Most people believe that the outdoor air is always more polluted than that inside their houses. With all the facts considered, this might seem true, but it is not always the case.
The outside air has pollution from vehicles, dust, manufacturing companies, and garbage, while the inside should not have any of this. However, the air inside your home can be more toxic than you think.
If Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) and microbial pollutants such as mold combine, it is a huge health hazard. This is just one example of high air in your home can be toxic.
Read on to learn more about the air quality in your home and how you can improve it.
What Soils the Air inside a House?
If there are items in your house that contain plastic foam (which is highly likely), these can lead to poor air quality. Polyurethane which is found in mattresses, floors, and wooden furniture is a main culprit for this.
It is disturbing to find that another part of this problem is from consumer products. Pesticides that are used to kill insects in a home, the adhesive found in upholstery, and carpets all contribute to this problem.
It is worse when there is mildew, mold, and someone who smokes in the house. The air will have spores, and it will be worse when there is someone with a respiratory condition.
Environmental pollutants such as pollen, dust mites, cockroaches, and pet dander are also an issue.
How to Ensure the Air Inside Is Improved
Although maintaining cleanliness in your house is an excellent way to purify the air, it cannot eliminate the problem.
A dehumidifier comes in handy in some cases, but the best solution is with an advanced air conditioning system.
Air quality improvement in a home should not be heart-wrenching. When a reliable HVAC system is used, the process will not be as hard. With this, the environment will be healthier and more comfortable.
Appropriate humidity levels are achieved when a reliable air conditioning unit is used. Also, there will be adequate and constant air circulation that keeps the air pure.
Pollutants and allergens should no longer be an issue. It will be easy to get rid of them, and you will enjoy desired temperatures in your home.
Do Air Conditioners Purify Indoor Air?
Whenever you realize the air is stale in your home, there is irritation to the eyes, noses and throats, you must be proactive. You do not want respiratory issues to be regular in your home.
However, it is important to note that not all air conditioners purify the air. Some models do include this, so make sure you do your research when purchasing a new system.
Is It Wise to Use an Air Conditioner?
The simple answer is yes. Dust and other air contaminants can be reduced by use of an air conditioner through its filters.
Also, investing in a High-Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA filter will ensure the air conditioner unit is more worthwhile. Filters are crucial in air purification.
For this reason, they should not only be changed when they are failing but should also be cleaned at least once a month. This will ensure they remove air contaminants more effectively.
On another note, if the evaporator coils are not clean, the system will have challenges purifying the air. Corrosion of the coils leads to refrigerant leaks and it is a health hazard that must be stopped.
To avoid this, it is essential the evaporator coils are checked and cleaned regularly. An experienced technician should take care of this maintenance.
If the air conditioning system is to take away contaminants from the living space, any air ducts must also be kept in good condition. A professional should inspect, clean, and tighten them where they are loose or broken.
When AC coils are dirty, it is likely that the mold and mildew in the house is coming from it. Some units are fitted with automatic cleaning features, but if not, they should be cleaned manually.
To keep off the toxicity coming from an AC and keep the indoor air clean, have it inspected and cleaned as required.
Why the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value Matters?
Removing indoor pollutants effectively also depends on the MERV rating. It helps the filters in being effective. It is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value ranges from eight to thirteen.
The pollutants that it can remove depends on its rating. Filtration is better when the rating is high.
If there is someone whose immunity is low in the home, a rating of MERV 13 will be the best. It gets rid of sneeze droplets, cigarette smoke, bacteria, and microorganisms.
They are estimated to get rid of 90% dust particles, and to be effective, they must be changed at least once every three months.
If the main indoor problem is cooking fumes, dust, and automotive emissions from the outdoors, a rating of MERV nine to 12 would be ideal. While MERV 9 eliminates about less than 50 percent of dust particles up to MERV 12 eliminates about 75 percent.
If there are ladies in the house, hairspray particles could be a major problem. Carpet fibers, mold spores, and dust mites could be another problem.
When this is the scenario, a certain percentage of dust should be removed, opt for a MERV 8 rating. It will trap about 35 percent of these pollutants effectively.
Closing Thoughts
The quality of your indoor air should be prioritized. Whether some people have respiratory conditions or not, it should not be gambled with.
To purify the air using an air conditioner system, the filters of the unit must be in shape always. Maintenance includes inspecting filters, coils, evaporator coils, and ducts. The faulty ones should be repaired or replaced immediately.
If it is running optimally, it will play a significant role in improving air quality in your home. Rather than recirculating the contaminants, it helps in getting rid of them.
On the other hand, keep your house clean always and ensure proper ventilation especially, through windows and doors. Airing it out will see fresh air circulation and reduced dust particles.
When you know what is causing poor indoor air quality in your home, it will be easier to deal with. Besides investing in a reliable air conditioning system, you should also look for a system that provides dehumidifier and air purifier functions.
This will upgrade the comfort and safety of those within the home.
