UV Air Purification and 7 Other Air Pollution Removal Techniques

Outdoor air pollution seems to get a lot of attention. However, the EPA says that indoor air pollution is five to ten times higher than the concentration outdoors. On average, we spend about 90% of our time indoors. This puts our very health at risk, especially those who are at risk like young children, older adults, those with heart and lung issues.

HVAC technology advancements now offer several options to reduce air pollution and improve indoor air quality.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

In addition to outdoor pollution sources like vehicle exhaust, chemical smells, and other contaminants entering your home through doors and windows, indoor air quality is affected by pollutants that are usually limited to indoor sources.

Dust, debris, pet dander, viruses, cigarette smoke, bacteria, dust mites, cleaning chemicals, and other volatile organic compounds are just a few of the indoor air pollutants that can be hazardous to your family’s health. Family members with allergies or pre-existing conditions can be presented with chronic illnesses or breathing issues when these contaminants build up in our home.

Poor air circulation and ventilation can also contribute to decreases indoor air quality. Some of the newer home air conditioner features are designed to not only be energy efficient but designed to increase indoor air pollution by removing pathogens from your home’s air.

The following are 7 ways that HVAC technology has improved to better indoor air quality.

1. Combat indoor air pollution with UV Air Purification

UVA and UVA light are common knowledge due to the use of sunscreen and other sunlight protection processes. UVC is the most damaging type of all solar radiation sources. It is filtered by the Earth’s atmosphere and never reaches the surface where we live.

HVAC systems can be fitted with UVC emitting light for UV Air Purification that will improve air quality. The UVC lights are used in air purification that can kill almost all microbes. These UVC lights for UV Air Purification are installed inside your HVAC equipment to keep your home free from pathogens.

Typically, UVC can be used in several ways, often in combination with other ventilation, particulate filtration, and other air quality control methods.

2. Proper Ventilation Design Can Prevent Indoor Air Pollution

Ventilation system design plays a crucial role in reducing indoor air pollution, controlling odors, and removing contaminants. Proper kitchen ventilation is essential to keeping the space clean and reducing the buildup of unpleasant odors that can cause irritation.

3. Use variable refrigerant flow (VRF) for humidity (and temperature) control

Humidity can increase contaminant concentration. Mold and mildew flourish in moist, humid conditions. During our indoor air quality testing process, we gauge humidity in your home. Optimal humidity is between 30-50%. A Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system which is configured in a zone HVAC system, can maintain constant humidity levels and temperatures.

A VRF HVAC system detects the precise requirements of each zone in your home and sends the precise amount of heating/cooling required. As a result, each area of the space is consistently comfortable with well-controlled humidity and no hot or cold spots.

4. Use HEPA filters

Your HVAC filter system does not remove pathogens like a UVC system. However not all filters are created equally. Highly efficient particulate air (HEPA) filters are designed to reduce indoor air pollutants by remove 99.07% of debris, dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, bacteria, and viruses. HEPA filters are recognized by OSHA and the EPA for their effective use in removing pollutants.

5. Cleaning the ductwork reduces indoor air pollution

Debris, dust, pollen, pet dander, cigarette smoke, mold, and other airborne allergens usually end up settling in your ductwork. This accumulation will drastically impact your indoor air quality. The debris in your ductwork can end up circulating in the air that your family breathes. A simple ductwork inspection can detect the amount of buildup, and a thorough duct cleaning can remove these contaminants and remove the threat to your indoor air quality.

6. Mold remediation can improve indoor air quality

By the time you realize you have mold, it is likely to be more extensive than you know. Mold will drastically affect indoor air quality. The health issues that mold can cause can be serious. Minor symptoms are headaches, nausea, irritated nose and throat, and asthma can result. In serious cases or to those who are high-risk, it can be more serious and even life-threatening.

In cases where your ductwork is infested with mold, an HVAC professional needs to remediate the HVAC system for mold. The chemicals used will remove mold from your HVAC system and its components.

In addition to removing the mold, an HVAC certified technician can identify the root cause of the mold and help you repair/resolve the issues.

7. Routine HVAC maintenance Improves Indoor Air Quality

Regularly schedule professional HVAC system maintenance can improve your A/C systems performance. Routine HVAC maintenance is an investment into your home value, not just a way to detect, prevent, and eliminate sources of indoor air pollution and system components that need repair. Ensuring that your air conditioning system is functioning properly with routine system maintenance is a cost-effective preventative measure to maintain indoor air quality.

AirPro has been providing UV Air Purification for clients across the Texas Gulf Coast creating healthier and happier customers. AirPro Houston provides excellent financing options for UV Air Purification solutions. Call us today at  (281) 880-8805 for additional information about UV Air Purification systems in your home or business.