There are numerous types of indoor air quality products. They all have the same primary goal of keeping the air you breathe fresh, clean and healthy. But there are so many to choose from. Which one or ones are right for you? Here we provide a brief primer on indoor air quality products.
Humidifiers
Humidifiers add moisture to the air to prevent dryness, especially during the winter months. That dryness can cause irritation in many parts of the body including the skin, nose, throat, and lips. Humidifiers can also ease some symptoms caused by the flu or common cold. Portable humidifiers can be moved from room to room but do require maintenance. Better yet are whole house humidifiers that connect to your HVAC system and require little if any maintenance.
Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers do just the opposite. They remove moisture from the air to reduce and/or maintain humidity. Dehumidifiers, which are primarily used during warm months when humidity is high, extract water from the air to eliminate musty odors and to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can create health hazards. Just like humidifiers, there are portable dehumidifiers that can be moved from room to room. But the better option is a whole house dehumidifier that connects to your HVAC system and reduces the humidity throughout the house.
Media Air Cleaners
Media air cleaners provide a level of protection above and beyond regular furnace filters. They are installed in the HVAC system’s return duct line. The media air cleaner consists of two components, the media cabinet that holds the filter and the media filter or media cartridge which is the filter part that traps the dander, dust, mold and pollen before they enter your home’s living areas. These filters are deeply pleated, which gives them the ability to trap particulates that regular filters might not.
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers are devices that add ionized particles to the air. The ionized particles attract dust particles that you cannot see so they become heavier, larger particles that drop onto the floor or other surfaces that you can get rid of when you clean.
Air UV Sanitizers
Air UV sanitizers take things an extra step by adding ultraviolet light to inactivate viruses, bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi by breaking down their DNA or RNA, leaving them unable to perform vital functions or reproduce.
Fresh Air Ventilators
Fresh air ventilators are air ducts that allow fresh air from outside to enter a home’s HVAC system. The ventilator prevents the home’s air from becoming contaminated and improves ventilation and furnace function. Fresh air vents are especially important for homes with gas appliances like furnaces, water heaters, gas dryers, and washing machines, as they help ensure proper combustion, prevent carbon monoxide buildup, and ensure the appliances use oxygen for fuel.
Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric Can Help with Indoor Air Quality Products
The experienced HVAC technicians at Ravinia Plumbing can advise you on how best to improve the indoor air quality in your home, and then install any necessary indoor air quality products. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 96 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we’ve made a name for ourselves as the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.