Indoor Air Quality

Across Florida, and America, indoor air quality has diminished. This is due to advancements in construction which have made the envelope of the home tighter. While this has aided in the efficiency of the air conditioning system it has lead to decrease in the purity of the air inside our homes. According to the Insurance Industry of America, insurance claims due to mold damage have steadily increased in the past 10 years. Reports of “sick building syndrome” have also spiked in the same time frame.

A wide variety of indoor air quality products are available to correct and maintain your indoor air concerns. Ultra violet germicidal lights will combat microbial growth in your air handler, electronic air filters and media filters with high MERV ratings will remove dust and particulates from the air, air sanitizers will eliminate viruses, bacteria and odors from your home.

The most common IAQ product is ultra violet germicidal lights. These type of lights are very effective for killing mold and microbial growth. They can be mounted inside the air handler to eradicate growth on your evaporator coil which can restrict air flow and diminish the efficiency of your system. Ideally, one should install a UV light above and below the evaporator coil. This will ensure complete coverage and effective penetration of the ultra violet light. By killing mold and preventing mold spores from spreading through the air duct system, you may significantly reduce sickness and respiratory illnesses due to microbial growth .

One of the simplest and most effective way to clean indoor air is to utilize a high MERV rated filter. Many varieties are readily available from a litany of manufactures and retail stores. Installing a filter with a MERV rating of 8 or more is the most effective for removing impurities from the air. When advanced air purification is needed for individuals who suffer from allergies, asthma, bronchitis, and other severe respiratory ailments; an electronic air cleaner can be a viable solution. Electronic air cleaners such as Trane’s CleanEffects can filter particulates as small as .03 microns. This can trap and remove dust mites, pollen, pet dander and other pollutants from the air. These types of units can improve the quality of your indoor air in addition to contributing to a cleaner home.