When you think of HVAC contractors and the work we do, it’s probably heating and cooling that come to mind. But that “V” stands for Ventilation, and covers all sorts of things to do with the air in your home. Your indoor air quality matters! It can affect many things, from your respiratory health to the function of your heating and AC systems. Let’s take a look.
Air Filtration Systems
While your furnace and AC unit do have filters, those are for the specific purpose of protecting those pieces of equipment from particles and fibers that could clog or damage it. They aren’t there to improve your overall air quality. Air filtration systems can be added to your existing HVAC system to trap a wide variety of contaminants and prevent them from flowing out into the rest of your home.
Air Purifiers
UV light can be used to not just trap but actually kill germs with whole house air purifier systems in your ductwork. These are safe for people and pets but hazardous to single-celled pathogens. Microbes are unravelled by exposure to this specific frequency of light, and rendered harmless. This is a fantastic choice for people with compromised immune systems or respiratory health conditions.
Humidifiers
Adding moisture to dry air, particularly in the winter, reduces the use of your heating system and cuts energy bills. Air with enough moisture feels warmer, even if it’s the same temperature as dry air! It can eliminate cracked, chapped skin and staticky, brittle hair. A humidifier can even reduce your risk of getting sick, healing dry cracks in your sinus passages that would allow easy access for germs.
Dehumidifiers
As we mentioned above, dry air will feel cooler than humid air. This means a dehumidifier can keep you comfortable while putting less pressure on your AC system and using less energy all summer long. It will also help you avoid issues like mold growth, damaged wood furniture or instruments, peeling wallpaper, and more!
Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilators
Modern homes, or recently-upgraded homes, have tight envelopes. They’re excellent at keeping your heated or cooled air in, to save energy. But they do this by not being drafty. This means there isn’t any ventilation, unless you throw open a window. And you certainly don’t want to do that when it’s thirty degrees outside—or ninety!
Heat recovery ventilators and energy recovery ventilators solve this problem. They provide ventilation via a system that minimizes thermic loss (the transfer of heat from a warmer area to a colder one). You can have fresh air without losing all your precious, costly heated or cooled air.
Ask an Expert
We would love to have a conversation with you about any air quality concerns you have in your home. Whether you’re looking to combat allergies, be more comfortable, use less energy, or keep your family from passing all those winter germs around, we’re ready to help with your indoor air quality in Sussex County, DE!
Schedule an appointment with Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc.