Combat Indoor Air Pollution with Air Filtration Systems

August 10, 2021

Categories: Indoor Air Quality

Summer is here! Hot, sunny days call for turning on your air conditioning and closing your windows to keep that cool air inside. But did you know that shutting your windows not only keeps cool air in, but also pollutants such as dust, dirt, mold, and more? So how can you keep your house cool and air clean? The answer: air sanitizers. Check out our guide on air filtration systems so you can combat indoor air pollution like a pro.

What is Indoor Air Pollution?

Before we jump into our guide, let’s begin by understanding indoor air pollution and quality. According to the EPA, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality in and around buildings that affects the health and comfort of building occupants. This air can become polluted by gas appliances, lead, tobacco products, carbon monoxide, radon, dangerous chemicals used in household cleaners, and more. Indoor air pollution occurs when these pollutants become trapped in your house due to poor ventilation and can cause adverse health effects that can be immediate (eye, nose, and throat irritation, dizziness, fatigue) or long-term (some respiratory diseases, heart disease, cancer).

Surprisingly, indoor air can be much more polluted than the outdoor air in even the biggest and most crowded cities. Additionally, the EPA claims that people spend about 90% of their time indoors, mostly in their homes. As a result, eliminating or reducing indoor air pollution is extremely important for you and your family’s health.

Guide for Air Filtration Systems

Types of Air Filters

Portable Air Cleaners

Also known as air purifiers or air sanitizers, portable air cleaners help to filter air in one room or area. It’s recommended that portable air cleaners be placed in rooms that are most occupied. These air purifiers can have a few types of filters, which include:

• HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air – HEPA filters need to meet a standard of capturing at least 99.97% of all particles larger than .3 microns. These filters catch mold and bacteria, helping to sanitize the air. Unfortunately, HEPA filters don’t remove odors, chemicals, or gases.
• Activated Carbon Filters – These filters trap odors, chemical emissions, gases, and tobacco smoke. These filters are good for people with asthma, children, and the elderly, as they can filter formaldehyde and perfumes.

Whole House Air Purification Systems

Designed to clean air throughout a home, whole home air purifiers clean air as it circulates through your HVAC system. There are several types of HVAC air purifying technologies including:

• Ion Generators – Ion purifiers can be portable or installed in your HVAC. These systems charge the particles in a room so that they become attracted to surfaces such as walls, floors, tables, curtains, etc. Some systems have a collector to attract these charged particles when they renter the air.
  • iWave Air Purifier – At Martinov, we can install the iWave Air Purifier, an ion generator that kills mold, bacteria, and viruses, into your HVAC system. The iWave also reduces indoor allergens, smoke, and static electricity, all without creating ozone or any harmful byproducts.
• UV Light – UV light technology kills bacteria and viruses. This method is most effective when used in conjunction with a HEPA or activated carbon filter.
  • Fresh-Aire UV – Our expert team also installs Fresh-Aire UV, a whole-house UV light and activated carbon air purifier that eliminates both particles and germs.

Choosing the Best Air Filtration System for You

Portable Air Cleaners

With a variety of portable air filtration options available, it can be hard to know which is best for your needs. The EPA has several standards and things to look out for when it comes to choosing an air cleaning system:

• Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) – The higher the CADR, the more particles the air cleaner can filter and the larger room it can clean. The packaging for the air cleaner should list the largest size room it can be used in. Be sure to select the appropriate CADR for the size of your area.
• Eliminating Gas – Although there is no rating system for them, activated carbon filters can effectively remove gas. Look for a portable air cleaner that has both a high CADR rating and an activated carbon filter to filter both particles and gases.
• Fan Speeds & Run Times – Higher fan speed and longer run time will allow more air to filter through your system.

Whole House Air Purification Systems

Air purifiers that are installed directly into your HVAC system purify the air as long as your system is running. Here are some things to consider when choosing a system:

• System Must be Operating – HVAC system air purifiers only work when the system is running and circulating air. In spaces where intense air purification is needed, HVAC purification may not be the top choice as longer run times will increase utility costs.
• Less Control – Because air purification only happens when your HVAC system is running, it can be hard to control purification. With portable systems, you can simply flip a switch to start purification. But with whole house air purification systems, you are at the mercy of your HVAC system.
• Less Effort – While some may see having less control over their air purification schedule as a problem, it can be a relief for others. Because air is purified whenever it’s circulated through your HVAC system, you never have to think about turning an air purifier on and off.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality Today with Help from Martinov Home Solutions

Interested in improving your indoor air quality? Our expert technicians will help you select the best air filtration system for your specific needs. Contact Martinov, your trusted Akron area heating and cooling company, to get started on cleaner air today!