Many homeowners wonder how to keep their household air as clean and germ-free as possible in our current times. Installing HVAC air purification systems is one way some families drastically improve the air quality in their homes.
Some people experience seasonal allergies, asthma, or a compromised immune system. Others are in a high-risk demographic for COVID-19, a whole-house purification system may help you enjoy cleaner air in your home.
At Lake Region Insurance Agency, we love sharing tips and tools to increase your home’s value and function. We also take great pride in providing dedicated and reliable service when it comes to your insurance policies.
Reviewing your choices each year can help you ensure proper coverage for upgrades like whole-house air purification systems. Give us a call today for a free insurance review. Our independent agents are on your side in Cokato, New London, and Wilmar, MN.
Why Consider HVAC Air Purification Systems?
The Environmental Protection Agency states that indoor air quality is typically more polluted than the air outside. And most people spend as much as 90% of their time inside. Let that sink in for a minute.
In businesses, schools, and homes, people may be breathing in irritants such as:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Germs
- Pet Dander
- Mold
- Tobacco Smoke
- Chemicals
And going off the EPA’s statistics, many people are doing this for over 21 hours per day.
Of course, keeping your house clean and well ventilated goes a long way toward ensuring healthier air inside your home. But cleaning may not be enough if you have bad allergies or symptoms triggered by air pollution. In these cases, you might want to install an HVAC air purification system.
From Basic to State-of-the-Art
With any forced-air HVAC unit, you’ll have a built-in rudimentary filter. This piece is the flat screen that you should change each month. You can pick them up at a neighborhood hardware store, and they slide right into a panel on your furnace. Just be sure to check the size required for your system.
You have a wide variety of options when it comes to media filters.
Essentially, the more material in the filter, the better the air quality it delivers. A flat filter costs less to purchase, but an accordion-type screen provides superior air filtration. It’s best to choose the highest quality filter you can to improve your indoor air quality.
Replacing these filters on your furnace should be a well-traveled habit each month. And there’s nothing wrong with changing them more often to ensure minimum dust and dirt buildup on the filter.
Choosing HEPA filters can provide an improved air quality rating as well. These filters can block 99.97 percent of all particles that measure a minimum of .3 microns.
Go the extra mile in creating a healthy home and select an electrostatically charged variety of furnace filters. These panels trap different particles like pet dander and pollen. The standard filters only block dust.
You can leave the electrostatic filters in place for two or three months, but don’t forget about them! Write a note on a calendar or set a reminder on your phone to be sure you don’t ignore this crucial part of home maintenance.
Step Up Your Purification Game
If you want to upgrade your home’s filtration structure to ensure ever-cleaner air, there are two heavy-duty options available.
- Extended Media Filters – These filtration tools appear like a stack of media filters in a drawer. Remember, more filtration material equals cleaner air. It costs about $400-$600 to integrate these into your ductwork. Replacement is straightforward but more expensive than it is for a single filter. You’ll need to buy a new one each year for about $50.
- Electronic Filters – If filtering smoke is a concern in your home, an electronic filter could be the best choice. These high-powered systems pass air through your ductwork and apply an electrical charge. At the end of your channel, a metal plate collects the charged particles. Though there are no paper filters to replace in this system, the metal “catch” plates need a washing with soapy water every couple of months. Prepare to spend up to $1000 on the equipment and installation. But your air will be spic and span as long as you regularly clean the aluminum filter plates.
Go Nearly Germ-Free with an Ultra-Violet Filter
This heavy hitter of a filter knocks out pathogens at a high rate. These whole-house air purification systems integrate with your HVAC equipment for an add-on price of $400-$800.
The ultraviolet light practically vaporizes pathogens that hit the filter.
An ultraviolet system works well for overall germ reduction in your home. In fact, hospitals use this type of filtration in wards housing highly contagious patients. However, you still need to wash your hands and cover your cough to help keep those around you from getting sick.
When HVAC Isn’t an Option, Go Portable
You can still create cleaner air in your home even if your furnace doesn’t support an HVAC air purification system. Portable filters can also be effective at “spot cleaning” areas of your home’s airflow.
Many portable filter systems use HEPA filters as their primary mode of function. Though these units effectively scrub the air in a room, they can be noisy and require frequent replacement of the HEPA filter.
For less noise, try an ion portable filter system. These units use electrostatic filtration methods and hum quietly wherever you place them.
Lake Region Cares About Your Home and Health
We’re your neighbors here at Lake Region Insurance Agency. We care deeply about our communities in Greater Minnesota and want the best for you and your family.
Our independent agents can shop the insurance market for the best policies to fit your coverage needs and your budget. We work for you. We offer excellent rates and quick claim processing and payout. Our agents have your best interests at heart.
Call us today for a free quote on your home, auto, life, or health insurance policies. Take advantage of our hometown know-how. We’ve proudly served the Wilmar, New London, and Cokato, MN, communities for over 50 years. We’re committed to your satisfaction and peace of mind.