clean-air-filterSummer is not far off, now, and when it arrives you’re going to have more to worry about than keeping cool. Indoor air quality tends to suffer in homes across the country during the summertime, for a variety of different reasons. As indoor air quality in a home drops, so does your comfort. Low indoor air quality is also responsible for increased illness, so it’s a good idea to keep it as high as possible. Look at the following systems for some easy ways to improve your indoor air quality this summer.

Air Purifier or Air Filter 

One of the most common issues with indoor air quality is the presence of microscopic airborne contaminants. These include things like dust, dirt, pollen, dander, viruses, bacteria, and mold spores. Every home contains some level of airborne contaminants in its air supply. The higher the contaminant levels, though, the worse things are for you.

High airborne contaminant levels can cause things like allergy attacks, worsen conditions like asthma, and even result in increased flu infections. The best way to deal with these kinds of issues is to install an air purifier or filter. Air purifiers and filters are designed to improve indoor air quality by removing contaminants from the air (allergens, dust mites, etc). You should consult with a professional to determine which air purifier or filter would fit your needs best before you make any decisions about installing one in your home.

Humidifier or Dehumidifier

Humidity issues are another common cause of low indoor air quality. If your home’s air is frequently very humid, you’ll have a harder time keeping yourself cool. You’ll need to run your air conditioner for longer, which will end up costing you more money from month to month. It will also boost mold growth in your home, which is not a good thing for your health. Low humidity has a tendency to weaken your body’s defenses against infection. It also saps the wood in your home of moisture, making it more brittle and easily damaged.

You can resolve these issues by installing a whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier in your home. Controlling your humidity levels can not only improve your comfort levels throughout the year, but can actually save you money on cooling costs this summer.

HRV’s and ERV’s

Heat recovery ventilators and energy recovery ventilators, HRV’s and ERV’s respectively, are designed to keep fresh air flowing into the home without compromising climate control. The system brings fresh air from outside the home into the home’s ductwork, while simultaneously venting stale air from inside the home. As the two airflows pass each other in the system, they equalize each other’s air temperature. This means that the air flowing into the home will be roughly the same temperature as the air already inside. ERV’s also keep humidity levels constant, while HRV’s only transfer heat between airflows.

Air Cleaners 

When it comes to indoor air quality (IAQ) and controlling the particulate and pet dander you find in your whole-home HVAC system’s air ducts that can cause health issues and have negative health effects, air cleaners can be a great indoor air quality system options for controlling indoor air quality problems and providing good home air quality and healthy air for you and your family.

Airborne particles can make their way through your air conditioning system and ventilation systems, and cause poor indoor air quality. Air cleaners can help remove and reduce the concentrations of these allergens and buildup of indoor air pollutants that the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends against. 

 UV (Ultraviolet) Lights

Ultraviolet lights help by conditioning the air in the system, whether in the air handler, air ducts or other parts of the ventilation system, including both indoor and outdoor air. They can be added to most existing heating and cooling systems, and allow for UV filtration and provide clean air via air purification by neutralizing the volatile organic compounds (VOC) found in heating systems, cooling systems, and other indoor environments.

Just because a system is energy efficient, does not mean that it does not have possible health risks that homeowners should be aware of. From the nitrogen dioxide to formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, to emissions and energy costs, the choice of air purification for heaters and AC systems 

Climate Control Heating & Cooling offers full indoor air quality services throughout Kansas City, MO. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians.