Why is clean indoor air important?
We're glad you asked!
Indoor air quality is a concern today as most new homes are being
built "tighter" to be more energy efficient. Existing structures
have also been "tightened-up" with better insulation, weather-stripping,
upgraded windows and high quality exterior doors. Unfortunately
making homes more energy efficient exacts an unexpected price.
Indoor air quality suffers as the exchange of indoor and outdoor
air is limited. Indoor air pollutants get trapped inside and can
build up to harmful levels. Because of this, it is important to
clean the air by filtering out as many pollutants as possible.
Health Concerns
Indoor air pollutants can cause homeowners to suffer from flu-like
symptoms such as headaches, nausea and respiratory irritation.
They can also exacerbate existing illnesses such as allergies
and asthma. Recent statistics show that over the past ten years,
asthma cases have increased 51.6%, and that over 40 million people
suffer from asthma and allergies today. By removing airborne dust
particles from the air, you reduce the amount of exposure that
they have on your respiratory system.
Choosing an air filter that's right for you
There are many factors you should consider when evaluating
an air-cleaning device:
Efficiency
The efficiency of an air filter is measured in terms of the particle
size it can capture. The higher the efficiency, the more effective
it will be at the removal of small, hard to capture particles.
Cost
Consider not only the initial purchase price of the item, but
cost of maintenance and upgrades as well. Make sure that the filter
you purchase is of reasonably high quality. Inexpensive filters
may not clean the air as effectively as you need them to and may
also need to be replaced more frequently.
Maintenance
Air cleaning devices should be accessible and easily removable
to make cleaning or replacing the filter a breeze.
Are there other items besides air filters to get cleaner
air?
Yes. You may choose to have your heating and cooling ductwork
system cleaned. The caution here is deal with a reputable long
time duct cleaning company and one who is trained to work on HVACR
systems. Secondly, there is Ultraviolet light or UVC light that
destroys mold and bacteria, the food source for dust mites and
other critters. Consult a professional technician and do your
homework before making an investment to improve the air in your
home.
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