How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

It’s a tough time of year for people who are suffering from asthma and/or allergies. Many of us assume that we can just stay inside during the worst days of allergy season. Unfortunately, the EPA has said repeatedly that the air quality is actually worse indoors. Poor indoor air quality leads to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. You can also get headaches, dizziness, or fatigue. That’s bad for everyone, but it certainly exacerbates the effects of asthma and allergies (especially in kids).

Polluted air has been proven to cause 94% of all respiratory problems. People don’t think about it often, but about around 40,000 dust mites can live on a single ounce of dust. (It’s not just the dust mites that are the problem. They leave nasty waste behind, too.) The average person inhales about 3,500 gallons of air each day. Accounting for size, children actually inhale more particles than adolescents or adults.

What active measures can you take to ensure that your home’s air quality is up to par? We recommend a product called MicroPower Guard. It’s an electric filtration system that’s dramatically more efficient than a run-of-the-mill dime store filter. It works by sliding into the space of your HVAC system’s existing filter. It fits right into systems designed for a standard 1” thick filter. (Sometimes we might have to make small changes so that your system will accommodate the filter.) It also requires power, so we either wire it directly into the HVAC system’s control board or simply plug the unit into the nearest wall outlet.

Maintenance of the MicroPower Guard filters is straightforward. It has a portion that needs to be replaced quarterly (under average use) and a portion that can be cleaned.

There’s no doubt about the benefits of good air quality. Boulden Brothers can take a look at your home’s HVAC system and recommend the best choice for you. Everyone in your family will experience the health benefits, especially if someone suffers from allergies or asthma. It also extends the life of your HVAC system and allows it to operate more efficiently.

Remember, a very small amount of dirt clogging your HVAC system can dramatically reduce its efficiency and lifespan. At the very least, make sure that your filter is maintained regularly. To learn more about the available micro-filtration options for your home, give Boulden Brothers a call or contact us online.