We all hear about 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 around 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. Some common indoor pollutants include: mold, pollen, pet dander, radon and even formaldehyde. There are also a couple common terms traditionally used when speaking about indoor air quality, so make sure know about these:
HEPA
You’ve probably 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 manufactured 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 increasing your home’s indoor air quality.
MERV
MERV is short for “minimum efficiency reporting value” or put in simple terms, it says the effectiveness of your air filter. MERV ratings can be anywhere from 1-16 with the higher rating eliminating more contaminants and allergens without restricting the airflow of your home comfort system. We can work with you to figure out 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 ensure the air in your home is good for your health. If you have any questions or concerns about your home comfort systems give us a shout at 815-410-1128 to arrange an appointment with us.