To many of us, breathing fresh air inside our homes seems to be a given, but we might be surprised to find out how far from the truth that idea might be. If you think about it, there are many opportunities for outside contaminants to keep our inside air from being fresh. An open window or improperly working ventilation system can allow pollutants like chemical and exhaust fumes to enter our homes or businesses, impacting the quality of the air we breathe. There are also some irritants inside our homes that can create unhealthy conditions in the air such as pet dander, dust mites, insect droppings, and cigarette smoke. Learning about the benefits of installing an air filtration system in your home or business can help you breathe a little easier.

What is air filtration?

In much the same way as a water filtration system works to purify H2O, air filtration systems exist to purify the air we inhale and keep our inside environment healthy. Because today’s newer homes are designed for comfort, style and efficiency, they are built very air-tight to minimize energy loss. Even in older homes, the installation of new technologies designed to improve energy efficiency may not allow air to circulate effectively for optimal air quality. As important as they might be, energy efficient structures can restrict the amount of fresh air that we get. An air filtration system is a good way to improve a home’s air quality and to remove the pollutants from the air. There are several different types of air filtration systems on the market. To be sure which type of air filter is right for your home, reach out to your local filtration expert to help you find a product that fits your home and your budget.

Types of filtration systems

In Sonoma County, air filtration in your home or business can be an important addition to consider. Here are a couple of types that you can choose from.

  • Air cleaners – Air cleaning systems, which are usually installed in ductwork, use a dense media filter to help eliminate various types of pollutants from the air that enters your home. For best results, a thicker filter with a medium to high MERV rating is suggested to prevent damage to your total HVAC system.
  • Air purifiers – This type of air filter uses electrostatic energy to remove contaminants from the air. As pollutants pass through the filter, they receive an electric charge, and a collector plate with the opposite charge pulls the contaminants onto it. The collector plate needs to be cleaned or changed regularly in order for the filter to remain effective.

Benefits of filtered air

There are some benefits to purified air that are pretty common with any filtration system.

  • Reduced symptoms of seasonal allergies for allergy sufferers and dust mites for asthma sufferers.
  • Pet dander is moderated to lessen the risk of allergic reaction to it.
  • Miniscule odor particles from acrid smelling food or from smoke are removed from the air.
  • Microscopic spores, viruses, and other airborne hazards are more easily removed.
  • Moisture is removed from the air and the inside temperature is cooler and more comfortable.

Final thoughts

With all of the possible pollutants in the air we breathe, having an air filtration system in our home or business can offer certain benefits that an unfiltered environment cannot. Let the experts at Dale Heating Cooling and Sheetmetal in Santa Rosa help you determine which one is right for you. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation. For quality repair, installation, and maintenance of any part of your HVAC system, you can count on Dale.