Over the past two months, Coloradans made a number of changes to stay healthy. Dining out became dining in; live meetings moved online, and social gatherings were replaced with social distancing. And while home is still the safest place to be, the impact on indoor air quality could be harmful in different ways.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), indoor air can be more contaminated than outdoor air, especially when we are inside for extended periods. Energy-efficient homes and windows are great for conservation, but they limit the amount of circulation and fresh air coming inside. Add to this our pending return to offices during an ongoing pandemic, and the case for clean indoor air is stronger than ever.
Poor air quality: Causes and symptoms
Common indoor air pollutants in Colorado come from many sources, including pollen, mold, smoke, cleaning products, carbon monoxide, and even formaldehyde found in building materials, textiles and furniture. In addition to stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, headache and burning eyes, symptoms of poor air quality are vast. People with asthma, allergies or other breathing problems may experience even more severe reactions.
Air filtration versus air purification
Indoor air filtration and purification products have come a long way in recent years, tackling common culprits and preempting symptoms before you can say dust mite. Front Range HVAC specializes in the latest filtration and purification technology from Carrier, including electrostatic filters, UVC lights and odor-control products. But what’s the difference between filtration and purification? And do you need both?
Indoor air filtration is one of the most important features of a healthy, comfortable home or commercial space. As the air in your home circulates, it passes through the filter and is redistributed throughout the home/office. While standard air filters capture large particles such as dirt, dust bunnies and lint, higher quality electrostatic filters remove microscopic allergens that ordinary fiberglass filters miss.
Air purification systems then pick up where air filtration systems leave off, sending indoor air through a series of HEPA materials that screen out harmful elements in the air. Because air purifiers are able to remove such smaller particles, the net result is cleaner, more allergen-free air. And when you take the extra step to eliminate airborne particles, you’re giving allergens less of a chance to populate throughout your living and working areas.
At Front Range HVAC, we highly recommend having your indoor air quality audited at least once every year (quarterly for some commercial systems). And given our recent stay-at-home orders, now is the perfect time for a tune-up or new installation. Call us today at 303-529-9467.
