Did you know that there are HVAC features that can improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe in your home? Air quality affects your mood, energy level, and your health as well.
HVAC features that make air healthier & more comfortable
Learn about these HVAC add-ons that take comfort and healthy air to the next level.
Central humidifiers add moisture to the air in winter
Are your skin, hair and lips dry and cracking in the winter? Are you plagued by electric shocks every time you touch something made of metal? These are signs that your home needs humidification. Dry air can also increase the chances of illness, especially for people with asthma and other breathing difficulties.
There are also dangers to your home from dry air that you may not notice until you have an expensive problem on your hands. Dry air can be damaging to valuable things like furniture, paintings, floors and woodwork. Adding a central humidifier to your home will make sure they won’t dry out and crack.
How central humidifiers work
A central humidifier is attached to your home’s heating and air conditioning unit and your plumbing. The humidifier unit uses a device similar to a thermostat (called a humidistat) to monitor the humidity levels in the air. The ideal humidity level for comfort is between 35 and 50 percent. When the air is too dry, the humidifier adds moisture to the air being circulated by your HVAC system.
So, unlike standalone humidifiers that can only work in one room, these permanent installations humidify the entire house at once, making them extremely efficient. Not only that, but you never need to worry about the safety of your children around hot steam, or tripping over an ugly unit in the middle of your living room. The equipment is completely out of sight.
Upkeep tips & advice
The wonderful thing about central humidifiers is that there is very little upkeep. You never need to add water since it’s attached to your plumbing. You just need to have the unit cleaned periodically by a professional, ideally at the same time you have your HVAC system serviced in the spring and fall.
Look for a unit that removes minerals and pollutants from the water it uses to humidify the air in your home.
Central air purifiers remove airborne contaminants
Indoor air quality, or IAQ, refers to the condition of the air inside your home. Poor IAQ not only makes you uncomfortable, but it also impacts the health of your family. Poor IAQ can worsen allergies and asthma and help to spread illnesses caused by airborne contaminants such as bacteria, mold and viruses. Some pollutants, like mold and chemicals used in construction, also cause unpleasant odors.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency studies have shown that your indoor air can be up to 100 times more polluted than the air outside—even in smoggy, urban areas like NYC.
How air purifiers work
When it comes to removing dangerous microorganisms from the air you breathe, standard HVAC filters don’t really do the job. Those filters are designed to protect the equipment from damage, not to protect your lungs, eyes and skin from airborne pollutants.
Central air purification systems remove dust, VOCs, mold spores, smog, bacteria and viruses from the air circulated throughout your home’s HVAC system. Unlike standalone HEPA devices, they are installed out of sight and clean the air throughout your home.
There are various types of central air purification technology, but the best air purifiers use ions to neutralize harmful particles (even tiny viruses) in the air and even on surfaces in your home. Look for a unit with a germicidal disinfection lamp, which takes purification a step further by using UV light to kill microbes.
Learn more: REME HALO: Best Whole Home Air Purifier
Upkeep tips
It’s important to maintain your HVAC air purification system periodically. Filters can become clogged and need to be either cleaned or replaced. Your HVAC technician can take care of that during your regular system maintenance visits.
Don’t neglect HVAC maintenance
Central humidification systems and air purifiers can greatly enhance the comfort of your home. But if your AC or heating system is not working properly due to neglected maintenance, you still won’t experience consistent air quality and comfort.
Learn more: HVAC System Maintenance: Humidity and Your Poor Indoor Air Quality
A experienced HVAC professional can also give you advice about choosing a central humidifier and air purification system that are right for your home. If you haven’t been having your NYC HVAC system regularly serviced, Arista can inspect your equipment and put together a plan to keep everything working reliably.
