The global growth of COVID-19 has likely turned your {regular|typical|daily] schedule upside down.

When things feel uncertain you can take comfort in knowing your house is your safe retreat. You’re probably spending more time there now. As a result, your indoor air quality is now more critical than ever.

Did you realize we can install indoor air quality products in your house that provide hospital-grade filtration? These solutions can clear bacteria from your air, as well as allergens, odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Today’s homes are securely closed, which is great for energy efficiency. But it also means your indoor air could be worse than the air outside. In fact, the EPA says it can be two to five times worse than outdoors. This may lead to issues since we spend about 90% of our lifetime inside.

There are many elements that can cause poor indoor air quality, like cleaning products and air fresheners. These might lead to headaches and irritate allergies and asthma.

There are a few steps you can take to improve your air quality. Some include improved air filters, an air purification system or an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal light.

Unsure which option is right for your house? Our knowledgeable techs can do an indoor air quality audit. Based on the outcome, we can then suggest the most fitting choice for your family’s distinct needs.

Keep reading to learn more about the air quality solutions we have.

Air Filtration

When browsing air filters, it’s essential to consider the MERV rating, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This gauges how successfully it filters contaminants.

One of the most ordinary and most economical filters, flat fiberglass filters, are graded between 1 and 4 on the MERV scale. Pleated filters are a little bit better, graded between 8 and 12.

We recommend upgrading to at minimum MERV 13, such as the HC13 Media Air Cleaner, for the most ideal results. This filter provides cleaner air while lowering energy needs.

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are deemed the best in air filtration, because they’re frequently used in hospitals. They’re effective at catching 99.97–99.99% of indoor pollutants, like pollen, pet dander and smoke.

In advance of buying a better filter, contact us at 510-343-9841. Our professionals can help you find the right match for your equipment.

Air Purification

Lennox offers some of the best air purification units you can get. PureAir™ S and Healthy Climate™ PureAir Air Purification Systems provide hospital-grade filtration while managing all categories of indoor air contaminants.

These powerful systems can eliminate:

  • 99.9% of allergens, such as pollen, dust and pet dander.
  • 95% of bacteria-sized particles, such as ones that lead to strep throat.
  • 50% of VOCs and odors within 24 hours.

UV Germicidal Lights

A UV germicidal light is added inside your heating and cooling system. Its powerful rays wipe out bacteria and mold within seconds.

If your family suffers from allergies or asthma, this unit can provide relief. Especially if you reside in an extremely hot part of the country where bacteria and mold flourish.

This light also has an added advantage for your heating and cooling equipment. It might help it last for a longer period of time and run more efficiently, since it keeps the internal parts clean.

Our air quality engineers suggest installing one of these lights with an upgraded filter, such as our Carbon Clean 16® Media Air Cleaner, for the best effect. This filter offers industry-leading MERV 16 filtration in addition to carbon-coated fibers to remove particles from your home’s air. It does all of this without limiting your heating and cooling equipment’s airflow.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Having correct humidity in your residence can help keep your loved ones healthy when it’s chilly. It can assist with sore throats, dry skin and chapped lips, in addition to added cold weather bothers.

If you aren’t sure of what your house’s humidity level is, we’ll measure it when we complete your indoor air quality audit. While the range fluctuates based upon outdoor temperatures, HVAC professionals usually advise keeping it between 40–60 percent.

You can reach this optimal range with a whole-home humidifier. This system typically functions with your furnace or air handler to give optimum humidity around your house. Some units, like the Healthy Climate® Whole-Home Power Humidifier, use an included fan to circulate humidity when your heating equipment isn’t operating.

Trust the Professionals for Your Indoor Air Quality Needs

At Contra Costa Heating & AC, we’re passionate about making your residence more comfortable. That’s why we provide Lennox air quality options, which are the most complete solution you can buy.

We’re also more than merely your heating and cooling company. We’re concerned about the health of you and your loved ones. That’s why our technicians are taking added precautions when we visit your home.

To learn more about our air quality products, reach us at 510-343-9841 or contact us online. Our skilled staff can also address any concerns you could have with a tech coming to your house now.

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*Based on in-duct testing that shows Healthy Climate® filters reduce airflow restriction. Greater restriction of airflow creates a greater load on a unit’s fan motor, increasing energy consumption.