We all hear about the dangers of outdoor air pollution, such as car emissions. What a lot of people don’t recognize is that the air inside the regular home is nearly five times more polluted than outside air. Indoor air quality is important because Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, whether they are at home or running errands. The EPA has ranked indoor air pollution in the top five environmental dangers. A couple of the usual indoor pollutants include: mold, pollen, pet dander, radon and even formaldehyde. There are also a couple common terms traditionally used when discussing indoor air quality, so make sure know about these:
HEPA
You’ve likely seen or heard this term used, but do you grasp what it means? HEPA stands for “high-efficiency particulate air” or “high-efficiency particulate arrestance”. HEPA filtration systems are produced 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 contaminants can all be captured, greatly increasing your home’s indoor air quality.
MERV
MERV is short for “minimum efficiency reporting value” or put in simpler terms, it tells you the effectiveness of your air filter. MERV ratings can be between 1-16 with the higher rating getting rid of more contaminants and allergens without impacting the airflow of your home comfort system. We can work with you to decide on 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 be sure 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 shout at 641-316-9803 to schedule an appointment with us.