If you are looking for ways to improve the air quality in your home, there are several options available. Here we review six indoor air quality products and cleaners for your home to help you narrow down your choices.
1. Air Filters
There are two basic types of air filters for your home. Electronic air filters create an electric field to ionize harmful particles which are then trapped in plates in the system. They are highly efficient and effective at removing almost all types of pollutants in your home. Mechanical air filters work in hand with the blower in your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) system to purify and then circulate clean air into your home. It is very efficient but doesn’t remove as many particles as an electronic air filter.
2. HEPA Filters
Your HVAC system uses a filter to protect your equipment from dust buildup. However, a HEPA filter is designed to also improve the air quality in your home. You can replace your current HVAC filter with a HEPA filter to keep the air in your home clean. This is a very affordable option but only helps purify the air delivered through your vents when your HVAC system is on.
3. Air Purification
An air purifier eliminates contaminants and pollutants. It uses ultraviolet light to kill moulds and get rid of odours that are associated with certain volatile organic gases, such as paint thinners, glues, and pesticides. If you want an effective whole-home solution, this is the way to go.
4. Air Ventilators
A ventilator air cleaner prevents stale air from remaining in your home. This is especially important when someone is sick, or during the winter when we tend to keep our windows closed. You can choose between two types of air ventilators:
- Local ventilators: Your home produces humid air, odours, gases and particles that contaminate the air you breathe. A local ventilator is designed to help reduce specific types of stale air such as kitchen odours or mould-producing humidity in the bathroom. They are also good in areas such as workshops where chemicals are used or stored, or in areas with excess humidity such as the bathroom or laundry room.
- Whole-house ventilators: These ventilators continuously exhaust a home’s entire volume of stale air, so you always have fresh air coming into your home. They also help control humidity and reduce harmful gases such as VOCs.
Air ventilators for the whole home are the ultimate solution for clean air, while local ventilators keep odours and moisture issues at a minimum.
5. Humidifiers
A humidifier can help you breathe easier, while also helping you avoid dry eyes, scratchy throats, and stuffy noses. Whole-home humidifiers offer cleaner, moister air in dry homes while preventing mould and mildew from growing and spreading. If you are concerned about how to improve air quality in one room, especially during the drier winter months, you can use a portable humidifier or air purifier as well. Just keep in mind humidifiers are not recommended for homes that have moisture issues.
6. Duct Cleaning
The ducts in your home can collect nasty dust, germs, bacteria, dust mites, debris, mould and more. That means every time you turn on your AC or heat, those irritants are sent out into the air. Duct cleaning removes these pollutants, so your air is cleaner, safer and healthier. If you recently had renovations to your home, it is highly recommended that you schedule a duct cleaning. It is also a great idea when selling your home and can also be scheduled every two to five years to maintain good air quality.
These six indoor air quality products all offer benefits but should be considered in hand with your specific needs. Speak to our Air Treatment ClimateCare team, air quality specialists to find out what is right for you.
