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Your HVAC system is crucial in maintaining indoor air quality by filtering out contaminants and circulating fresh air throughout your home. Understanding how your HVAC system affects air quality can help you create a healthier living space for you and your family.
Montana Air Quality Issues
Seasonal climate concerns influence Montana’s air quality. Wildfire smoke from regional and local fires is an issue in the summer and fall, while high pollen levels in spring and early summer can trigger allergies. Industrial pollution and vehicle emissions also contribute to air quality concerns, particularly in urban areas like Billings.
While outdoor air quality fluctuates due to these factors, many homeowners are surprised to find out that their indoor air can be just as problematic, if not worse. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests that the air in your home can be three to four times more polluted than outdoor air. Outdoor contaminants enter homes through open doors, windows, and even small cracks in exterior walls. Once inside, they mix with indoor airborne pollutants like pet dander, household chemicals, and dust. Poor indoor air can cause symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, headaches, and fatigue. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality.
Regularly Replace Air Filters
Proper air circulation is important to maintain a fresh and healthy indoor environment. Without adequate circulation, indoor pollutants linger, contributing to respiratory issues and discomfort. When your HVAC system runs, it helps prevent stale air, reduces allergen buildup, and ensures that filtered air continuously replaces contaminated air. However, it can’t perform this task with a dirty filter.
One of the most effective ways to maintain healthy indoor air quality is by regularly replacing your system’s air filter. Over time, dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles reduce its ability to trap contaminants.
Experts recommend replacing your filter at least every three months. However, you may have to replace it more frequently based on factors like whether you have pets, how many people live in your home, and outdoor pollutants such as wildfire smoke. Many homeowners inspect their filters once a month to ensure they know when it is time for a fresh one.
Use Filters With a Higher MERV Rating
When selecting a filter, it’s essential to consider its Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. MERV ratings indicate how effectively a filter captures airborne particles, with higher ratings capable of trapping smaller contaminants. Cheap fiberglass air filters are budget-friendly but only have a MERV rating of 1 to 4, meaning they capture larger particles like dust and lint but do little to filter out smaller allergens and contaminants.
Most residential systems are compatible with filters with a MERV rating between 8 and 12. They can effectively capture common indoor pollutants such as dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and some bacteria.
Consider Installing a Whole-home Air Purifier
Using HVAC filters with a MERV rating between 8 and 12 will improve your indoor air quality. However, they are ineffective at capturing fine particulate matter, such as those in wildfire smoke. A whole-home air purifier can provide additional protection by targeting the smallest airborne contaminants in your home’s air.
They integrate directly with your HVAC system to continuously filter and purify the air throughout your home. Depending on the model, a whole-home air purifier can capture ultra-fine particles, neutralize airborne bacteria and viruses, and reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household chemicals. Some systems use HEPA filtration, while others incorporate UV light or activated carbon to address specific air quality concerns.
Investing in a whole-home air purifier can significantly enhance indoor air quality if you or your family members suffer from allergies, asthma, or sensitivity to pollutants. An HVAC professional can help you determine the best system for your needs.
Contact Your Local Professionals
At Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC, we have been serving the residents of Billings, MT, and the surrounding areas since 1983. Our team provides expert HVAC system tune-ups to keep your equipment running efficiently and ensure your air stays clean. You can also count on us to set up an air purification system in your home to drastically reduce the contaminants circulating through your living spaces. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians.
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