Why to Use an Air Filtration System

Improper air filtration is the most common cause of poor indoor air quality. According to Aris Parviz of Virginia's Able Air-1, Inc., indoor HVAC systems today have become more focused on the total health and comfort of a building's inhabitants. And using an air filter is just one way to improve your indoor air quality. Here, he discusses the benefits of an air filtration system for your home or office.



Homeowners are becoming increasingly aware of the negative health effects of poor indoor air quality, and consequentially are asking for their home heating and cooling systems to include advanced air filtration systems. The new systems help keep indoor air free from allergens and dust; and, in some cases, they can even rid the air of certain types of bacteria and airborne viruses.



Capture Small Airborne Allergens

Airborne allergens are among the most common contributors to breathing difficulty, asthma attacks and other respiratory illnesses. Tracked in on clothing and shoes, pesky allergens like pet dander, mold spores and pollen can become trapped indoors and continuously re-circulated through the air.



Many air filtration systems can capture small allergen particles and prevent them from re-circulating. This can be beneficial for allergy sufferers in your office or at home, helping prevent symptoms such as headaches, sinus problems and skin irritation. Most allergen particles range from 1 to 100 microns in diameter (in contrast, a human hair is about 160 microns wide), so you will need to purchase an air cleaner capable of capturing particles like them, if allergens are of concern.



Remove Dust Particles

Dust - tiny bits of dirt and waste that float through the air and ultimately build up on indoor surfaces - is more than just unsightly. It worsens hay fever in susceptible individuals, and triggers asthma attacks. Excess dust can also build up inside electronics, causing overheating, costly repairs and equipment failures.



The basic function of any air filtration system is to reduce dust inside your home or office, both on surfaces and in the air you breathe. By removing dust particles from indoor air before it is re-circulated, an air filtration system can significantly reduce airborne dust. This means less frequent cleaning and fewer health problems for your family or employees.



Get Rid Of Bacteria and Airborne Viruses

In addition, sophisticated air filtration systems can even help prevent the transmission of airborne illnesses like influenza and the common cold. Airborne pathogens are released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These tiny, invisible particles can travel on airborne dust or small moisture droplets, sometimes coming to rest on indoor surfaces or, depending on airflow, remaining suspended in the air as it circulates throughout a structure.



Not all air cleaning systems are able to capture such tiny particles, but some higher-end home and commercial air cleaners do offer this capability. While allergens are usually less than 100 microns in diameter, most viruses range from 0.01 to 0.2 microns in size. Filters that block airborne pathogens are generally more expensive than other types, but they are becoming more popular and more widely available.



Central air cleaners are available today, which treat 100% of the air circulated throughout your home, and capture particles as small as 0.1 microns that easily pass through typical filters. Central air cleaners help remove dust, mold, bacteria, allergens such as pollen, and other tiny particles. If you're considering an air filtration system for your home or office, be sure to check with your HVAC contractor about both its benefits and limitations before you decide which model is right for you.



The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.



Aris Parviz is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find an HVAC contractor or more HVAC contractor articles at Yodle Consumer Guide.