Exploring ways to boost indoor air quality for your home or office? The right HVAC can make a world of difference.
In 2020, COVID-19 hit us, and as a result, awareness surrounding indoor air quality has grown exponentially. Because indoor air quality products and ventilation technology can significantly limit the spread of viruses, as well as reduce the presence of other indoor air pollutants, more and more people are looking into the best solutions to improve the very air we breathe.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air we breathe indoors is 2 to 5 times more polluted than that outdoors! For people who suffer from asthma or allergies, internal air quality is an especially critical issue. Whether you’re looking for a solution to improve indoor air quality in your office or home, finding the right air purification system can make a significant impact on everything from the performance of your employees to everyday life for members of your household.
What causes poor indoor air quality (IAQ)?
There are a number of factors that contribute to poor IAQ. These include a mix of outdoor and indoor pollutants, which can spread throughout your space via a subpar air conditioning system. Poor IAQ has the potential to trigger allergic reactions and breathing issues.
- Biological contaminants – Dust mite allergens, molds, animal dander, and pollen can all contribute to poor IAQ, and may cause allergic reactions among people with sensitivities. Viruses and bacteria that cause serious illness can also be spread indoors via air conditioning systems.
- Chemical pollutants – Chemically-treated items, including everything from dry-cleaned clothing to aerosol cleaning products to tobacco products, can potentially emit chemical pollutants into the air, irritating people with sensitivities and lowering overall IAQ.
- Suspended particles – The precedence of microscopic particles that remain suspended in the air can have a major negative impact on IAQ. Examples include dust, dirt, viruses and other particles that remain in the air.
If you’re exploring how to improve indoor air quality, finding the right HVAC system is the key to developing the strategy that works best for you.
What is an HVAC?
A Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system provides a space with superior indoor air quality through humidity control and ventilation systems with filtration technology, and lets users select temperature settings for a comfortable atmosphere.
It’s critical to note that not all air conditioning systems are created equal. While there are standards for commercial HVAC systems, more basic models, especially for homes, don’t necessarily provide more than basic filtration. Most HVAC systems don’t contain any air purification technology whatsoever!
How HVAC systems improve IAQ
HVAC systems vary depending on their manufacturer and model, but nearly all of them utilize basic ventilation, humidity and moisture control.
Enhanced ventilation
Good ventilation indoors is as important as good circulation within the body — it’s a necessary component for a healthy environment. When air moves freely, pollutants and contaminants are less likely to be concentrated in one place, minimizing their negative effects.
Many HVACs utilize mechanical ventilation systems, which push out stale air from indoors and pump in fresh, outdoor air to replace it. Within your home, you might also consider so-called passive or natural ventilation systems. This could mean cracking a window open or leaving a door ajar so that fresh air naturally passes through.
Humidity and moisture control
Mold and other biological pollutants love damp, wet air, so cutting down on humidity and moisture is an effective way to stop their spread and growth. Many HVAC systems include dehumidifiers that can dry out the air and make it less attractive to pollutants.
However, when air is too dry, it can cause dry eyes and irritated nasal passages. It’s important for your HVAC system to offer humidity and moisture control technology that can both add and reduce air moisture when necessary.
HVAC purification systems
You might be surprised to learn that your HVAC system can do more than heat or cool a space.
For the cleanest air possible, you can consider adding an air purification system to your HVAC.
TADIRAN AIROW, a plug-and-play solution that can easily fit into any existing HVAC.
TADIRAN AIROW leverages proprietary technology to transform existing H2O (water) molecules in the air to Hydrogen Peroxide, which cleanses and purifies the air. In FDA-cleared lab tests, the system has proven efficacy of eliminating viruses, bacteria, and mold at up to 99.999%.
If you’d like to learn more about the best indoor air quality solutions for your home or business, get in touch with Tadiran. We’d love to guide you in your search.