Homeowners looking to employ air purification to advance indoor air quality often turn to systems that combine technologies. These types of systems offer comprehensive management of indoor pollution, as most indoor air is filled with several types of contaminants — not just one. In particular, three types of contaminants exist: particulates, chemical vapors and odors, and bioaerosols and microorganism. To maintain a high level of air quality indoors, the air-purification system you choose should target all three.
To achieve desirable air quality, look for air purification that utilizes these types of technologies:
- High-efficiency filtration. The first line of defense in air purification that targets particulates and some bioaerosols, a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)16 filter attacks the smallest of pollutants down to 0.01 microns in size. The standard air filter in your furnace or air conditioner can’t target contaminants of this size.
- Ultraviolet (UV) lights. Exposure to UV lights renders bioaerosols and microorganisms like bacteria, molds and viruses null and void. You see, the powerful UV rays penetrate deep into the membranes of the cells, changing the structure of their DNA so they can’t multiply.
- A catalyst. Working in conjunction with the UV lights, the catalyst, often constructed from titanium and dioxide, attacks odors and chemical vapors, the last class of contaminant. The process works by changing the contaminants to a mixture of water and carbon dioxide, which is safely drained out of the air-purification system.
When purchasing an air-purification system, work with an air-quality specialist who will test the air inside your home so that you’re certain of the pollutants lurking in your air.
For expert advice with regard to air purification, contact Arpi’s Industries today! We’ve served greater Calgary homeowners since 1963. We’re happy to help our neighbors with quality furnace installations, humidifier services, air quality needs and more. Give us a call today or visit our website for more valuable tips.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air purification and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Image courtesy of Shutterstock
