The EPA cautions that indoor air can be significantly more polluted than outdoor air. Because people spend most of their time indoors, it’s important to ensure that you breathe clean air in your home or office. If you are concerned about the quality of the indoor air in your Cape Coral, FL home, your HVAC contractor can help.
Whole House Ventilators
The “V” in HVAC stands for ventilation. This an important element in maintaining indoor air quality. Increasing ventilation removes indoor contaminates and brings in fresh air. There are several ways to increase ventilation. These include opening doors and windows, using exhaust fans, and using mechanical ventilation.
Whole house mechanical ventilation devices work with your AC to exhaust stale air and bring fresh air in. Exhaust-only ventilators expel air, supply-only ventilators bring in fresh air, and balanced systems do both. These devices are simple and inexpensive to install. However, they do not regulate humidity.
Energy recovery ventilators have the advantage of removing humidity as well as exchanging air. In addition, they increase energy efficiency by capturing approximately 70% of the heat energy from exhaust air. During the winter, it is routed inside. During the summer, it is routed outside. Energy recovery ventilators are most effective in climates with extreme temperatures. Your HVAC contractor can evaluate your home to help you find a ventilation system that suits your unique needs.
Better Air Filters
HVAC air filters capture airborne pollutants and keep them from entering ducts and your living space. Standard HVAC filters capture large particulates, such as hair, fibers, insect parts, and pet dander. Upgrading the filter on your HVAC system can improve the quality of your indoor air.
Filters are rated by minimum efficiency reporting value. The higher the number, the better the filtration. Typical HVAC filters fall between MERV 1 and 4. Better filters fall between MERV 5 and 8. Many professionals recommend using filters rated between MERV 9 and 12 in homes to capture a variety of common household pollutants. Filters rated MERV 13 and above are used in hospitals, laboratories, commercial buildings, and special-use areas that require superior filtration.
Better filters have smaller pore sizes that can affect the pressure on air conditioning systems. Consult with your HVAC contractor to determine which filters are compatible with your system and your needs.
Magnificent Air Cooling & Heating offers an array of indoor air quality products that work with your HVAC system. These include UV lights, air filters, ventilators, and duct sealants. For more information about improving indoor air quality in your home or business, call our office today. We back our work with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
