Most people don’t think twice about the air quality in their homes. However, air quality is a constant concern of the Ultimate Comfort Heating & Cooling team of experienced technicians. We offer indoor air quality solutions, such as air filters, humidifiers, whole-home dehumidifiers, and fresh air ventilators.

Indoor air pollutants are a concern in both new and older homes. Older homes may have insulation with asbestos, lead-based paint, and leaking pipes. Newer homes often emit volatile organic compounds through their building materials.

These and many other pollutants pose a significant health risk, resulting in immediate and long-term health effects. Immediate effects of poor air quality may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and irritated eyes, nose, and throat. According to the American Lung Association, the long-term effects of poor indoor air quality include lung cancer and chronic lung diseases, such as asthma.

Indoor Air Pollutant Sources

You may be surprised to discover indoor air pollutants can come from unexpected places:



• Building Construction and Furnishings
  Pollutants, such as asbestos, formaldehyde, and lead, can be found in construction products, such as paint and carpeting.
  
  
• Fuel Burning Appliances
  Fuel-burning appliances, such as stoves, furnaces, and water heaters, can emit carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter (tiny pieces of dust, dirt, soot, smoke, droplets of liquid, and other pollutants).
  
  
• Moisture and Water
  Excessive indoor moisture can promote the growth of mold, bacteria, viruses, cockroaches, and dust mites.
  
  
• Occupancy
  Home occupants can create air pollutants, such as pet dander, smoking and vaping, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds.
  
  
• Outdoor Sources
  Outdoor air pollutants and allergens can sneak into your home through open doors and windows, cracks, and on your shoes and clothing.
  
  
• Household Products
  According to Science News Explores, one study found that household products, such as cleaning supplies, personal care products (deodorants and hair sprays), and air fresheners, are “among common products that send a host of chemicals into the air.” The study focused on pollutants called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and found that some of the following consumer products emit VOC: shampoo, hairspray, deodorant, cleaning sprays, laundry detergent, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and more.

How HVAC Technology Can Reduce Indoor Air Pollutants and Improve Your Home’s Air Quality

Proper Installation and Maintenance of a Newer, More Efficient HVAC System
An old, outdated, or inefficient HVAC system can result in inadequate filtering or poor circulation, allowing pollutants to accumulate in your home. Poorly designed or installed HVAC systems can have the same effect by creating areas with poor air circulation, allowing pollutants to accumulate. Newer, more efficient HVAC systems that are properly installed and maintained will improve your home’s air quality.

The Right Filter 

The right filter can make all the difference in your home’s air quality. Here are a few options:

HEPA Filters
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particle Air) filters can remove up to 99.97% of airborne contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen.

UV Light Filter
UV light filters disinfect air passing through your HVAC system with short-wave ultraviolet light that may kill viruses, mold, germs, and bacteria, which can help prevent diseases and respiratory illnesses. However, when used alone, they are ineffective at catching pollutants like dust or allergens, odors, gases, or cigarette smoke. They can produce some ozone, which, in concentrated levels, can be hazardous.

Electronic Air Cleaner Filter
This type of filter uses 120v of power to charge collector cells where the home’s dust accumulates. While they are effective at removing smaller-sized particles from the air when the collector cells are clean, as they load, the efficiency of these filters will decrease, allowing charged particles to re-enter the air stream. The collector cells must be removed from the housing and washed regularly to remain effective. If the power head fails, it must be returned to the manufacturer for repairs.

Media Filter
This type of filter is low maintenance and effective at trapping most pollutants due to its high MERV ratings. We have found that media filters are the most effective filter for most homeowners as they combine the best attributes of most of the filters listed above with few to no downsides.

Fresh Air Ventilator
A fresh air ventilator, which can be installed as part of your HVAC system, can dilute airborne pollutants and odors by bringing fresh air in from outside and pushing unwanted airborne particulates out.

Whole Home Dehumidifiers
Whole home dehumidifiers help reduce mold and mildew-causing moisture.

Regular HVAC Maintenance
Regular tune-ups - measuring for correct airflow, cleaning condensation drains, replacing air filters, and more - allow better airflow and air quality within your home.

With Ultimate Comfort Heating & Cooling Comfort is Job #1 

The air quality and temperature provided by your heating and cooling equipment should contribute to achieving home comfort. Ultimate Comfort Heating and Cooling Services provides high-quality home heating and cooling services such as air conditioning and heating installation and repair, as well as eco-friendly geothermal options and a variety of service plans to fit your needs and budget throughout Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Call us at 610-750-8314 or connect with us online for a FREE Comfort Analysis. Estimates and consultations for new systems are provided FREE of charge.