With so many types of pollutants and contaminants across southern California, maintaining healthful indoor air quality (IAQ) is always a concern for residents. More San Marcos homeowners are discovering that a whole-home air cleaner is an effective weapon against harmful germs and mitigating allergens and microorganisms that can exacerbate asthma and allergies.
There are several different types of air cleaners available that capture and remove contaminants from the home’s air, destroy microorganisms in the HVAC system, and/or neutralize odors and gases in the home. Following are popular and practical air cleaning solutions you may consider for your IAQ needs.
HEPA Filtration
A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is a dense filter that’s installed in the return air duct. This type of filter removes 99.97 percent of the airborne particles, germs and allergens pulled into the ducts. Filters designated as HEPA carry a minimum efficiency reporting value between 17 to 20.
Because of the denseness of HEPA filters, consult your HVAC technician to see if your system’s blower motor can handle the pressure drop that will be created.
Electronic Air Cleaners
Electronic air cleaners remove airborne contaminants with the help of electrostatic attraction. As return air moves freely through the electronic air cleaner, the particles and microorganisms are given an electrical charge. The plates in the electronic cleaner have an opposite charge, which attracts and captures the contaminants.
Ultraviolet (UV) Light Systems
UV light systems use low levels of ultraviolet radiation to destroy or alter the DNA of microorganisms, germs and bacteria. This prevents these contaminants from reproducing. UV lights work silently and safely inside the HVAC system. They don’t need any maintenance and only need to be replaced about every two years. Since UV lights don’t capture particles like HEPA and electronic filters, you should use a high-efficiency media filter in tandem.
