Indoor air quality can be as important as heating or air conditioning when determining the comfort levels of your home. That’s of especial concern here in Portland, OR, where high humidity levels turn our houses into clammy nightmares, breeding germs and bacteria in hidden corners. A good air conditioner can fight some of that, but it’s not meant to specifically address your indoor air quality. A UV germicidal light can, however: improving the freshness in your air and eliminating sickness-causing bacteria to boot. They can be installed in your air conditioning system without a fuss by a trained professional, and can help your home in numerous ways.
The Clean Air Act Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Indoor Air Quality’
Install a Dehumidifier to Maximize Home Comfort
Monday, June 8th, 2015If you live in Portland, OR, you know that rain and high humidity levels are a way of life around here. It gets particularly bad in the summertime, when relative humidity combines with high heat to make things unbearable. Your air conditioner can provide some relief, but cool air can only deal with humidity levels so much. If you really want to address the problem, you should talk to a service professional and have him or her install a dehumidifier to maximize home comfort.
Air Cleaner Guide: What Is a MERV Rating?
Friday, February 27th, 2015It’s estimated that over 40 million people suffer from allergies in the US. Allergies aren’t just a problem in the outdoors; indoor allergies are also a serious problem, particularly for people who are specifically allergic to dust and pet dander. One of the best ways to clean your indoor air and alleviate a great deal of suffering from indoor allergies is to employ the use of a mechanical air filter, also known as an air cleaner. However, not all mechanical air filters work alike. How do you know which air cleaner will work best for your Oregon City home? A great first step is reviewing MERV ratings with an indoor air quality expert from Clean Air Act.
What Is MERV?
The acronym MERV stands for “minimum efficiency reporting value” and it acts as a scale. This scale was created in the 1940s, along with HEPA filters, as scientists tested nuclear bomb materials and needed high-grade filters to remove harmful particles from the air. The MERV scale runs from 1 to 20 and indicates how efficient a particular air cleaner will filter the air; the higher the MERV number, the better the air filter. However, just because the MERV scale reaches 20 doesn’t mean you should install a mechanical filter with the highest number. In fact, the highest-rated air filter a homeowner should purchase typically has a MERV of 12; this is because filters with ratings between 13-20 are HEPA filters, and these filters are so strong that they can restrict the air flow in your system, which is not a good thing. If you feel you need a HEPA filter for your home, consult with an expert first.
MERV Ranges
Wondering which MERV level may be right for your home? You should always work with a professional to pinpoint this, but here is a quick overview of the scale:
- MERV 1-4 – these MERV ratings correlate to very low capture rate, and are typically the MERV rating of the standard air filter that comes with your HVAC system.
- MERV 5-8 – at this MERV level, the filter can capture some mold and mildew spores, pet dander, a good amount of dust particles and some dust mite debris.
- MERV 9-12 – this level MERV is excellent for allergy sufferers, as filters at this level can capture quite small particles of all the allergens listed above, and even some biological materials.
Adding an air cleaner to your home in Oregon City can be great for your indoor air quality, but always work with an expert for installation, repair, maintenance and replacement of an air filter. Need help? Call the IAQ professionals at Clean Air Act today!
Common Indoor Air Quality Issues During the Heating Season
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013The U.S. Department of Health has determined that poor indoor air quality is one of the major threats to health in the country today. Because modern homes are designed as near-sealed environments to prevent heat loss during winter and heat infiltration during summer, contaminants that gather inside have little chance to escape. This lowered air quality is particularly acute during the heating season, when we close up our homes from the cold outdoor air—giving dust, debris, and other particles in the air even fewer places to get out.
At Clean Air Act, we want the Portland, OR heating season to go as pleasantly as possible for your household. Keeping your air free of pollutants is a large part of this. Here are some indoor air problems that are common at this time of the year which we can help you eliminate:
Dust and dirt buildup: Dust, dirt, and other pollutants will build up in your home during winter because of the sealed environment. If you have a heat pump or a furnace warming your home, dust will gather in the ductwork and get blown about your living spaces. A clogged air filter will increase this problem, as will breaks in the ducts that go without repair.
Humidity issues: You may not think about humidity as a problem during winter, but trouble with high and low humidity can strike at any time. If your air becomes too dry (a common trouble during cold weather), it can lead to cracked skin, nose bleeds, and dried out respiratory passages. High humidity will cause general discomfort and can contribute to the spread of common illnesses.
Mold and bacterial growth: The dark spaces inside ductwork offer an ideal spot for the growth of mold, fungus, and unwanted bacterial infestations. Increased humidity will encourage this growth. This can create a serious drop in your air quality.
There are a number of ways to combat these problems and keep the air in your home safe for your whole family. Have your ducts cleaned and your air filters changed regularly. Install mechanical filters or electronic air cleaners to remove contaminating particles. Place UV germicidal lights near vents to eliminate mold and prevent it from returning. Look into getting a humidifier or dehumidifier to control unusual humidity levels.
Clean Air Act can help you get quality indoor air with your heating in Portland, OR. We install different air filters and electronic air cleaners, as well as humidifiers and dehumidifiers, and we can find the right one for your home. We can also take care of bacterial infections with UV germicidal lights and perform top-quality duct cleaning. Contact us today to get the heating season started with indoor air quality products and services from clean air from Clean Air Act.
Improve Indoor Air Quality While Maintaining AC Efficiency
Monday, June 10th, 2013At Clean Air Act, our Portland, OR air conditioning technicians understand just how important the effective operation of your air conditioning system is to your comfort. However, we also know that comfortable temperatures alone are not enough to ensure that your home is as comfortable as possible. In addition to an efficient, reliable performance from your air conditioner, you must also be able to maintain great indoor air quality throughout the cooling season. Many homeowners are not aware of how the process of cooling their home can impact the indoor air quality therein. Here are a few tips from our Portland, OR air conditioning technicians.
A common mistake that a lot of people make during the cooling season is trying to make their homes as airtight as possible. This stems from a desire to get the most efficient performance possible from their air conditioning system. While it is obviously important to prevent heat from working its way into your home, sealing up your house too tightly can result in a negative impact on your indoor air quality. Air can become stale without proper ventilation. By giving your air conditioner a rest when the temperature cools off at night, you can enjoy great comfort while also allowing your house to breathe. Open up some windows and let fresh air in, being sure to close them again before the heat of the day really picks up.
Because an air conditioning system also dehumidifies air in your home, it is also possible for your air to become too dry. This can cause a number of problems, from very dry, sore throats and sinuses to chipping paint and peeling wallpaper. If dry air is making your home less comfortable, contact a professional Portland, OR air conditioning technician immediately. You may need to incorporate a humidifier into your HVAC system in order to balance humidity levels.
If you have any further questions about how your air conditioning habits may impact your indoor air quality, call Clean Air Act. We have the answers you need to enjoy increased air quality. Call now to learn more. Don’t sacrifice air quality for comfortable temperatures this cooling season.
Reduce Allergy & Asthma Symptoms With an Air Cleaner
Monday, March 4th, 2013Most of us spend the majority of our time indoors. Because of all that time spent inside, it would make sense to pay attention to what is in the air that we breathe. Indoor air quality in Portland, OR is not something that most people spend much time thinking about. But the EPA estimates that poor indoor air quality is actually one of the top 5 threats to respiratory health. Installing a whole home indoor air cleaners is a great way to make a positive impact on the quality of air in your home. Indoor air filters can be targeted towards certain air contaminants and to your home’s needs. At Clean Air Act Inc., we specialize in indoor air quality in Portland, OR. We’re passionate about helping people clean the air in their home. We’ve installed countless air cleaners for our customers and wanted share some of the benefits of filtering the air in your home.
Reduced Air Pollutants
There are a number of different air pollutants that are normally found in indoor air. Obviously, one of the main benefits of getting an air cleaner in your home is that those pollutants will likely be greatly reduced. Here are a few of the most common air pollutants.
- Dust
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Dust mite and cockroach droppings
- Smoke
- Bacteria
- Viruses
Potentially Reduced Allergies and Asthma Symptoms
For people who suffer from asthma or allergies, reducing the amount of dust, pet dander, pollen and insect droppings in the air will likely result in an increase in comfort. Those pollutants in particular cause allergic and asthmatic reactions for many people.
Reduced Dust Levels
If you have to dust a lot in your house, filtering out that dust in an air cleaner could potentially reduce the amount of dust that you see around your house.
Potentially Reduced Sickness
Many air cleaners are able to remove viruses and bacteria from the air. Doing this might be able to reduce the number of instances of colds in your home.
Call Clean Air Act Inc. for all your indoor air cleaner repair and installation in Portland, OR.
Is My AC Causing Indoor Air Quality Issues?
Monday, February 18th, 2013The Clean Air Act, Inc. is here to serve all of your Beaverton, Oregon air conditioning needs, including AC maintenance to help improve indoor air quality. Whether you have a ductless mini split or central air conditioner, there are many ways in which your AC system can impact indoor air quality. To ensure that your system is not reducing the quality of air inside your home, we’ve put together a list of ways your air conditioner may be causing indoor air quality issues.
Dirty Air Filter
Clogged air filters do not work to trap particles in your home and keep them from getting distributed throughout the home. Even if you have a ductless mini split AC system, you should change air filters at least once a month, especially if you have pets or during times of heavy use.
Lack of Proper Humidity Control
In the summer, you probably know that your home gets more humid that normal. Most air conditioners have a built-in dehumidifier, but if moisture levels are extraordinarily high, then your AC system has to work harder, and indoor air quality is affected as well. Installing a whole-home dehumidifier or air cleaner may be your best option. Indoor air pollutants can get trapped inside homes that are too moist more easily. In addition, air that is too humid is also very uncomfortable.
Older AC Systems
If you have an older AC system, it may not be equipped with the proper type of dehumidifier or effective air filters. Unless you are thinking of installing a new air filtration system, you may want to consider an upgrade for your air conditioner.
Call the Beaverton air conditioning experts at The Clean Air Act, Inc. to provide all your AC and indoor air quality needs.
Air Filtration and Indoor Air Quality
Monday, February 4th, 2013During the summertime it is tempting to seal up your home as tightly as possible. Everyone wants to keep their home in Portland cool and comfortable, but they also want to do it efficiently. One of the best ways to achieve that goal is to prevent cooled air from escaping your home. This can have a negative impact on indoor air quality, though. Call Clean Air Act today if you are not 100% satisfied with the indoor air quality in your home. We can help you improve your indoor air quality with an air filtration system.
A mechanical air filter is one of the simplest ways in which you can improve indoor air quality in your home. Mechanical air filters are installed in your air ducts and as the air passes through them they collect pollutants on a filtering material. While your air conditioning system has a built in air filter, it is not highly efficient. It is intended more to protect your air conditioning equipment from dirt and debris than to improve indoor air quality. The addition of a more efficient air filter can help you breathe cleaner, healthier air.
An electronic air cleaner is another great way to improve indoor air quality in Portland. By pulling air into an ionization chamber an electronic air cleaner can give a static charge to pollutants in your air. These electrically charged pollutants then are trapped on a collector plate which can be removed and cleaned off. Other devices operate in much the same way but simply allow the charged pollutants to adhere to the walls and other surfaces in your home. Either way they are removed from the air and will no longer be circulated throughout your home. Air borne pollutants are a real concern for residents with asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions.
For more information about how an air filtration system can improve indoor air quality in Portland, call the professionals at Clean Air Act. We’ll be happy to help you breathe cleaner, healthier air throughout the cooling season. Do not sacrifice air quality for comfort. A good air filtration system allows you to enjoy both. Contact Clean Air Act today!
How Often Should I Change My Air Filters and Which Type Should I Buy?
Monday, January 28th, 2013Changing the air filters in your heating system is an important part of maintaining the heating system in your home. It also helps improve indoor air quality. How often you change it and what type to get really depends on your heating system. Consult your owner’s manual if you aren’t sure, but most filters should be changed once a month, especially during times of heavy use. Contact The Clean Air Act for all HVAC services, including indoor air quality in Beaverton.
Some heating systems have a removable filter that you can clean instead of throwing it away. These are better for the environment and also tend to be slightly more effective, but only if you clean them often. You should check them at least once a month if not more often. If you have pets or allergies, it’s probably a good idea to check them as often as you can.
Some disposable filters are designed to last up to three months. When you buy your air filter, it should have the instructions on the package. You’ll also need to make sure you know which size and type to buy before you purchase it. Some furnaces or heat pumps will have the instructions on the door to the filter, or you can check the owner’s guide. You can also take in the old filter to the store with you so that you know exactly which type and size to get. Most air filters can be purchased at your local hardware store, but it might be a good idea to call first to make sure they have the right kind.
Call the Beaverton indoor air quality and heating specialists at The Clean Air Act if you have further questions about air filters or air cleaners.
Maintaining Indoor Air Quality This Heating Season
Monday, January 14th, 2013During the winter, most of us try to keep our homes sealed up pretty tightly in order to keep as much of the heated air inside as possible. While this is a great way to improve the energy efficiency of your home in Oregon City, it can potentially cause the air quality in your home to suffer. With no ventilation, the contaminants that enter your air just get recirculated through your home. In fact, the EPA estimates that indoor air quality is one of the leading threats to respiratory health in the U.S. At Clean Air Act, we offer friendly and honest indoor air quality services in Oregon City. If you’d like to learn more about how to improve the indoor air quality in your home this winter, read below. Give us a call today if you’d like to speak with one of our indoor air quality technicians.
Clean Your Home
A great way to make sure that the air quality in your home is as good as possible is to regularly clean your home. Vacuuming and dusting are especially important as dust is one of the most common air contaminants. If you have pets, vacuuming can really help to eliminate some of the pet dander that is likely accumulating in your air.
Control Moisture
If you get dry skin during the winter, using a humidifier is a terrific way to add some more moisture to the air. The winter is notoriously dry which can lead to itchy and irritated skin. Make sure that areas that typically collect moisture, like your bathroom or the basement, are able to dry out so that you don’t get mold infestations. If you use a humidifier, always use fresh water and regularly clean it.
Increase Ventilation
Another good way to improve the air quality in your home is to properly ventilate it. Opening windows is a great way to let in fresh air—as long as the temperature permits it. You can also turn on attic, kitchen and bathroom fans to get more fresh air into your home.
Consider a Whole Home Air Quality Control System
Perhaps the best way to make sure that the air in your home is clean is to invest in a home air filtration and purification system. There are many different types and brands of air filtration systems available on the market. Some of them just sit in your room filter the air while other more effective models are actually installed in your ducts and air handler to filter the air as it passes through.
If you’re concerned about the air quality in your home, contact Clean Air Act today. If you or one of your family members has a sensitivity to a particular contaminants or if they suffer from asthma or allergies, a whole home are filtration system could potentially make them more comfortable. If you’d like to talk with one of the professional Oregon City air quality technicians at Clean Air Act, just call us today.