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Many of us find ourselves spending more time in our homes, especially in the past few years as working remotely has become commonplace. This shift has brought a heightened awareness to the quality of the air we breathe day in and day out. In this blog post, we delve into the world of air purifiers – exploring what they are, how they work, and whether they live up to the promise of creating a cleaner and healthier living space. From understanding different types of air purifiers to determining their effectiveness for tackling various issues, we aim to answer all the most commonly asked questions. We also provide expert tips for homeowners living in Ottawa and surrounding regions such as Nepean, Barrhaven, Kanata, Orleans, Gloucester, and Vanier.
An air purifier is any device that improves the air quality of a home by removing contaminants and pollutants from the air. Air purifiers work by drawing in air from the surrounding environment, passing it through a series of filters and other purification technologies, and then releasing the purified air back into the home.
The primary purpose of an air purifier is to reduce the concentration of airborne particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mould, and other allergens. Some air purifiers can even help remove odours, smoke particles, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. Air purifiers are seen as a luxury product for some but for individuals who suffer from respiratory conditions or allergies, a high-quality air purifier can be essential to health and well-being.
Whether you need an air purifier depends on your indoor environment, personal health, and specific concerns. Here are some situations in which an air purifier might be beneficial:
In Ottawa, many homeowners find air purifiers helpful, especially during the cold winters. Ottawa homes are designed with tight seals to prevent heat loss, yet this design feature also results in limited air circulation during the winter months. Consequently, the stagnation of indoor air can lead to elevated levels of pollutants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) beyond the desirable range.
There are thousands of different air purifiers on the market and it can be overwhelming trying to select the right option for your home. To simplify the process there are really only two big decisions to be made when selecting an air purifier: Do you need a whole home or standalone air purifier? And what purification technology is best for your home?
We will explore all of these options fully in the rest of the blog post.
Did you know that you likely already have an air purifier in your home? If you have ductwork in your home your furnace or air handler will have a filter. It’s surprising just how many homeowners aren’t aware of this filter and that they need to be replacing it. In fact, having a clogged furnace filter is the number one reason for HVAC failure. Here’s everything you need to know about furnace filters:
Over time the furnace filter accumulates dust and other particles from the air stopping them from circulating around your home. If you hold your filter up to the light and can’t see light through it, it needs to be changed. When the filter is full your system has to work harder to blow air through it decreasing the efficiency of your system, decreasing the expected lifespan of your system and increasing your monthly bills. Changing your filter regularly will improve the air quality in your home and the efficiency of your HVAC system. Every home is different and factors like the presence of pets or renovations can mean you need to change your filter more often.
The furnace filter must fit snugly in the filter rack, if it is not airtight it will not function as intended. Common sizes range from 1’’ to 5’’ in width, thicker filters tend to last longer as they have more surface area with which to catch particles and often filter the air more efficiently than thin filters.
The Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV) is an index of the efficacy of your filter media. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particles it is able to capture. Your lungs have a MERV 8 rating so you want to ensure your HVAC system can filter more than your lungs or they’ll be absorbing everything your filter misses! A MERV rating between 10 and 13 is generally recommended however, if you struggle with environmental allergies you may want to put a stronger filter in.
A High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter is a type of air filter that is designed to capture and trap very small particles in the air. HEPA filters have a MERV rating of 17+ depending on the specific filter meaning they can filter out dust, pollen, mould, pet dander, smoke and even bacteria from the air.
Air purifiers that contain UV-C lamps emit short-wavelength UV-C light, which is effective in damaging the genetic material of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and moulds. As air passes through the purifier, it is exposed to the UV-C light, leading to the inactivation or destruction of the microorganisms. While UV-C air purifiers are effective against a variety of bacteria and viruses they cannot filter larger particles such as dust, debris, pollen, and pet dander. This is why they are typically used in combination with a physical air filter such as a furnace filter or a portable HEPA filter unit.
An activated carbon filter, also known as activated charcoal or activated carbon air filter, is a type of air filtration device designed to remove odours, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. Activated carbon is a highly porous form of carbon that has undergone a special activation process to increase its surface area, allowing it to adsorb a wide range of chemical compounds.
For individuals grappling with allergies, respiratory issues or just looking to boost the quality of their air, air purifiers can prove to be an invaluable tool. As we strive for cleaner, fresher air in our homes, the decision to embrace an air purifier is a step towards creating a living space that promotes both comfort and well-being. Whether you’re interested in a portable solution or a whole-home system the experts at Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling can help you find an air purifier that fits your home and fulfills your needs. If you’re an Ottawa area homeowner give us a call today and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions!
Do you live in Cornwall or surrounding regions? Check out Walker Climate Care our partners and local Cornwall HVAC experts. They also offer indoor air quality and air purification services, take a look at their Cornwall specific resources such as: Why Indoor Air Quality Matters and How to Improve It.
For immediate service, please use our live chat or call us at (613) 224-0041.
Since 1933, Francis Plumbing Heating and Cooling has been Ottawa’s trusted provider of HVAC and Plumbing services including installations, repairs & maintenance for furnaces, air-conditioners, heat pumps, boilers and water heaters. We offer after hours emergency HVAC repair services at no extra cost in Ottawa and surrounding areas including Barrhaven, Orléans, Vanier, Nepean, Kanata, and Stittsville. Contact us for all your HVAC and Plumbing needs!
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