Air-Cleaning Systems That Boost Air Quality

According to some sources, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. The air in our homes can contain a variety of pollutants, including dust, mold, fibers, pollen, fumes and microorganisms. Air-cleaning systems are useful for removing these airborne contaminants and keeping the air in your home fresh, clean and free of material than can aggravate health conditions or cause disease.

Air-cleaning systems function by filtering or treating the air that flows from your HVAC system to your home. These units are installed so that all of the airflow from your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump is routed into the cleaner. Inside, filters or other sources clean the air and remove particulates and contaminants. The cleaned air then leaves the unit and continues on its way into your home’s interior.

Systems are available in different specialized types, depending on what you most require from an air-cleaning unit.

• Mechanical air filters: These systems rely on filters to clean the air flowing through them. The systems force air through a high-efficiency filter that captures and holds particulates and other contaminants.

• Electronic air cleaners: Electronic cleaners use electrostatic attraction to clean the air. Particles and contaminants are given an electric charge that causes them to stick to plates inside the cleaner or on indoor surfaces such as walls, curtains, furniture or floors.

• Gas-phase air cleaners: These cleaners contain filters with activated charcoal or related substances that absorb and stop odors, fumes and gases.

• Germicidal or ultraviolet (UV) air cleaners: UV air cleaners treat the air with ultraviolet light. The UV light is a very effective disinfectant and germicide that eliminates potentially harmful microorganisms that are exposed to it.

• Ozone generators: These systems produce ozone, which is effective at removing odors and fumes such as smoke. They’re usually used for specialized purposes such as clean-up after fires.

For more information on the health and comfort benefits of air-cleaning systems, contact us today at Sobieski Services. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems).

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