On average, we spend about 62% of our time at home, excluding sleep time. High-quality indoor air is a must for making your house a comfortable and safe living space. Without it, you could be putting your health at risk in the short and long term. Luckily, implementing a solution like a HEPA filter, air purifier, or furnace filter is simple, safe, and effective.
What is air quality and how is it measured?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the air quality inside and around structures and buildings, particularly concerning the comfort and health of the people within them. Indoor air pollutants are commonly present in residential and commercial buildings, often without any of the occupants even noticing.
IAQ is measured using a specialized monitor to detect the levels of different pollutants. These pollutants could include particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide (CO2), humidity, and radon. The monitors assess the overall quality of air in a space, and the measurements are taken with sensors that identify what and how much of a particular pollutant is present. The most common sensor is VO2, which detects chemicals, followed by CO2 meters to measure ventilation levels.
Factors that affect indoor air quality
Most notably, when your home was built will impact the air quality within it. Homes constructed in the most recent decades have a higher quality building envelope due to advancements in construction and building materials. This makes it harder for pollutants to enter and clean air to escape. Other factors to consider include:
- Pollen and allergens: These pollutants vary in type and quantity as the seasons change.
- Pets: Pets shed fur, release dander, and can also introduce pathogens into the air through feces.
- Unwanted pests and rodents: Pests can also spread pathogens and, in some cases, foster mold growth in your home.
- Smog: Depending on your area, smog concentrations could lower your IAQ.
- Humidity: Changes in the weather will raise and lower the humidity, impacting your IAQ.
How does air quality impact your health?
Air pollution causes 7 million deaths worldwide yearly, and 60% correlate to poor IAQ. Low air quality is directly linked to health problems, including stroke, asthma, heart disease, COPD, and other preventable respiratory and heart conditions.
Increased ventilation improves air exchange, significantly improving your IAQ and reducing airborne disease infection. Continuously filtering air and adding moisture offers the same benefits. Viruses can survive up to six times longer in spaces with air drier than 40% relative humidity.
4 Ways to improve your home’s air quality
Furnace filters
Furnace filters are replaceable filters installed in your furnace or air handling unit to remove harmful particles from the air. As the air circulates through the system, pollutants like dirt, dust, pollen, and mold spores get caught in the filter, resulting in cleaner air with a much better IAQ.
HEPA filters
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, like furnace filters, trap air pollutants. HEPA filters, however, are known as the “top of the line” filter option, often used in laboratories and medical buildings to provide the cleanest air possible. To be classified as a HEPA filter, it must remove 99.7% of particles or more that are 0.3 microns or larger.
HEPA filters can also be used in your home and are great for people with respiratory issues or allergies.
UV-C lights
UV-C lights are a specific type of ultraviolet (UV) light that kills microorganisms thanks to their germicidal properties. They work similarly to the sun, neutralizing or killing bacteria, molds, viruses, and other pathogens, but with a greater intensity.
UV-C lights can be added to the ductwork of HVAC systems, sanitizing the air as it moves through it and releasing cleaner air throughout the room. The CDC exclusively studies UV-C lights, which have been proven safe and effective for decades.
Air purifiers
Lastly, we have air purifiers. Working similarly to furnace filters, air purifiers are standalone units, making them ideal for homes without ductwork. They could come with a high MERV rating and offer the same benefits as your furnace filters.
Something to note, however, is the air purifiers do not circulate air throughout the home like an HVAC system, so while they do release purified air, it’s not distributed as effectively.
Improve your air quality today
A home with a low IAQ could impact your health, but making improvements doesn’t have to be a hassle. Call a local professional who can assess your home’s air quality and present you with the best options for the space. A new HEPA filter, purifier, or UV-C light could make a world of difference.
Ready to start improving your air quality at home? Contact us today to book a consultation.