Most people in the Portland area spend a good deal of time indoors which makes indoor air quality a pretty important piece of health. Breathing fresh air that is free of allergens and pollutants is vital to everyday good living. And during COVID-19 it becomes even more important to know that your home air quality is at the highest standards. As we all spend more time together indoors working, doing school, and navigating stay-at-home life we are impacted by our home air even more. So how can you improve your indoor air quality?
How Does an Air Purifier Work?
While sealing our homes to save money and improve energy efficiency is an excellent thing for both the pocketbook and the earth, the hitch is that smells, allergens, and microbes are trapped inside. Air purifiers work by sanitizing the air either through a filtration system or a sanitizing system that uses UV light. Some, like the Carrier Infinity Air Purifier, capture airborne microbes and zaps them with an intense electric field.
Adding a whole-home air purifier to your HVAC system allows air to be filtered before it is distributed throughout your home. These systems only work when the system is running on heating, cooling or fan mode which is why we stress keeping your fan on to cycle air and keep the temperature more steady throughout the home. Home air purifying systems are designed to run quietly with little fuss, but they do need to be serviced regularly to make sure they are doing their job in your home. Depending on the system this can be as little as changing the filter and inspecting the air purifier or it may need more complex maintenance.
Air Filter vs Air Purifier
High-quality air filters are excellent for reducing lingering smells and combating pet dander, pollen, mold spores, and dust. Air filters draw in particles and trap them in woven fibers. Quality filters can remove up to 99.97 of particles .03 microns or larger. For reference, the average human hair is roughly 70 microns, which shows how effective a good air filter can be to improve indoor air. Air filters are a part of your HVAC system and clean your air as it recirculates through your system. Investing in a good quality one that is changed or cleaned often ensures your HVAC system is clean inside, which makes your home air cleaner for you.
Air purifiers add an extra layer of defense in your home. These can be stand-alone systems or added onto your existing HVAC system to clean ductwork from lurking allergens and microbes that might be missed by a filter. Systems like the UV Air Purifier from Premier One and the RGF REME HALO and Guardian Air products are extremely efficient at cleaning ductwork and surfaces. Other systems are available for those on a budget or living in smaller spaces.
The Benefits of an Air Purifier During COVID-19
We take about 20,000 breaths a day. When you are in close contact with other people on a day-to-day basis, making sure those breaths are using the cleanest air possible is important. Slowing the spread of viruses and germs reduces sickness and helps keep everyone at peak health.
The best way to improve indoor air quality during COVID-19 is with an indoor air purification system that can capture small particles and has been tested against COVID-19. Home air purifiers that rely on filtration that captures microbes and UV or electronic fields that inactivate them are the most effective for reducing viruses and bacteria in your home. When facing the challenges of COVID-19 air purifiers, along with social distancing, hand washing and masks are all part of an effective strategy to reduce risk and keep your family healthy.
Investing in a Home Air Purifier
Home air purifiers offer a range of benefits to you and your family. For those who are at high risk, not only for COVID-19 but other health concerns, air purifiers can make an enormous difference in the quality of home air. As part of a holistic approach to keeping your family healthy, home air purifiers are a valuable investment. With so many air purifiers to choose from it can be hard to know what is best for you.
Jacobs Heating & Air Conditioning recommends Carrier’s Capture & Kills system which can potentially reduce coronavirus, bacteria, and flu viruses in homes. Independently tested for performance, Carrier’s Infinity air purifier has been shown to inactivate a high percent of the coronavirus in its filter. You can explore for yourself if this is the best system for your family.
How Jacobs Can Help
Jacobs Heating & Air Conditioning consultants are ready to help you find the best air purifier for your home and lifestyle. We love helping so reach out to us with any questions. We offer in-home consultations on home air purifiers in addition to products, installations, and repairs. Breathe easy. We encourage you to stay safe and healthy during this challenging time. You are welcome to review our statement on COVID-19 and how we’re taking precautions to protect you, our team, and our communities.
