We all know the dangers of outdoor air pollution, such as car emissions. What a lot of people don’t realize is that the air inside the average home is around five times more polluted than outside air. Indoor air quality is important because Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, whether it is at home or in the office. The EPA has ranked indoor air pollution in the top five environmental dangers. Some common indoor pollutants include: mold, pollen, pet dander, radon and even formaldehyde. There are also a few common terms regularly used when discussing indoor air quality, so make sure know about these:
HEPA
You’ve probably seen or heard this term used, but do you know what it means? HEPA stands for “high-efficiency particulate air” or “high-efficiency particulate arrestance”. HEPA filtration systems are created 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 goes through the system. Dust, pollen, mites and other impurities 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 easier terms, it states the effectiveness of your air filter. MERV ratings can be between 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 determine 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 recognize the importance of indoor air quality and help ensure the air you’re breathing is good for your health. If you have any questions or concerns surrounding your home comfort systems give us a call at 402-438-7992 to arrange an appointment with us.