In the indoor air quality arena, there is a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) that is given to filters. The rating is used to rate the ability of a filter to remove particles from the air as they pass through the filter. The higher the MERV rating the cleaner the air! Did you know the number one killer of a furnace is DUST? Yep it’s true that we need to keep our furnaces cleaned and maintained to help with the air quality of our home.
The first level of defense is to change your filters in your heating system on a regular basis. Store bought filters catch dust particles. Typically store-bought filters have a MERV rating of 1-4 removing less than 1% of airborne particles. A brand name pleated Fantastic Filter MERV 8 rating filter removes less than 2% of airborne particles. And a pleated Fantastic Filter MERV 12 rating filter removes less than 4% of airborne particles. For the best defense, the MERV 12 rated filter would be recommended.
The second level of defense is to install a MicroPower Guard. The internal part of the MicroPower Guard has a filter that has a carbon center collecting the bigger particles flowing through your system. It actually captures 97% of airborne particles and cleans the air of contaminates that can aggravate asthma and allergies. MicroPower Guard has a MERV rating of 13-16.
The third level of defense is to install an OxyQuantum LED to help purify your home’s air. This is normally installed before the filter for best results. The OxyQuantum LED UV light system removes toxic gases, reduces and control odors, airborne toxic compounds, and infectious agents; capturing 97% of particulates. Ozone is blown through the ductwork helping sanitize the ducts and air at the same time. These two items together: MicroPower Guard and OxyQuantum LED can protect your air quality as well as help protect your heating and air conditioning equipment.
The fourth level of defense is to install a variable speed motor in your system. The motor reduces cold spots in the home and is always running to filter your air. This help keep the air clean by having a constant flow of air through your MicroPower Guard and then through your OxyQuantum LED system without shutting down. So it is constantly cleaning and purifying your air.
The fifth level of defense is to have your ductwork cleaned. Duct Cleaning removes all the dirt and debris for better ventilation.
Clean air is determined by the efficiency of a filter and/or an air cleaner. Protect your family’s air quality and heating and air conditioning equipment with incorporating some or all of these levels of defense into your home’s environment.
The reason why the indoor air quality of homes has deteriorated over the last 30 to 40 years is because of the new construction practices changing. The new standard is to have energy efficient “tight homes” that are tightly sealed, heavily insulated, and very energy efficient. With these changes, it results in locking in allergenic particles, infectious agents and toxic compounds which are bad for your health and well being of your family.
Download Fact Sheet about Indoor Air Quality
The top 3 items trapped in your home:
1. Mold - can contaminate indoor air and cause “Sick Homes” which can lead to allergies, asthma, or other health problems.
2. Fungi Spores - suspended airborne spores can cause numerous allergic reactions and ailments.
3. Dust Mites - are the most common cause of allergic and asthma reactions.
Children are the most vulnerable to air pollutants because of their body weight. A slight irritant for an adult can result in being significant for a child causing swelling in the lining of their airways.
More adults and children suffer from allergies and asthma today than there were 30-40 years ago making the “tight home” practice more relevant.
With these tight homes, the bad news is these conditions exist no matter how clean your home is. The good news is there are ways to control the allergenic particles, infectious agents and toxic compounds. Let us educate you on your home’s indoor air quality. Give us a call if you would like One Hour to come out and do an air quality check on your home.