The global growth of COVID-19 has likely shifted your daily calendar into a jumble.
When times feel uncertain, you can take comfort in knowing your house is your safe retreat. You’re likely spending more time there now. Consequently your indoor air quality is now more crucial than ever.
Did you realize we can install indoor air quality products in your home that provide hospital-grade filtration? These products can remove bacteria from your air, as well as allergens, odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Today’s houses are tightly sealed, which is great for energy efficiency. But it also means your inside air could be worse than the air outside. In fact, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This can be troublesome, since we spend about 90% of our lifetime indoors.
There are many factors that can cause poor indoor air quality, including cleaning products and air fresheners. These could lead to headaches and irritate allergies and asthma.
There are several things you can do to better your air quality. Some include upgraded air filters, an air purification system or an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light.
Not certain which solution is best for your house? Our skilled professionals can do an indoor air quality audit. Based off of the outcome, we can then suggest the best option for your family’s unique needs.
Keep reading to find out more about the air quality equipment we have.
Air Filtration
When browsing air filters, you should consider the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This gauges how efficiently it filters contaminants.
One of the most average and least expensive filters, flat fiberglass filters, are rated between 1 and 4 on the MERV scale. Pleated filters are a little bit better, ranking between 8 and 12.
We recommend getting at minimum a MERV 13, for example, the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the best effect. This filter provides cleaner air while lowering energy consumption*.
High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are deemed the best in air filtration, because they’re frequently installed in hospitals. They’re effective at capturing 99.97–99.99% of indoor pollutants, like pollen, pet dander and smoke.
Ahead of installing a better filter, contact us at 509-284-4265. Our experts can help you choose the best match for your equipment.
Air Purification
Lennox® has some of the greatest air purification systems you can buy. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems offer hospital-grade filtration while taking care of all categories of indoor air contaminants.
These powerful units can take care of:
- 99.9% of allergens, including pollen, dust and pet dander
- 95% of bacteria-sized particles, like ones that cause strep throat
- 50% of VOCs and odors within 24 hours
UV Germicidal Lights
A UV germicidal light is added inside your heating and cooling system. Its powerful rays eradicate bacteria and mold within seconds.
If your family suffers from allergies or asthma, this system can give relief. Especially if you reside in a humid area where bacteria and mold flourish.
This light also has an additional bonus for your heating and cooling equipment. It can help it work for a greater period of time and heat and cool more efficiently, because it keeps the internal pieces clean.
Our air quality engineers suggest installing one of these lights with an enhanced filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for the best effect. This filter delivers industry-leading MERV 16 filtration in addition to carbon-coated fibers to remove particles from your home’s air. It fulfills this without limiting your HVAC equipment’s airflow.
Whole-Home Humidifiers
Having correct humidity in your residence might help keep your family healthy when it’s cold. It can aid sore throats, itchy skin and cracked lips, amidst added cold weather irritations.
If you don’t know what your home’s humidity level is, we’ll determine it during your indoor air quality audit. While the range fluctuates based upon outdoor temperatures, HVAC pros generally advise keeping it between 40–60 percent.
You can reach this ideal range by using a whole-home humidifier. This system typically works with your furnace or air handler to deliver the right level of humidity throughout your house. Some equipment, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, use an included fan to move humidity when your comfort system isn’t on.
Turn to the Experts for Your Indoor Air Quality Necessities
At Lakeside Heating & Air, we’re passionate about making your residence more relaxing. That’s why we provide Lennox® air quality products, which are the most exhaustive solution on the market.
We’re also more than merely your heating and cooling company. We're concerned about the health of you and your family. That’s why our technicians are taking added precautions when we arrive at your house.
To discover more about our air quality equipment, reach us at 509-284-4265 or contact us online. Our knowledgeable staff can also answer any worries you might have with a pro visiting your house now.
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*Based on in-duct testing that shows Healthy Climate® filters reduce airflow restriction. Greater restriction of airflow creates a greater load on a unit’s fan motor, increasing energy consumption.