The worldwide growth of COVID-19 has likely shifted your typical schedule into a jumble.

In uncertain times you can feel good in knowing your home is your safe space. You’re possibly spending more time there nowadays. That’s why your indoor air quality is now more critical than ever.

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

Modern residences are tightly closed, which is great for energy efficiency. But it also means your inside air can be worse than the air outside. In reality, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This can be troublesome since we spend about 90% of our days in a building.

There are many factors that can contribute to poor indoor air quality, like cleaning products and air fresheners. These may cause headaches and exasperate allergies and asthma.

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

Not certain which solution is best for your home? Our knowledgeable technicians can perform an indoor air quality audit. Based off of the outcome, we can then suggest the most fitting option for your home’s unique needs.

Keep on reading to learn more about the air quality solutions we have.

Air Filtration

When browsing air filters, you should consider the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This gauges how effectively it filters pollutants.

One of the most common and least expensive filters, flat fiberglass filters, are rated between 1 and 4 on the MERV scale. Pleated filters are a little bit better, ranking between 8 and 12.

We advise upgrading to no less than MERV 13, such as the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the most ideal effect. This filter delivers fresher air while limiting energy consumption.

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are considered the best in air filtration, because they’re usually installed in hospitals. They’re effective at trapping 99.97–99.99% of indoor pollutants, like pollen, pet dander and smoke.

In advance of getting an enhanced filter, contact us at 804-302-6657. Our professionals can help you choose the right solution for your system.

Air Purification

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

These powerful units can eliminate:

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

UV Germicidal Lights

A UV germicidal light is placed within your heating and cooling unit. Its powerful rays eliminate bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family has allergies or asthma, this system can deliver relief. Especially if you live in a humid climate where bacteria and mold thrive.

This light also offers an added perk for your HVAC unit. It can help it work for a longer period of time and heat and cool more efficiently, as it keeps the internal pieces clean.

Our air quality engineers advise installing one of these lights with an enhanced filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for the greatest effect. This filter delivers industry-leading MERV 16 filtration in addition to carbon-coated fibers to trap particles in your residence’s air. It fulfills this without limiting your heating and cooling equipment’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Having even humidity in your residence could help keep your family from getting sick when it’s cold. It can aid sore throats, itchy skin and peeling lips, among added cold weather annoyances.

If you don’t know what your house’s humidity percentage is, we’ll measure it while we perform your indoor air quality audit. While the range fluctuates based on outdoor temperatures, HVAC pros typically advise keeping it between 40–60 percent.

You can reach this optimum range by using a whole-home humidifier. This equipment typically accompanies your furnace or air handler to provide optimal humidity across your house. Some models, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, have an incorporated fan to move humidity when your comfort system isn’t operating.

Turn to the Experts for Your Indoor Air Quality Requirements

At Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we’re committed to making your house more relaxing. That’s why we offer Lennox air quality options, which are the most complete solution you can buy.

We’re also more than only your heating and cooling company. We’re concerned about the well-being of you and your family. That’s why our techs are taking more precautions when we visit your residence.

To learn more about our air quality solution, reach us at 804-302-6657 or contact us online. Our knowledgeable staff can also answer any worries you could have with a pro arriving at your home at this time.

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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.