Indoor air pollution is considered to be one of the top 5 environmental risks to the fitness of the public. To those who thought you're safe in your own home - you have been fooled, but usually do not worry this is often reversed.
Every home today is equipped with an air-con and/or heating system. Whatever the kind of system you use to cool and/or heat your home, air is constantly being supplied for you in order for one to be comfortable. In HVAC systems air travels by way of a duct system, over and over again, in order that a desired temperature is reached and maintained during your home. Even though 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 home.
In Take a look at the site here to the hotter months the HVAC system is pumping out cool air constantly in order that people can escape from the heat. Cooling systems take the warm air from the home, transform it into cool air and then it goes right back where it belonged, only colder. As your air conditioning is running 24 hours a day it could put you and your family at an increased risk in catching a virus or bacterial infection especially to those who find themselves more vulnerable (elderly, children, those with asthma and/or allergies).
The only way to regulate air quality 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 decrease the risk 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 is filtered by your HVAC system. However, not all contaminants are considered. If you think about any of it, air is continuously being sucked through the ducts in order for it to be cooled. Once it is cooled it is then pushed back again to your home. Particles can stay in your duct system without your consent. The brand new cool air you are getting may potentially be contaminated because it had to feed the duct system to be able 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 just a few contaminants that may potentially be breathed in by your household.
Just because you be sure to dust everyday does not mean that everything is "clean". Where do you think all that dust went after you wiped it off of the television?
My recommendation is to consider one of these types of air purification systems, or a combination of a few, in order to make sure that indoor quality of air is maintained within your home.
1. Thermodynamic Sterilization System - Just a fancy name for heat sterilization. Air passes through this technique and heat can be used in order to destroy microorganisms. This is simply not a "filtering" technology. Quite simply it kills any microorganism by use of heat. Although it may kill parasites, it will kill any type of microorganism that 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 air quality in more than one room, and if you have a big home, you will need to consider purchasing multiple.
2. UV Lights- These UV lights are specifically installed within the ducts of your HVAC system. As air is blown, cool or warm, to your home these UV lights distribute short wavelengths of light so as to disintegrate microorganisms. The UV light sterilizes, reduces growth and in addition protects the homeowners from sucking in any parasites that made it past the air filters within your HVAC system.
3. Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) - A few years ago it had been considered a "new" emerging technology in the HVAC industry. This type of 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 gasses and/or odor molecules but they are "too big" for HEPA. These specific filters guarantee that small microorganism gets caught reducing the spread of airborne pathogens. HEPA filters could be combined with any of the above technologies so as to maintain premium quality of air.
Therefore the answer is YES. Air purification systems are essential in your home particularly if you are being supplied with cool and/or heated air by an HVAC system.
The air you breathe from outside is totally different from the filtered air that you will be being supplied with in your house. You would believe the air outside is more threatening, but the fact is that normally the air outdoors is preferable to the air in your house.
You should:
a. MAINTAIN - ensure that your HVAC system is checked 2 times a year by a professional technician using a 24 point inspection. They will 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 reduce your risk to any airborne pathogens that can enter your home. Maintenance goes a long way, be proactive!
b. ELIMINATE - Be sure you have some type of air purification system, or a combination of systems. You need to guarantee that any harmful pathogen is eliminated and is not living rent free in your house. By eliminating any bacteria and/or mold you're also making sure that your HVAC system is running efficiently.
c. VENTILATE - On an awesome day, open your windows! Let some fresh air in your home and switch off your air conditioning. The fresh air, especially if there exists a breeze, can pull those harmful pathogens outside. Just a little fresh air never hurt anyone.