Air Quality
Air quality consists of three main characteristics: temperature, humidity, and air cleanliness. Your heating and cooling system takes care of the temperature and your humidifier and cooling system take care of humidity. Air cleanliness is very important. Poor air quality can make you sick and is definitely not good for someone who is already sick. If you suffer from allergies or certain medical condtions you can get much relief from improving your air cleanliness.
Furnace/Air Handler Filters
To clean the air you need to filter it. The most common way to filter air is with the filter in your furnace or air handler. There are different types of filters that give you different levels of air cleanliness. This filter has another important purpose, to keep your furnace or air handler clean. Failure to keep your furnace or air handler clean can cause a number of problems. Throw away filters are the most common type in a furnace or air handler system. These filters are usually replaced every 1 to 3 months. Pleated and polyester filters are examples of the throw away type. Throw away filters give you a wide range of air cleanliness. These filters often times come with a MERV rating. The MERV rating tells you how clean your air will be. Take a look at the MERV table below to compare ratings.

Another way to filter your air is by replacing your throw away filter with a electronic air cleaner. An electronic air cleaner(EAC) can trap tiny particles that even the best throw away filter may let through. It usually requires cleaning every 1 to 3 months.
UV lights can be added in addition to a EAC or throw away filter. UV lights are used to kill virtually any airborne microbe including rhino viruses (colds), influenza, bacteria, molds and mold spores. The UV lights are usually installed in your return duct right before your filter. This is a great option to ensure a healthy household. UV lights are also used in hospitals to ensure a sterile environment.
Stand Alone Air Purifier
If you don't have a forced air furnace or air handler you are limited to buying a stand alone air purifier. An air purifier is not a bad option though. With the right air purifier, you can achieve the same level of air cleanliness as furnace filters. Air purifiers come in different capacities for different sized spaces. Like furnace filters, air purifiers also vary in how well they clean the air.
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Air Quality

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