cleaning
Leaks in ductwork can also impact air quality by introducing bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants into your home. Leaks can also raise humidity levels, causing condensation on window interiors. The more troubling result of this higher humidity can be the growth of mold inside ducts.
Air conditioning professionals use thermometers and pressure gauges to determine the exact locations of leaks as ductwork is located behind walls and above ceilings. Holes can be patched, loose fittings tightened, and failing hardware replaced. After this, your ducts should be cleaned to remove any contaminants in them.
Choose the Right Contractor
Your family deserves the best air quality inside your home for a fair price. The origins of Collier’s Comfort date back over twenty years, but our philosophy has stayed the same: do a quality job for an affordable price. That’s why our technicians have National Association of Technician Excellence (NATE) certifications, and we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Contact Collier’s Comfort for air filtration systems in Fort Wayne today!