Air Purification Tips & an Air Purifier Buying Guide

For HVAC companies, good indoor air quality is just as important as controlled temperatures in making homes and commercial buildings habitable and comfortable. Recent research data suggests that indoor air quality in most homes is poorer than the quality of the outdoor air surrounding them.

Poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory problems, allergic reactions and other health concerns. This is why it’s important to ensure the quality of your home’s indoor air is good. Here’s a basic air purification guide to get you started:

Air out your rooms. It doesn’t get any more basic than this. For better air quality, open your windows to allow stale air to be replaced by fresh air. Do this at least once a day for 30 minutes. Use electric fans and exhaust fans to help speed up the process.

Choose a good air purifier. There are some factors that can tell you whether the air purifier you’re buying is really effective. Here are some basic tips to remember when shopping for an air purifier:

• Choose an air purifier that filters out common pollutants in your home. The type will depend on your lifestyle. For example, if you have an indoor pet like a dog or cat, choose an air purifier that’s effective at filtering out pet dander. Choose an air purifier that filters smoke if you’re a smoker or if you often cook indoors.
• Choose an air purifier with a high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), a standard developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. A CADR of 200 for pollen can reduce the pollen present in the air at the equivalent of adding 200 cubic feet of clean, fresh air every minute. You can ask air purifier and air conditioner companies about the right CADR for your needs.
• Choose an air purifier with a True HEPA filter. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air, and it’s the gold standard when it comes to filters. Don’t buy a filter marked as “like HEPA”; choose a real HEPA filter and ask about the efficiency level based on your needs and the type of filter that your air purifier will accept.
• Learn about the noise level produced by the system. This is commonly listed in decibels.
• Find out how much it would cost to buy and maintain the system. Choose one that’s within your budget.
• Don’t be swayed by fancy features that have nothing to do with the system’s basic function of cleaning the air in your room.

Remove common sources of indoor air pollution. You can reduce the pollution in your home by changing a few things. For example, avoid smoking indoors. If you’re cooking, make it a point to open the windows in your kitchen to air it out instead of relying only on your air purifier or your range hood.

Here are some more tips:

• Remove carpets. If you must have carpets, get hypo-allergenic ones that aren’t too thick.

• Vacuum your carpets and rugs regularly.

• Use your air conditioner or your dehumidifier to reduce indoor moisture.

• Get rid of harsh household cleaning chemicals.

• Stop using scented or unscented candles and incense.

• Cover your trash bins to avoid attracting pests.

• Don’t wear shoes indoors to avoid tracking around dirt.

• Wash your sheets and blankets every week. Use hot water.

• Clean your air ducts and fans to remove dust and greasy buildup.

These suggestions can significantly reduce indoor air pollution. Get in touch with Stone Heating and Air for more advice. We’re also one of the most trusted home heating companies in the area. Call us today at (541) 855-5521 or contact us here.