Pollutants in your home
There are two main sources of air contamination homeowners must deal with: gaseous and particulate matter. The two main sources of gases are internal and external, and may originate from products (cleaning solutions or even furniture) within your home and outdoor pollutants. Particulate matter can originate from numerous sources including mold, pollen and animal dander.
In order to effectively combat both types of contamination, you should work with a knowledgeable indoor-air-quality expert to first measure the quality of your indoor air, and then select the right air cleaner to address the pollutants present in the home.
Air cleaners generally use a variety of technologies. Your options may include:
- A High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration system installs alongside the HVAC equipment, using a dedicated blower to overcome airflow problems that more efficient filtration systems present, cleaning the home's airstream as it circulates through the HVAC system. These types of systems may not address the problem of gaseous matter, however.
- Gas-phase air filters address gaseous matter using a material like carbon to remove gases and odors.
- Electronic air cleaners give particulate matter a charge, causing particles floating around in the air to settle on the surfaces in your home.
- Ultraviolet light systems specifically target bacteria and mold with UV rays.
When considering air cleaner options, it may be of benefit to you to select a whole-house system. A single-room air cleaner is limited to a specific square footage, ideal for using in a single room. A whole-house air cleaner, however, extends its reach to all of the living spaces in your home. It's generally installed alongside the HVAC equipment or in-duct, cleaning the air supply as it circulates through the furnace or air conditioner.
Let Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning help you choose the best air cleaner for your home. Customers along the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts have been trusting us for over 80 years, and we'd like the chance to earn your trust, too.
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