Why is Air Purification Important?
After a year or more of Covid quarantine, many of us started wondering just how healthy it is to be staying in our homes, 24/7. With that concern, you may wonder if a whole-house air purification system is something to consider. Before making that investment, you probably have several questions, such as: How do whole house air purification systems work?
While there are room purifiers, and they are better than nothing, a whole-house air purification system filters the air all throughout your home. In most homes, the whole house air purification system is installed as part of the HVAC system. It removes airborne pollutants like allergens, dust, and more from the air. Standard features of a whole-house air purification system include:
- HEPA filter
- Activated carbon filter
- Ultraviolet light
- Ionization
With these features, it improves the air quality throughout your entire home, not just one room.
What factors should be considered when selecting a whole-house air purification system?
Urbanization and the increase in air pollution have us thinking about how healthy this world is, right? After the COVID scare, even the standard flu during the winter has increased our concerns about our indoor air has increased. If a whole-house air purification system may be in your future, you need to consider the following:
1. Bacteria & Viruses Protection
This feature may be the timeliest feature after the COVID-19 quarantine. There are still variants spreading around the world, and infections are still present, even for those who are fully vaccinated. Choose a whole-house air purification system that can achieve that offer the following:
- HEPA filtration is a fine mesh filter that will trap airborne particles including those particles associated with COVID-19.
- Ultraviolet light is a mechanism that produces UV) light that has been shown to neutralize some viruses like COVID-19 and stop them from reproducing.
2. VOC Protection
VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) come from your basic household products that put gases into the air. These products include aerosol sprays, building materials, cleaning products, lacquer, paints, pesticides, computer printers, and even your furniture! Choose a whole house air purification that states it removes those VOCs.
3. Remove Allergens
The allergens in your home aren’t the only ones to worry about. There are allergens are inside your home, and on your body. They accumulate and get sucked into your home’s HVAC air ducts, then blow throughout your home. A whole house air purification system will collect those allergens, keeping them from spreading through your home. Those allergens include:
- Cockroaches
- Dust mites
- Mold spores
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Smoke
If your home has anyone affected by seasonal allergies, a whole-house air purification system can make their life more pleasant.
4. Mold Reduction
A whole-house air purification system that doesn’t feature mold reduction isn’t worth the investment. Technically, mold is not an allergen, but it can cause serious illnesses, especially for those who suffer from allergies. Make sure the system you choose states it deactivates mold.
5. Remove Odors
Every home that has activity will have odors. If not from the allergens, mold, or VOCs, then from cooking and simply coming and going, especially if there are pets in the home. A whole house air purification system should filter the smallest micron, killing bad smells by removing the droplets with gasses, particulates, and more.
6. HEPA Filter
Choose a whole house air purification that comes with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorbing) filters. These remove up to 99% of those airborne particulates and effectively reduces the allergens, mold, viruses, and VOCs in the air.
7. Replacement Parts
Plan for obsolescence and choose a whole house air purification system that has addressed possible artificially limited useful life. In other words, choose a brand that can supply replacement parts to give you the most life possible from your new investment.
How do I know if my home needs a whole house air purification system?
The following are indications that you should consider investing in a whole-house air purification system for your home:
- Constant Sneezing
If anyone in your home is continually sneezing, there is probably an accumulation of particles like dust pollen, pet dander, and others. particles in your home. A whole house air purification with high ratings that has a small mesh size will filter those particles out of the air in your home.
- Stuffy Air
If the air in your home doesn’t feel or smell fresh, you need a whole house air purification system.
- Dust Mites
With a whole house air purification, you can reduce dust and dust mites under beds, behind furniture, and in other hiding places.
- Snoring
If anyone in your home snores loudly, a whole house air purification will remove the things that block their airways, causing congestion.
- Constant Illnesses
If you a household member is always sick, it may not be their system. It may be your home! A whole house air purification will reduce air particles as it alleviates the things that cause respiratory-related illnesses.
What are the benefits of a whole-house air purification system?
Making it simple: 10 benefits of a whole house air purification system:
- Reduces airborne illness risks
- Relieve allergies
- Extends the HVAC system lifespan
- Health protection for family members
- Improves the odor in your home
- Eases asthma symptoms
- Allows superior sleep
- Improves the overall wellness of the household
- Improves climate control
- Makes housekeeping easier with less dust
What are the most common pollutants that need to be removed?
There are 5 common air pollutants found inside a home:
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Ozone
- Particulate matter
- Sulfur dioxide
How often should a whole-house air purification system be serviced?
This will be determined by the brand you purchase. There will be a recommended service schedule in the owner’s manual and you want to adhere to that as close as possible. This keeps the unit working as it should and extends the lifespan too.
How much does a whole-house air purification system cost?
Again, this will be determined by the brand and the features of the one you purchase. They can vary, and while a whole-house air purification system can be expensive, the benefits will give you a quick ROI!
Saving Those Dollars!
Speaking of how much they cost, are whole-house air purification systems energy efficient? This will vary based on the brand, again, and which model you choose. There are models that can use as much or more energy than your refrigerator, so make sure you choose one that has a high energy star rating. If you are interested in whole-house air purification in Riverside, CA, please reach out to us at (951) 336-1541 today!