Indoor Air Quality

Cleaning the air inside your home is more important now than ever. Beginning with the energy crisis of the 1970s and continuing into the 21st century with enhanced building technologies, new construction homes have become better insulated to prevent the escape of heated or cooled air. These air-tight, energy-efficient homes also seal in dust, dirt, pollen, mold, skin flakes, bacteria and other airborne pollutants. These pollutants settle on your furnishings, your woodwork, and even in your lungs.

Airborne irritants are simply a fact of life. Molds can cause flare-ups of allergy symptoms, and in some cases, trigger asthma attacks. Bacteria, viruses and germs also can reside in the air you breathe every day. These airborne pollutants can affect your HVAC system as well. Allowed to circulate through your home or business and your system, these and other particles can build up on the indoor coil, inhibiting airflow and reducing heating and cooling efficiency.

And don't think for a moment you don't have a problem at your home or business. All buildings have indoor air pollutants; in fact, the air in your home and office is more polluted than the clean air we enjoy outside here in South Georgia. Sources of air pollutants include chemicals in cleaning products, dust, pet dander, tobacco smoke, gases from appliances or fireplaces and mold. Poor indoor air quality can contribute to health-related problems such as allergies and asthma.

The level of air pollution in your home or business depends on the ventilation and filtration system installed as well as the temperature and humidity levels. Our trained air quality experts can inspect your home or business and provide a variety of options to improve your indoor air quality:

Air Cleaners

Air cleaners come in many sizes, from room-size portables to sophisticated whole-house systems. These whole-house units attach directly to the HVAC system and consist of a MERV-rated filter, carbon catalyst filter and UV bulbs. They remove dust particles and kill bacteria, mold and micro-organisms before the air is circulated throughout your home. Filters and bulbs should be change annually and we can provide that option as part of your Service Membership!

Dehumidifiers

Air conditioners work to remove humidity from the home, but in climates such as ours, your air conditioner may not be enough to remove excess humidity. High levels of humidity in the house can create an uncomfortable feeling of stickiness! Mold and mildew thrive in humid environments and create health issues, especially for those with allergies and asthma. A whole-house dehumidifier is a unit installed near the HVAC system. It is piped into the ductwork to remove humidity throughout the house.

Dehumidifiers and Humidifiers

Air conditioners work to remove humidity from the home, but in climates such as ours, your air conditioner may not be enough to remove excess humidity. High levels of humidity in the house can create an uncomfortable feeling of stickiness! The level of moisture in your home directly affects your health! Not enough moisture may lead to dry and irritated skin. Too much moisture may lead to the growth of mold and mildew.

A whole-house dehumidifier is a unit installed near the HVAC system. It is piped into the ductwork to remove humidity. Mechanical/refrigeration dehumidifiers, the most common type, usually work by drawing moist air over a refrigerated coil with a fan. The cold evaporator coil of the refrigeration device condenses the water, which is removed, and then the air is reheated by the condenser coil. The now dehumidified, re-warmed air is released into the room and the water (condensate) is piped to the outside.  

Whole house humidifiers install directly on the HVAC system. Moisture is circulated through the ductwork and distributed throughout every room in the house. With the installation of a whole house humidifier, we can help you achieve optimal levels of moisture in your home. Whole house humidifiers require very little maintenance. Whole house humidifiers should be serviced annually with a pad change … a good reason to join our Service Membership Club.

Media Cabinet

Media Air Cleaner cabinets are installed in the return air duct of the forced air system prior to the furnace and air handler. Media cabinets hold high-efficient filters. Media air filters are four or five inches thick as opposed to the standard one-inch air filter. As air passes through the system, airborne particles are trapped within the filter media. Unlike traditional filters, a Media Air Cleaner is able to trap up to 100 times more while maintaining system.

Filters are rated on a value system: Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV). This system determines the amount of dust that the filter removes from the air as it passes through. Standard 1" filters range from a MERV 1-MERV 10 rating. Media filters have up to a MERV 16 rating. What does this mean? The higher the rating, the more efficient the filter, the fewer dust particles will pass through and distribute throughout your home.

UV Light

The UV light is another type of air cleaner. UV Lights install directly on your air handler and create ozone indoors. This results in a lower level of bacteria, mold, mildew and allergens in your home. UV lights are also useful for removing unwanted odors from sources such as paint or food.

Contact Wright’s Heating and Air today at 229-241-1066 or use our convenient Contact Form to learn more about Indoor Air Quality issues.