Indoor Air Quality Services In Clifton Park, NY

Indoor Air Quality Services In Clifton Park, Saratoga, Troy, Albany, Schenectady, NY, And Surrounding Areas

Clean It Up

Poor air quality inside your home can exacerbate all kinds of conditions, such as allergies, asthma, COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. However, there are some things you can do to improve the quality. Investing in indoor plants and limiting your use of scented items are good places to start. However, to really improve your indoor air quality, you’ll need to invest in HVAC solutions.

HVAC Filters

HVAC units use furnace filters to filter the air indoors and bring in fresh air from the outside. Therefore, they must be periodically changed to maintain their effectiveness. Each HVAC filter is assigned a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating. The rating of the filter you choose for your home should be between 8 and 13. If you find yourself or members of your family dealing with flu-like symptoms, you may need to upgrade to a filter with a higher MERV. Not changing the filter regularly can also negatively affect the unit’s efficiency, costing you money on utility bills.

There are 5 main types of HVAC filters:

Regular: Regular filters are fairly inexpensive and can be made using green materials. However, they also typically need more maintenance and restrict more airflow than other types, which can strain the motor.
Fiberglass: Fiberglass filters are good for filtering out larger particulates such as dust and lint. The downside is they don’t filter very well and need frequent replacement.
Pleated: The folding pattern of pleated filters allows more air through while still effectively filtering it. They are also very durable.
Washable: As the name implies, a washable filter is cleaned periodically rather than changed.
HEPA: HEPA filters are considered the cream of the crop. HEPA is an acronym for high-efficiency particulate air. The minimum effectiveness is 99.97%, but these filters are more expensive than other types. Also, they cannot filter out gasses, chemicals, or odors, so they are often paired with UV lights and ionizers to do so.

How Often Does The Filter Need To Be Changed?

If you have no pets, change the filter every 3 months. If you have one pet, change it every 2 months. Change it at least once a month if you have multiple pets or a family member with respiratory issues. If you own a second or vacation home that’s only used seasonally, you can go for as long as 6 months without a filter change.

Ultraviolet Light

UV lights are becoming more and more popular among homeowners who are serious about their indoor air quality. Here is what they can do for you:

Remove Mold And Mildew Growth: Your HVAC system can create a damp environment where mold and mildew thrive. A UV light will prevent mold and bacteria from growing in your HVAC system.
Remove VOCs.
Eliminate viruses and bacteria before they recirculate into your house. This can help reduce airborne germs and prevent those with weaker immune systems from needing medical care.
Increase AC efficiency by eliminating mold growth on the evaporator coil, allowing for better airflow.

Air Purifiers & Humidifiers

Air purifiers release hydrogen peroxide into the air, reducing the number of particulates in little time. Humidifiers can also go a long way toward indoor air quality. They add moisture to the air, which can prevent dried nasal passages, lips, and skin. They can also help to preserve the furniture in your home.