As the days become warmer, there's a certain joy in the air! Springtime is wonderful for so many reasons, but some of us take the first sign of spring as a reminder to stock up on allergy meds.
As HVAC technicians, it's our job to understand air quality and how it affects the human body. If someone complains of constant congestion or frequent headaches, the symptoms could be caused by toxins or allergens in the air. These symptoms are usually a result of environmental factors, connecting air quality in the home to the health and well-being of those living there. Carbon Monoxide causes sickness and death, dust and pollen cause allergies and respiratory issues, and mold spores cause odors and general health issues (links are to sources for the facts).
Every year, we receive a multitude of questions about improving air quality. The industry is full of solutions- some excellent, some borderline scams, and most sporting big price tags. We're going to go through our list of tried and proven air quality solutions.
Air Filters: Your First Line of Defense
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Filters should be changed regularly throughout the year as part of your usual home maintenance routine.
Not sure how often to change them? We've got another quick article about that here (HVAC Filters).
Your filter's main purpose is to protect your unit from building up with dust, hair, dander, and debris. By filtering out pollutants, but still allowing air to pass through, the filter keeps your HVAC equipment in optimal condition. Expensive anti-allergy filters are usually made with a thicker material because they're designed to let as little debris through as possible. They work great for collecting the gunk out of the air- so much so that they end up restricting airflow and putting stress on your unit. As a result, they need to be replaced more often because they get dirty much faster than a standard filter.
In our professional opinion, allergy-free filters are not worth it.
There are better solutions that will save you money in the long run and give the same, or better, results.
Mid-grade, light paper filters are your best bet for allergy season without breaking the bank or your unit. Change them more often during the worst parts of the season. You might also consider a reusable filter or an electric filter. Our customers have had great experiences with these options, and they're much better for your health and wallet.
Air Purifiers: The Best Air Purification Solution
Air purification is HUGE when combatting allergy season! Here are two of our favorite options and some associated prices from our experience:
AirScrubber by Aerus | $800 - $1000
By far, our favorite air purifier is the AirScrubber by Aerus. Their technology is cutting-edge, providing you with clean, oxygen-rich, allergen-free air. It eliminates odors, air-borne viruses, and mold to allow for a healthier home environment for you and your family as well.
Installation typically takes technicians an hour and requires a transformer to work properly. We estimate total costs to be between $800 and $1000 depending on area and company.
**Sometimes, Greene's runs a special, so check out our current deals!
For more information about the AirScrubber and how it works, click here for their website.
HALO by REME | $600 - $900
The next favored solution is the Halo by REME. These units will cleanse the air of any viruses, odors, allergens, and mold with the use of hydrogen peroxide. The results are not as exceptional as the AirScrubber, but it does a thorough job of purifying the air you breathe. For maintenance, the hydrogen peroxide cartridges need to be replaced every 2 or 3 years.
Installation typically takes technicians an hour, and some additional materials may be required when fitting the unit. We estimate total costs to be around $600 to $900 depending on area and company.
For more information about the Halo and how it works, click here.
For more information about air purification options through Greene's, call our office for a free consultation. We would love to help you take control of your air quality in the way that works best for you.