Indoor air pollution is a serious problem that affects virtually every home in Apex, NC. According to the EPA, the concentration of some airborne pollutants is typically two to five times higher indoors than outside. Air cleaners and air purifiers can both help to improve your home’s indoor air quality, but it is important to note the differences in how the two work.
How Air Cleaners Work
Air cleaners are typically installed in an HVAC system and work by using a highly efficient filter to trap airborne pollutants and allergens. While your HVAC air filter also traps larger particles like dust and pet hair, it is mostly ineffective against smaller particles like mold spores, pet dander, cigarette smoke, dust mites and combustion fumes. Adding an air cleaner to your HVAC system provides far better filtration and will protect you against the majority of airborne pollutants.
How Air Purifiers Work
Air purifiers also clean the air, but in a much different way. These units typically use UV lights, negative ions or other technology that destroys or deactivates biological contaminants including pollen, mold spores and dust mites as well as most viruses and bacteria. Air purifiers are typically installed inside of ductwork and provide improved protection for allergy sufferers and people with respiratory ailments and can also help to prevent you from getting sick.
Benefits of Investing in Indoor Air Quality Equipment
Both air purifiers and air cleaners are available as stand-alone portable units. However, for the best protection, you should consider a unit that works in conjunction with your HVAC system to clean the air inside the entire home. This will ensure that the air inside your home remains fresh and clean instead of stale and polluted.
By upgrading your HVAC system with an air purifier, air cleaner or another indoor air quality solution, you can help to prevent indoor air pollution from negatively affecting your health. This is especially important as most homes have quite high concentrations of VOCs and other harmful pollutants that can lead to an increased risk of cancer and other long-term health issues.
If you’re looking to improve your home’s indoor air quality and protect your health, the experts at Lee Air Conditioning are here to help. We specialize in installing air cleaners, air purifiers, ventilation systems and whole-home humidifiers for residents of Apex, NC. To learn more about our indoor air quality solutions, or if you need any other HVAC services, give Lee Air Conditioning a call today.
Image provided by iStock