This Is Why Your Home's Indoor Air Quality Is Important

The worldwide growth of COVID-19 has likely flipped your daily calendar upside down.

When things feel uncertain you can take comfort in knowing your home is your safe area. You’re likely spending more time there now. As a result, your indoor air quality is now more important than ever.

Did you realize we can install indoor air quality products in your home that deliver hospital-grade filtration? These solutions can remove bacteria from your air, as well as allergens, odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Up-to-date homes are tightly sealed, which is fantastic for energy efficiency. But it also means your inside air may be worse than the air outside. In actuality, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This may be problematic since we spend about 90% of our lifetime inside.

There are many things that can lead to poor indoor air quality, including cleaning products and air fresheners. These can cause headaches and irritate allergies and asthma.

There are a few steps you can take to improve your air quality. Some include better air filters, an air purification system or an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light.

Not sure which system is a good fit for your home? Our skilled techs can perform an indoor air quality audit. Based upon the outcome, we can then suggest the most fitting option for your household’s distinctive needs.

Continue reading to learn more about the air quality equipment we provide.

Air Filtration

When looking at air filters, it’s important to look at the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This measures how effectively it filters contaminants.

One of the most common and least expensive filters, flat fiberglass filters, rank between 1 and 4 on the MERV register. Pleated filters are slightly better, rated between 8 and 12.

We recommend buying at minimum MERV 13, like the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the optimal outcome. This filter gives cleaner air while lowering energy consumption.

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are regarded as the gold standard in air filtration, since they’re frequently used in hospitals. They’re effective at catching 99.97–99.99% of indoor pollutants, such as pollen, pet dander and smoke.

Before buying an enhanced filter, reach us at 814-308-0416. Our experts can help you select the right match for your unit.

Air Purification

Lennox provides some of the most advanced air purification units you can purchase. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems deliver hospital-grade filtration while managing all kinds of indoor air contaminants.

These powerful systems can eliminate:

• 99.9% of allergens, such as pollen, dust and pet dander.
• 95% of bacteria-sized particles, like ones that cause strep throat.
• 50% of VOCs and odors within 24 hours.

UV Germicidal Lights

A UV germicidal light is added within your HVAC unit. Its powerful rays eradicate bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family suffers from allergies or asthma, this unit may deliver relief. Especially if you are in a muggy climate where bacteria and mold grow quickly.

This light also provides an extra perk for your comfort equipment. It can help it run longer and heat and cool more efficiently, since it keeps the internal pieces clean.

Our air quality engineers recommend combining one of these lights with an improved filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for optimal results. This filter provides industry-leading MERV 16 filtration plus carbon-coated fibers to remove particles from your residence’s air. It does all of this without limiting your heating and cooling system’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Having correct humidity in your residence might help keep your loved ones healthy when it’s chilly. It can aid sore throats, dry skin and peeling lips, among further cold weather annoyances.

If you don’t know what your home’s humidity range is, we’ll figure that out when we complete your indoor air quality audit. While the range changes based on outdoor temperatures, HVAC professionals usually advise keeping it between 40–60 percent.

You can reach this optimum range by installing a whole-home humidifier. This equipment typically works with your furnace or air handler to provide optimum humidity across your home. Some equipment, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, contain an included fan to move humidity during the time your heating equipment isn’t running.

Rely on the Professionals for Your Indoor Air Quality Necessities

At Patterson & Stirling, we’re passionate about making your residence comfier. That’s why we provide Lennox air quality options, which are the most exhaustive solution on the market.

We’re also more than just your heating and cooling company. We’re concerned about the wellness of you and your loved ones. That’s why our techs are taking additional precautions when we come to your residence.

To learn more about our air quality equipment, get in touch with us at 814-308-0416 or contact us online. Our knowledgeable staff can also answer any worries you can have with a tech arriving at your residence today.

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*Based on in-duct testing that shows Healthy Climate® filters reduce airflow restriction. Greater restriction of airflow creates a greater load on a unit’s fan motor, increasing energy consumption.