We all know 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 around five times more polluted than outside air. Indoor air quality is important because Americans spend around 90% of their time indoors, whether they are 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 some common terms traditionally used when speaking about indoor air quality, so make sure you’re familiar with these:
HEPA
You’ve likely 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 produced 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 a shortened version of “minimum efficiency reporting value” or put in simple terms, it states the effectiveness of your air filter. MERV ratings can be anywhere from 1-16 with the higher rating eliminating more contaminants and allergens without restricting the airflow of your home comfort system. We can work with you to figure out 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 understand the importance of indoor air quality and help make sure the air inside your house is good for your health. If you have any questions or concerns surrounding your home comfort systems give us a ring at 713-469-3357 to set up an appointment with us.