We’re not quite out of the woods yet as far as colder weather goes, but March is definitely the turning point when it comes to springtime. Now that February is behind us, you’re surely starting to eagerly anticipate the warmer weather and blooming vegetation that spring brings with it. Keep in mind, however, that spring can bring a number of problems with it as well. This is especially true for those of us with allergy and/or asthma symptoms.

Contrary to what some homeowners seem to believe, the air in our homes is not inherently of high quality. In fact, it is possible that the air in your home is more polluted than the air outdoors! If you want to breathe clean, healthful air in your home all year long, you may require professional indoor air quality products and services in Loveland, CO.

Dust, Dirt, Pollen, And Other Airborne Pollutants

Because you’ll be going in and out of your home more now that the weather is nice, and because there is more exposed dust and dirt outdoors in the spring and summer than there is in the winter, it is possible to track these pollutants into the house with you. Plus, blossoming vegetation means pollen that can go airborne outdoors and find its way into your home. The first line of defense against these airborne pollutants is an air filter.

The air filter in your HVAC system, unfortunately, is probably not going to cut it. These filters are of low efficiency, with a low MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value). Your system may be able to handle a more efficient standard filter, but using a designated filtration system that complies with your HVAC system is a better option. You may also opt to use an air cleaner, such as an electrostatic precipitator, to take a more active stand against these pollutants.

These electronic air cleaners feature ionization chambers that charge the pollutants in the air. Those pollutants are then trapped on collector plates that are oppositely charged. The plates can be removed by the homeowner for simple, convenient cleaning.

Biological Pollutants

Removing dust and dirt from the air is an effective way of dealing with such pollutants. However, not all pollutants can simply be removed from the air successfully. Living microorganisms, such as mold spores, viruses, and bacteria, are often too small for such an approach. They are also biological entities, meaning that they can reproduce. Destroying them and rendering them incapable of reproduction is really the only way to effectively deal with them.

Using UV air purifiers, like UV germicidal lights, will do the trick. Installed in your ductwork near the air handler, these lamps emit UV rays that disrupt such pollutants at a biological level. They are entirely safe for animals and people in the house. They should be used to supplement, but not replace, more traditional air filtration/purification systems, as they do not filter airborne pollutants out of the air.

Schedule your IAQ services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning, the company you can trust.