Today’s indoor air pollution often exceeds that of the outdoors, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Newer homes with modern insulation creating a tight envelope are particularly susceptible to indoor air pollution. Air purifiers can remove dust, pet dander, smoke, and airborne pathogens. Removing these from your air helps you breathe easier and reduces allergy and asthma symptoms for family members with respiratory issues.
Understanding Indoor Air Pollution
Indoor air pollution comes from various sources, with both particulate matter and gaseous pollutants contributing to poor air quality. These pollutants can significantly affect your health, especially in homes with limited ventilation.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in humid environments and feed on dead skin cells. They are a major trigger for allergies and asthma. Regular cleaning and using allergen-proof mattresses and pillow covers can help reduce dust mite buildup.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs are chemicals found in many household products, such as paints, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and furniture. These substances release harmful gases that can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat and contribute to long-term health issues. Ensuring proper ventilation when using products with VOCs and opting for low-VOC alternatives can help improve indoor air quality.
Everyday activities can also release VOCs into the air. For instance, cooking with gas stoves or using non-stick cookware can release VOCs, including formaldehyde. Additionally, products used when washing your clothes, such as detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets, can emit harmful gases, especially those with synthetic fragrances. Keeping your home well-ventilated with exhaust fans and choosing low-VOC cleaning and laundry products can help minimize exposure to these harmful chemicals.
Mold Spores
Mold spores grow in damp, warm areas, such as bathrooms and basements. They can cause respiratory problems, especially for those with mold sensitivities. To prevent mold growth, keep your home dry and well-ventilated, especially in areas prone to moisture.
Bacteria and Viruses
Bacteria and viruses can linger in the air and on surfaces, particularly during cold and flu season. These pathogens can spread illness between family members. Regular cleaning and good hygiene practices, like washing hands and disinfecting surfaces, can help limit their spread.
Combustion Byproducts
Combustion byproducts, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, are released from gas stoves, fireplaces, and even furnaces if you skip annual tune-ups. It’s essential to ensure your appliances are well-maintained and your fireplace is properly vented to prevent these harmful gases from accumulating indoors.
Carbon monoxide, in particular, can be especially dangerous as it is colorless and odorless. Installing a carbon monoxide detector in key areas of your home can provide an added layer of safety. Regular maintenance of your gas appliances, including checking ventilation systems and replacing filters, can help ensure your home remains safe and free from harmful combustion byproducts.
Pet Dander
Pet dander consists of tiny flakes of skin shed by animals, and it can trigger allergic reactions and aggravate asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. Regular grooming and vacuuming can help reduce pet dander in the home. Consider brushing and washing your furry family members outdoors if the weather permits.
How Air Purifiers Work
Even with regular cleaning and proper ventilation, some pollutants linger in the air and are difficult to remove. That’s where air purifiers make a difference. Most air purifiers work through a series of filtration and purification processes. This multi-stage filtration process helps ensure the system removes as many pollutants as possible, improving the overall air quality in your home.
Pre-Filter
The pre-filter is the first stage in the filtration process of an air purifier. Its primary function is to capture larger particles, such as pet hair, dust, lint, and larger allergens. Some pre-filters are designed to be washable, so you do not constantly have to buy new ones. Depending on the model of the air purifier, pre-filters can be made from a variety of materials, including foam, mesh, or static collection grids. These materials effectively trap larger particles, extending the lifetime of the more expensive filters deeper in your system.
HEPA Filter
HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, and it is one of the most effective filtration technologies available. HEPA filters can remove up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including common allergens like pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander. These filters are particularly beneficial for homeowners with allergies or asthma, as they can significantly reduce airborne particles that trigger respiratory issues. HEPA filters also capture some bacteria and larger viruses, making them a great option for improving overall air quality.
One important thing to note is that HEPA filters are designed to trap particles, not to remove gases or odors. For odors and volatile organic VOCs, additional filtration methods, such as activated carbon filters, are needed.
Activated Carbon Filter
Activated carbon filters are highly effective in removing stubborn odors and gases, making them a valuable addition to any air purifier. These filters can trap smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemical fumes, and cooking odors. They are especially helpful for homeowners dealing with pet odors, cooking smells, or smoke from nearby wildfires.
This type of filter works through adsorption, where pollutant molecules adhere to the surface of the carbon. Activated carbon has a porous surface with a large surface area, which allows it to capture and trap pollutants effectively.
UV-C Light
Some air purifiers are equipped with UV-C light technology, which is designed to kill airborne bacteria and viruses, adding an extra layer of protection for your family. UV-C light works by emitting ultraviolet radiation that damages the DNA or RNA of microorganisms, preventing them from replicating and rendering them inactive. This can be particularly beneficial for households looking to reduce the spread of germs, especially during cold and flu season.
Whole-Home Air Purification
While portable air purifiers can work well for single rooms, they cannot clean the air throughout your entire home. Whole-home air purifiers offer a more effective solution by working with your existing HVAC system. By filtering airborne contaminants as they pass through the ductwork, whole-home air purifiers help reduce allergens, dust, smoke, and other pollutants, creating a cleaner, healthier environment for your family.
Our technicians are experts in installing whole-home air purification systems, and we ensure a seamless integration with your current HVAC system. The installation process typically begins with an assessment of your home’s air quality needs and an evaluation of your HVAC setup.
Based on this, our team will recommend the best system for your home. Once the system is selected, our technicians will carefully install the necessary components, including the filtration units and any additional accessories, such as UV-C lights or advanced filters. After installation, we will test the system to ensure it’s working effectively. We recommend yearly professional maintenance and regular filter changes to ensure your system operates as it should.
Contact Your Local Air Quality Experts
At Liberty Comfort Systems, we have served the residents of Anoka, MN and the surrounding areas for years. We can install an air purifier in your home that meets your needs and budget. You can also count on us for all your other indoor air quality needs, including installing a whole-home humidity control system or cleaning your ductwork. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable technicians.
