A whole home air purification system can help improve indoor air quality. They clean the air in a home by eliminating allergens, dust, smoke particles, and other airborne irritants. Air purifiers also help improve air circulation. Explore common questions and the top benefits of a whole home air purification system.
What contaminants can be filtered by a whole home air purification system?
A whole home air purification system can filter out common indoor air pollutants to help improve the air we breathe. These systems can help eliminate common indoor air pollutants including allergens, dust, and smoke particles.
Allergens
Allergens are one of the most common indoor air pollutants. They range from dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. Insect infestations also pose a high allergen risk. These indoor allergens can cause health issues that interfere with breathing, including asthma attacks and sinus congestion.
Dust
Tiny particles of dirt and debris in dust can make inhaled air difficult to breathe. Dust particles can also lead to skin and eye irritation. In some instances, dust may contain harmful Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs).
VOCs can come from carpets, furniture, or upholstery. Inhaled VOCs can pose a health risk. Circulating fresh air throughout the home can help reduce exposure to indoor VOCs.
Smoke Particles
A whole home air purification system can reduce smoke particles from sources such as fireplaces or wood-burning stoves. The National Library of Medicine points to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) as a significant contributor to indoor air pollution.
Tobacco smoke contains toxins. These toxins travel easily through the air and linger on upholstery and clothing. Airborne toxins like smoke particles can trigger asthma, allergies, or breathing issues.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission points to other combustion sources that may pose a threat to indoor air quality:
- Kerosene and gas space heaters
- Wood burning stoves
- Fireplaces
- Gas stoves
- Failing chimneys and flues
- Cracked furnace heat exchangers
Reduce exposure to smoke particles. Hire an HVAC maintenance professional. They will inspect, clean, and tune up a central heating and air conditioning system. Be sure to change filters regularly for an HVAC and whole-home air purification system.
What are the benefits of a whole home air purification system?
An air purifier can be installed on or near an air handler or furnace. It works by capturing airborne particles that can circulate throughout a home. Not only does this help keep HVAC equipment components clean, but it also helps to reduce the amount of unwanted particles from the air you breathe.
Air purification offers several advantages over traditional methods of improving indoor air quality. These include improved HVAC efficiency, lower energy costs, a longer HVAC system operating life, and a reduction of airborne allergens and other contaminants.
Improved Air Quality
Home air purifiers clean air and improve indoor air quality. Their filters work within the system to draw in and purify the air before releasing it back into the home. The system works by filtering airborne particles. They also help filter fumes in the air coming from cleaning solutions, aerosol sprays, and other VOCs.
Efficient HVAC System
Another benefit of installing a whole home air purification HVAC system is efficiency. An efficient HVAC system can provide ventilation to clean the air. With an air purification system in use, heating and cooling units no longer need to work as hard and can maintain an ideal indoor temperature year-round.
A whole home air purification system can filter particles clogging an HVAC system. Reduced air contaminants will help improve the energy efficiency of a heating and air conditioning system. They also help to rid homes of unpleasant odors from cooking, smoke, and other unwanted aromas.
Better Breathing
A whole home air purification system can reduce indoor allergens that trigger health issues. Allergens and other airborne pollutants are reduced as clean air passes through the system. Whole home air purifiers also help minimize the risk of airborne illness. Air cleaners can trap germs and bacteria before they spread throughout indoor air.
What whole home air purification system choices are available?
The two main types of whole-home air purification systems are mechanical and electronic. Mechanical systems use filtration to remove airborne pollutants, while electronic systems use ionization to clean the air. Both types can improve indoor air quality but have different benefits.
Mechanical Air Purifiers
Mechanical air purifiers are typically more affordable and can be installed in any room of the home. Their filters can trap large particles, such as dust, pet dander, pollen, mold, and allergens. They also reduce musty odors.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), advanced designs of new homes are starting to feature mechanical systems that bring fresh air inside a home.
According to the EPA report on indoor air quality, energy-efficient heat recovery ventilators, also known as air-to-air heat exchangers, can capture and trap common pollutants. This helps remove them from circulated air.
Ionized Electronic Systems
Electronic systems use less energy than mechanical air purifiers and are typically quieter. They create an electrical charge to attract and capture particles, including smoke, fumes, VOCs, and bacteria. This type of system might be better suited for larger homes or individuals with allergies or asthma.
What factors impact the cost of a whole home air purification system?
Air purification systems come in a wide range of prices. Before making a final decision, set a budget and research different types of air purification models. Online product reviews are a great source of information. Look into costs associated with air filter replacement as well as air purification system warranties. System size and energy efficiency are also factors to consider that will impact cost.
Quality Air Filters
Air filters are essential to maintaining clean air indoors. They capture many air particles, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. Look for a quality air filter with a high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. As the MERV rating increases, indoor air quality will continue to improve.
Individuals who suffer from allergies or breathing issues may benefit from a filter with a high MERV rating. Look for filters that are easy to maintain and change. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers guides for selecting the right residential air cleaner, furnace filter, or HVAC filter.
System Size
No matter which type of air purifier you choose, make sure it is designed for the size of space you want to clean. This will ensure the system runs efficiently and captures more airborne particles. It should be powerful enough to clean the air in your home without using too much energy or taking up too much space.
Before buying a unit, consider the square footage of your home and any open areas, such as basements or attics. Try to find an air purifier with adjustable fan speeds. Doing so will allow you to customize the airflow according to your needs.
Energy Efficiency
You can also double-check that the air purifier is ENERGY STAR certified, which means it meets certain energy efficiency standards. Energy-efficient systems help save money on electric bills, reduce airborne contaminants, and protect the environment.
Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance can improve whole home air purification system performance. Regular cleaning and air filter replacement will ensure all parts are working well. Check maintenance and care instructions for specific details on how often to schedule HVAC tune-ups and clean or replace air filters.
Investing in a Whole Home Air Purification System
Choosing the right whole home air purification system depends on several factors. Consider the home’s size and layout, the components of your system, and how often you plan to use it. Keep these factors in mind when making a decision.
Invest in a whole home air purification system to improve the air in your home and extend the life of an HVAC system. Contact us today to learn how to find the right whole home air purification system for your needs.