We all hear about the dangers of outdoor air pollution, such as car emissions. What a lot of people don’t realize is that the air inside the regular home is approximately five times more polluted than outside air. Indoor air quality is important because Americans spend nearly 90% of their time indoors, whether it is at home or in the office. The EPA has ranked indoor air pollution in the top five environmental concerns. Some normal indoor pollutants include: mold, pollen, pet dander, radon and even formaldehyde. There are also some common terms regularly used when talking about indoor air quality, so make sure you understand these:
HEPA
You’ve probably seen or heard this term used, but do you understand what it means? HEPA stands for “high-efficiency particulate air” or “high-efficiency particulate arrestance”. HEPA filtration systems are manufactured and certified to capture at least 99.97% of .3-micron (.000012” or 300x smaller than the diameter of human hair) particles from the air that goes through the system. Dust, pollen, mites and other pollutants can all be captured, greatly increasing your home’s indoor air quality.
MERV
MERV is a shortened version of “minimum efficiency reporting value” or put in simple terms, it states the effectiveness of your air filter. MERV ratings can be anywhere from 1-16 with the higher rating getting rid of more contaminants and allergens without inhibiting the airflow of your home comfort system. We can work with you to figure out a filter with a MERV rating that will work best for your needs.
We breathe on average 11,000 liters of air a day. We want to help you recognize the importance of indoor air quality and help ensure the air you’re breathing is good for your health. If you have any questions or concerns surrounding your home comfort systems give us a ring at 623-208-6444 to set up an appointment with us.