We all hear about the dangers of outdoor air pollution, such as car emissions. What a lot of people don’t realize is that the air inside the average home is approximately five times more polluted than outside air. Indoor air quality is important because Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, whether it is at home or in a store. The EPA has ranked indoor air pollution in the top five environmental dangers. Some common indoor pollutants include: mold, pollen, pet dander, radon and even formaldehyde. There are also some common terms traditionally used when speaking about indoor air quality, so make sure you understand these:
HEPA
You’ve possibly seen or heard this term used, but do you understand what it means? HEPA stands for “high-efficiency particulate air” or “high-efficiency particulate arrestance”. HEPA filtration systems are manufactured and certified to capture at least 99.97% of .3-micron (.000012” or 300x smaller than the diameter of human hair) particles from the air that heads through the system. Dust, pollen, mites and other contaminants can all be captured, greatly increasing your home’s indoor air quality.
MERV
MERV is short for “minimum efficiency reporting value” or put in easier terms, it tells you the effectiveness of your air filter. MERV ratings can be between 1-16 with the higher rating removing more contaminants and allergens without impacting the airflow of your home comfort system. We can work with you to determine a filter with a MERV rating that will work best for your needs.
We breathe on average 11,000 liters of air a day. We want to help you realize the importance of indoor air quality and help be sure the air you’re breathing is good for your health. If you have any questions or concerns about your home comfort systems give us a ring at 479-308-8176 to schedule an appointment with us.