With temperatures rising outside, relaxing indoors to beat the heat is an ideal solution. But for those of you suffering from a lack of quality air inside your home; we have compiled a list of top tips for improving indoor air quality this summer.
One of the first things to look at when trying to improve the air quality in your home is ventilation. Ventilation during summer can be easily achieved by opening up the windows at night allowing fresh air to enter your home and subsequently cool it down. Similarly, opening up multiple windows within the same room allows for cross ventilation, reducing any excess indoor heat build-up which is common during summer months. Other quick fixes around the home which can contribute to better air quality include regularly cleaning the exhaust fans in your bathroom which remove water vapour preventing moisture to build up inside your house as well installing an exhaust fan inside your kitchen which is great for eliminating harmful gases such as carbon monoxide as well as smoke.
Whilst such methods are great for improving the atmosphere around your home, for those of you looking for a more permanent fix, installing a residential air purifier is the way to go. Residential air purifiers or indoor air quality systems remove a wide range of common pollutants which can be aggravating for allergies as well as asthma and can have a negative impact on your overall healthy.
Before investing in indoor air quality unit however, it is important to consider the wide range of options available in the market and find one that is perfect for your lifestyle.
- Ozone Generators
Ozone generators are a great option for those suffering from mold, mildew, VOC’s or bad odor lingering in their homes. These purifiers employ the use of ozone to oxidize all molecules in its contact, eliminating toxins and disinfecting the air. However, if you and or a member of your family suffer from allergies or asthma, it is important to note that overexposure to ozone can further aggravate allergies and can be severely harmful to your health and well-being. Another point of caution when exploring this option is the instability of ozone gas and its ability to reacts with harmful chemicals in the air or oxidise metal which can result in corrosion and damage to household furnishing.
- Electronic Purifiers
Electronic purifiers are one of the most energy efficient options available on the market and are certainly worth taking a look into. These residential purifiers use negative ions to eliminate airborne pollutants by removing them from the air and depositing them upon walls, windows as well as other furnishings. Whilst this option is great for those looking to find a budget friendly indoor air quality system, electronic purifiers require consistent maintenance and usually amount to a smaller lifespan than other alternatives. Also, as all airborne pollutants are removed through this process of purification and deposited onto the surface around your home, regular vacuuming is essential in maintaining a healthy indoor air quality.
- HEPA Purifiers
High Efficiency Particulate Air filters or HEPA purifiers are designed to remove upto 99.97% of pollutants from the air and are strongly recommended for those households with family members suffering from allergies. These purification units are able to remove contaminants larger than 0.3 microns from the air such as pet dander, pollen, smoke, and dust as well as asbestos and are great way preventing several trips to the doctor this summer. The excellent quality of air provided by a HEPA filter however comes at a rather hefty cost, making this one of the most expensive residential air purifiers available today.
- Filters
As the name suggest, this option consists of mechanical filters made from materials such as cotton, foam, fiberglass and synthetic fibres which are often installed inside your household heating or cooling system. These purifiers are available in a range of materials and densities and more efficient models use extremely dense filters which limit the size of particles which can pass through, thus trapping and removing even the smallest of pollutants lingering inside your home. Filters are primarily found in two varieties, flat and pleated and whilst the former is common in most household heating systems, investing in the latter can significantly improve air quality as it increases the surface area of the filter. Although these purifiers do come with the continuous cost of replacing the filters, some models are washable and a great way of saving a few extra bucks.
Installing an indoor air quality system is essential for keeping your house feeling comfortable and fresh, so for the latest range of residential air purifiers head over to H & H heating and air conditioning services, the best in the trade.
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