HVAC Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality services in San Antonio, TX

As we spend more time indoors, we are paying closer attention to the quality of air inside our San Antonio, TX homes. Oftentimes, the indoor air quality is worse than what’s outside. Common contaminants include pet dander, dust, dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds. To remove some of these contaminants, homeowners are purchasing air purifiers. While these devices are beneficial, there are some common misconceptions that we’d like to share.

What Is the Purpose of an Air Purifier?

An air purifier is designed to remove particulate matter from your indoor air. Some models are equipped with filters that can remove chemicals and other contaminants as well. In many cases, the filtration used by these devices is more effective than what’s in your furnace and air conditioning system. For example, air purifiers often use high-efficiency particulate air filters, or HEPA for short. They can remove up to 99.97% of the particulate matter in your air. However, they’re too restrictive for furnace and residential air conditioning use. Essentially, air purifiers provide an additional method of filtration in addition to your HVAC system and any ventilation equipment you’re using. 

Misconception: Air Purifiers Can Remove All Contaminants

The amount and type of contaminants that a purifier can remove will depend on the type of filtration it uses. While many of these filters can remove particulate matter that is as small as 0.3 microns in size, it’s nearly impossible to remove everything. It can be very difficult to remove things like volatile organic compounds or carbon monoxide without using special filtration. 

The number of contaminants you can remove will also depend on how powerful your purification equipment is and where it is installed. A standalone model will typically only address a small amount of square footage. Whole-home models that install onto your HVAC system can provide better coverage. 

Misconception: An Air Purifier Is the Only Equipment You Need

While air purification equipment can do an excellent job of promoting healthy indoor air quality, it’s beneficial to use other methods as well as your purifier. Running exhaust fans in your home can remove moisture, cooking odors and chemicals, and you probably already have these fans in your bathrooms and kitchen. You can also use ventilation equipment in your attic or basement to promote an exchange of air between your home and the outside. Allow your HVAC system to run periodically to maintain temperature and improve indoor air quality to some degree. Your air conditioning equipment can also help control indoor relative humidity. This reduces the amount of particulate matter that’s in your air, further improving your IAQ. If you’re someone who suffers from severe allergies or asthma, it’s wise to come up with a well-rounded approach to achieving healthy indoor air quality. 

Misconception: Ozone Is an Issue With Air Purifiers

Some air purification devices use ionizing technology, which can be an irritant for some people. However, air purifier manufacturers follow strict guidelines to ensure their products produce minimal amounts of ozone. If you’re concerned with ozone production, research whether your purifier has any certifications or ratings that will put your mind at ease. If you’re looking at a modern purification unit, it likely avoids using ozone ionization. 

Misconception: Air Purifiers Are a Major Expense

You can find air purifiers at many different price points. We can work with you to find a unit that provides all the features you want but doesn’t break the bank. Once the initial investment and installation process is complete, there aren’t many ongoing costs to worry about. You’ll need to replace filters periodically. You may want to investigate the cost of those filters before you invest in a purifier. If you have a whole-home filtration unit, we recommend an annual inspection of your equipment. This investment can save you on repairs and equipment replacement long-term. 

As far as the cost of running your purification equipment, most units are designed to function with minimal amounts of power. There may be special energy-saving features to consider, or you can run your unit on a timer. If you have a smart thermostat and a whole-home purification unit, you can control your equipment remotely to minimize overuse. Look for an ENERGY STAR rating on a purifier you’re considering. This information can help you determine how much it will cost to run a specific model each year. 

Air Purifiers Produce a Lot of Noise

It’s understandable that you’re concerned about running a purifier if it’s going to disrupt you while you’re trying to relax or sleep. You’ll find that most purifier manufacturers engineer their equipment to be ultra quiet. Modern technology includes using insulation for fan construction to minimize noise, including low-speed modes to keep noise levels down. Consider the decibel rating of an air purifier when you make a purchase. 

Also, placement is important. If you’re using a portable air purifier, you’ll reap the benefits if it’s in an area where you’re located. That means it’s going to be a bit loud. If you use a whole-house model, it’s installed on your HVAC system. This location is usually in a basement or utility closet, which minimizes disruption. 

Misconception: Purifiers Only Help People With Allergies

While people with allergies benefit substantially from investing in an air purifier, it is something everyone can benefit from. Indoor air can contain contaminants that can lead to long-term health issues, like shortness of breath, headaches and fatigue. In some cases, poor indoor air quality can increase your risk of cancer, especially lung cancer. 

Misconception: Air Purifiers Are Relatively Standard

The goal of an air purifier is to promote clean and healthy air. However, there are many different technologies used for this equipment, with varying features and many options. It’s a good idea to start the process of choosing a purifier by scheduling a professional indoor air quality assessment. This provides valuable information regarding the type of contaminants that are present in your air. Assessment results show what type of filtration will work best for your particular environment: HEPA, activated carbon filtration, and UV light sanitization are some of the choices. 

You also need to consider the size of the area you want to purify. Selecting a whole-house unit will ensure you have healthy air throughout your entire residence. This eliminates the need to move a portable unit from one location to another, which can be a nuisance. However, the installation process is a bit more involved. 

Work with the Experts in HVAC!

If you would like assistance with choosing an air purifier for your San Antonio home, our team here at Air Authority, A Riteway Service Company is available to help. This includes the installation of whole-house air purification equipment. We can also perform heating and cooling services and other tasks that help support healthy indoor air quality, such as performing routine duct cleanings, ductwork inspections and duct sealing. Reach out to Air Authority, A Riteway Service Company in San Antonio today to schedule an appointment with our team.

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