We all recognize the dangers of outdoor air pollution, such as car emissions. What a lot of people don’t realize is that the air inside the regular home is approximately five times more polluted than outside air. Indoor air quality is important because Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, whether it is at home or running errands. The EPA has ranked indoor air pollution in the top five environmental dangers. A couple common indoor pollutants include: mold, pollen, pet dander, radon and even formaldehyde. There are also a few common terms traditionally used when discussing indoor air quality, so make sure you understand these:
HEPA
You’ve probably seen or heard this term used, but do you know what it means? HEPA stands for “high-efficiency particulate air” or “high-efficiency particulate arrestance”. HEPA filtration systems are created 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 heads through the system. Dust, pollen, mites and other pollutants can all be captured, greatly boosting your home’s indoor air quality.
MERV
MERV is an acronym for “minimum efficiency reporting value” or put in easier terms, it says the effectiveness of your air filter. MERV ratings can range from 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 system.
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 in your home is good for your health. If you have any questions or concerns related to your home comfort systems give us a call at 715-301-0727 to arrange an appointment with us.