Indoor air pollution is considered to be one of the top 5 environmental risks to the health of the public. To those who thought you're safe in your house - you have already been fooled, but do not worry this can be reversed.
Every home today is equipped with an air-con and/or heating system. Regardless of the kind of system you utilize to cool and/or heat your house, air is constantly being supplied to you in order for you to be comfortable. In HVAC systems air travels by way of a duct system, again and again, so that a desired temperature is reached and maintained during your home. Despite the fact that air is being filtered throughout this process not all of it really is filtered properly plus some airborne pathogens are sneaking their way into your house.
With regards to the hotter months the HVAC system is pumping out cool air constantly in order that people can escape from heat. Cooling systems take the heated air from the home, turn it into cool air and it goes back where it belonged, only colder. As your air-con is running 24 hours a day it could put your household at a higher risk in catching a virus or infection especially to those who find themselves more vulnerable (elderly, children, people that have asthma and/or allergies).
The only way to control quality of air and eliminate any dangerous pathogens in your house is to think about the usage of another air purification system for the HVAC unit.
What exactly does an "air purifier" do?
Air purification systems, either standalone units or units which are mounted to an HVAC system, remove gas and/or particle contaminants from the air. While increasing the caliber of air within the house they also reduce the threat of viruses nestling in your homes looking forward to one to breathe them in.
As air is lifted out of your home to the vents it really is filtered by your HVAC system. But not all contaminants are considered. If you think about it, air is continuously being sucked through the ducts for it to be cooled. Once it is cooled it really is then pushed back to your house. Particles can remain in your duct system without your consent. The brand new cool air that you will be getting may potentially be contaminated since it had to pass through the duct system so as to reach you. HVAC systems do filter the air, but not all particles are caught in the filter. Dust, pollen, pet dancer, mold spores, and dust mite feces are only a few contaminants that may potentially be breathed in by you and your family.
Just because you be sure to dust everyday does not mean that everything is "clean". Where do you consider all that dust went once you wiped it from the television?
My recommendation would be to consider one of these brilliant forms of air purification systems, or perhaps a combination of several, to make sure that indoor air quality is maintained within your home.
1. Thermodynamic Sterilization System - Just a fancy name for heat sterilization. Air passes through this system and heat is used as a way to destroy microorganisms. This is simply not a "filtering" technology. Put simply it kills any microorganism by use of heat. Though it may kill parasites, it will also kill almost any microorganism which could potentially be considered a problem. This standalone unit is designed round the footage of a particular room. It uses electricity to use and maintain quality of air. If you are looking to improve quality of air in more than one room, and if you have a big home, you will have to consider purchasing more than one.
2. UV Lights- These UV lights are specifically installed within the ducts of one's HVAC system. As air is blown, cool or warm, to your home these UV lights distribute short wavelengths of light so that you can disintegrate microorganisms. The UV light sterilizes, reduces growth and in addition protects the home owners from sucking in any parasites that made it past the air filters inside your HVAC system.
3. Air purification technologies (PCO) - A couple of years ago it had been considered a "new" emerging technology in the HVAC industry. This specific air purification system uses UV light as a way to energize the catalyst. The catalyst then oxidizes the harmful pollutants. Because the pollutants are increasingly being overwhelmed with oxygen, they die. Gas pollutants and odors are destroyed but other pollutants, such as dust, are still living rent free in your ducts.
4. HEPA Filters - HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are made up of randomly arranged fibers made up of fiberglass. These specific filters are created to target smaller pollutants. Most air purification systems can filter out gasses and/or odor molecules but they are "too large" for HEPA. These specific filters be certain that the smaller microorganism gets caught reducing the spread of airborne pathogens. HEPA filters could be combined with any of the above technologies in order to maintain premium air quality.
So the answer is YES. Air purification systems are necessary in your home especially if you are being supplied with cool and/or warm air by an HVAC system.
The air you breathe from outside is totally not the same as the filtered air that you are being supplied with at home. You would believe the air outside is more threatening, but the simple truth is that usually the air outdoors is better than the air at home.
It is very important:
a. MAINTAIN - ensure that your HVAC system is checked two times a year by way of a professional technician using a 24 point inspection. They'll make sure everything is running correctly and can also check to see if your ducts are clean. Having your ducts cleaned once a year can lessen your risk to any airborne pathogens that may enter your home. Maintenance goes a long way, be proactive!
b. ELIMINATE - Ensure you have some sort of air purification system, or a combination of systems. You would like to be sure that any harmful pathogen is eliminated and isn't living rent free at home. By eliminating any bacteria and/or mold you're also ensuring your HVAC system is running efficiently.
c. VENTILATE - On an awesome day, open your windows! Let some oxygen in your house and turn off your air conditioning. The fresh air, especially if there is a breeze, can pull all those harmful pathogens outside. Just a little oxygen never hurt anyone.