According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the vast majority of homes have at least one harmful indoor air quality (IAQ) problem. This startling statistic may be largely caused by a lack of understanding about common IAQ issues, the harmful risk contaminants pose for your health and ineffective air filtration and/or air cleaning strategies.
To implement the right IAQ strategy for your particular home, you’ll need to identify the contaminants you would like to mitigate and understand how air filters and air cleaners may impact your energy bills.
Air Filtration
The primary function of an air filter is to prevent damage to the HVAC system that debris buildup causes. Though, the better quality filter you use, the more contaminants are removed from your home. Moreover, high-efficiency filters remove smaller particles, such as germs, viruses and mold spores, that adversely impact the health of loved ones in your home.
Air Cleaners
Air cleaners are designed to remove a wide range of contaminants from ducted airflow. Different technologies are used to achieve cleaner IAQ, depending on the type of system you choose.
- UV lights: Ultraviolet (UV) lights destroy microorganisms on a cellular level. UV lights are safely installed near the air handler of your HVAC system.
- Electronic: Electronic air cleaners use attraction to remove very small particles and microorganisms.
- HEPA: High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are the highest quality media filter you can install in your home. However, HEPA filters make your HVAC system work harder, which increases energy bills.
- Purifiers: Air purifiers use a combination of the preceding technologies for providing superior IAQ.
Which to Choose?
Air filters, including HEPA filters, impede airflow across your HVAC’s blower motor. This increases energy consumption and energy bills proportionate to the pressure drop. UV lights and electronic air cleaners don’t significantly (if at all) impede airflow. So, they won’t increase your energy bills. Work closely with your HVAC provider to determine your IAQ needs.
For more information about air filtration and air cleaning options for your Yuma area home, please contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona 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 Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Markgraf/Shutterstock”
