We all recognize the dangers of outdoor air pollution, such as car emissions. What a lot of people don’t know is that the air inside the normal 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’s at home or in a store. The EPA has ranked indoor air pollution in the top five environmental hazards. Some common indoor pollutants include: mold, pollen, pet dander, radon and even formaldehyde. There are also a few common terms normally used when discussing indoor air quality, so make sure know about these:
HEPA
You’ve probably seen or heard this term used, but do you grasp what it means? HEPA stands for “high-efficiency particulate air” or “high-efficiency particulate arrestance”. HEPA filtration systems are created 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 goes through the system. Dust, pollen, mites and other contaminants can all be captured, greatly improving your home’s indoor air quality.
MERV
MERV is an acronym for “minimum efficiency reporting value” or put in simple terms, it says the effectiveness of your air filter. MERV ratings can range from 1-16 with the higher rating getting rid of 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 ensure the air you’re breathing is good for your health. If you have any questions or concerns related to your home comfort systems give us a shout at 843-485-0967 to set up an appointment with us.