An air filtration upgrade can resolve indoor air quality (IAQ) issues. While source control and improved ventilation help reduce the concentration of pollutants, the right IAQ solutions often start with your HVAC system. Various upgrades and modifications are available. These can make it as effective at air filtration as heating and cooling.
Dust, pet dander, mold, vehicle exhaust, and volatile organic compounds from cleaning products, paint, carpet, and other household items can put your health and safety at risk. However, with the following upgrades, any worry about these pollutants and other hazards can be a thing of the past.
- High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters
- Advanced Filters
- Ultraviolet (UV) Light Air Cleaners
- Ionizers
- Air Purifiers
- Air Scrubbers
- Duct Sealing and Insulation
- Zone Dampers
- Whole-Home Humidifier/Dehumidifier
1. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters
Your standard HVAC filter is good at removing larger particles but likely has a low Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). The higher a filter’s MERV rating, the smaller the particles it can trap. This scale ranges from 1 to 20. Higher-quality residential HVAC filters have a 5 to 10 MERV rating, but using HEPA filters is one of our top tips to improve IAQ.
While HEPA filters take it a step further, they’re not compatible with every HVAC system. The pleated, interlaced fiber design can restrict airflow. But if your HVAC unit is strong enough, you can install a filter that traps 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Better yet, a HEPA filter has multiple layers to stop or diffuse particles that get through the outer membrane.
2. Advanced Filters
If a HEPA filter isn’t suited for your HVAC unit, you can consider other options. An electrostatic filter is effective at capturing particles smaller than 10 microns. It uses static electricity and ionization, which create a charge that draws particles toward the filter media. However, this air filtration option isn’t effective with mold spores or extremely small particles; plus, it must be cleaned every three to six weeks.
If gases and odors are a concern, consider an activated carbon filter. It can help if you have chemical sensitivities. Activated carbon filters should have a pre-filter and may be made of loose carbon, carbon-impregnated paper, or bonded carbon biscuits. Some filters include a fiber/pleated granular mat. Since pressure losses are common with carbon-based filters, consult your local HVAC contractor about whether one is suited for your system.
3. Ultraviolet (UV) Light Air Cleaners
A UV light air cleaner provides sterilization and disinfection from within your ductwork. It uses UV rays like those produced by the sun. But instead of causing a tan or sunburn, UV-C light breaks up the DNA of microorganisms. Therefore, it neutralizes bacteria, viruses, and mold that can build up in ductwork and on HVAC coils.
4. Ionizers
While a standard AC filter captures particles larger than 10 microns, smaller particles of dust and those from smoke, pollen, pet dander, and asbestos may get through. Most filters work by physically capturing particles. An ionizer instead releases positively charged ions into the air. When airborne, these ions bind to contaminants, weigh them down, and cause them to settle on floors and other surfaces.
The downside is particles from dusty surfaces can get kicked up and then recirculate. Therefore, clean your home often if you have an ionizer. Depending on the equipment, it may have a collection plate you can remove and clean.
5. Air Purifiers
An air purifier can supplement your air filtration equipment. A stand-alone device, it draws in dirty air, captures contaminants, and releases clean air. It can take a while for air to circulate through a purifier, so it’s usually not enough to clean an entire home. Multiple air purifiers may be needed for a more thorough cleaning.
Having a HEPA filter along with an air purifier is effective. Your HVAC installer can make recommendations on whether an air purifier or other solution is best or if a combination of systems can be beneficial. If looking for a purifier, beware of units that generate ozone. It can be harmful to the lungs and federal regulations limit ozone exposure.
6. Air Scrubbers
Air scrubbers are used in many places, including construction sites, where air quality is a concern. They work by emitting antimicrobial agents and charged hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Some systems combine these into molecules like hydrogen peroxide or hydroxyls. Supercharged ions released by an air scrubber can neutralize mold and bacteria in even remote places like furniture seams and under rugs.
An air scrubber built into your HVAC system can eliminate vapors, gases, and volatile organic compounds. It can also remove odors so your home smells fresh. Depending on the unit, it may integrate features like UV light to provide additional air filtration/purification.
7. Duct Sealing and Insulation
Ductwork moves all the air heated or cooled by your HVAC system. If it’s in poor shape, the system will be inefficient. A ductwork inspection should be scheduled every few years. An improvement may not require replacing all your air ducts. Insulating ductwork can prevent unwanted heat transfer and has IAQ benefits; it can keep dust, pollen, mold, and other pollutants from circulating. Holes, gaps, tears, and other types of damage can be sealed so air can’t escape and contaminated air from outside can’t get in.
8. Zone Dampers
Zoning is an effective way to make your HVAC system more efficient. Depending on your system, it may not need to be replaced to take advantage of zoning. Installing zone dampers allows you to set different temperatures for different parts of your home.
A central control allows for communication between your HVAC unit, thermostat, and dampers. Whether you use this approach or install a ductless mini-split system, zoning helps optimize air distribution. Combined with proper air filtration and ventilation, it can improve indoor air quality.
9. Whole-Home Humidifier/Dehumidifier
Dryness can be a problem in winter, while humidity can affect IAQ and your HVAC system in summer. Both dry and humid conditions can lead to property damage.
A central humidifier can be installed to control indoor humidity. It adds moisture by spraying a fine mist of water into the air or moving air through a wet pad or disk. Dehumidifiers can also work with central HVAC systems. They remove moisture by moving warm air over cold coils. The condensation produced is discharged via a drainage system, so excess water drains harmlessly outdoors.
Contact Monarch Home Services
Committed to keeping your home safe and comfortable, we install advanced air filtration systems in the Central California region. Homeowners throughout the San Joaquin Valley depend on us for solutions that improve indoor air quality. We use a system that combines an air scrubber with UV light to remove particulates and organic pollutants. To learn more about the Air Ranger filtration system and benefit from service by our NATE- and EPA-certified technicians, schedule your free consultation by calling (661) 215-6428 today.