Category: Air Quality

One of the best ways to ensure that a home stays safe is to keep good indoor air quality. Indoor air has been proven to be much more contaminated than outdoor air because it is forced to recirculate continuously around the home. Poor indoor air quality often leads to numerous health issues. When people who dwell in the home are constantly exposed to air laden with dust, pollen, allergens, pathogens, and chemicals, this leads to poor health results.

Fortunately, there are steps that homeowners can take to mitigate the problems that are caused by poor indoor air quality. Two of the most effective and popular options are UV air sanitizers and air purifiers. Both work to accomplish similar goals but do so in different manners.

What Is the Difference Between an Air Sanitizer and Air Purifier?

Before deciding to install an air purifier or a UV sanitizer, it is important to know the differences. An air purifier works by mechanically removing particulate matter from the air by some means of filtration. Purification can be accomplished in a few different ways. HEPA filters are one of the most common operating principles of air purifiers. Ionic purifiers are also common. Ionic purifiers work by charging dust particles and getting them to stick with electromagnetism. Through these means, air purifiers work to remove dust, allergens, and most air pathogens.

Air sanitizers work a little differently. UV sanitizers use ultraviolet light to destroy pathogens and neutralize some chemicals present in indoor air. Sanitization technology can be used in small, standalone units or installed inline with air conditioning ducts to sanitize the air in the whole house.

What Are the Benefits of Air Sanitization and Purification?

Sanitizers and purifiers both work to reduce the pollution in indoor air and improve its quality. Generally speaking, sanitizers work better to kill bacteria, mold, and viruses, while purifiers are usually more efficient at reducing dust and pollen particles in the air.

Both methods work well to reduce the symptoms of allergies, lessen complications from asthma, reduce respiratory problems, and improve sleep.

When Does a Home Need a Purification System?

When a home is located in a dusty environment, a purification system will help improve air quality. Good purification will help protect family members living in the home from respiratory problems caused by allergies and reduce dust in the environment. It can also help protect HVAC equipment by preventing dust from building up.

When illness is a concern, UV sanitization systems are the gold standard for preventing illness. Not only do UV systems treat the air that passes through the ducts, but they also create ozone that helps treat the air that is already in the rooms of a house. A UV system installed within a central AC works in conjunction with the filters and can accomplish both purification and filtration. It's best to call a professional to handle these services.

About G.F. Bowman, Inc.

G.F. Bowman, Inc. has been helping Cleona and Lebanon, PA homeowners protect their home and equipment since 1967. With industry-leading air cleaning services, they are ready to assist with expert indoor air quality solutions. Their flat-rate pricing helps prevent surprise costs and ensures that projects stay on budget.

Spring isn’t the only season for cleaning. Fall is, too! After all of the summer fun - barbecues, pool parties, game nights - your home can get a little dirty, inside and out.

From the empty bottles lying around the patio to the fallen tree branches in your backyard, there’s always something to clean up after the summer is over.

While it may be about aesthetics and the look of your home, but your home’s indoor air quality can take a hit as well. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you clean your home for the fall.

Fall is The Best Time to Replace Your Air Filters

Maintaining your home’s indoor air quality may not be at the top of your list, but it should be. If your allergies are getting bad again, that’s a clear sign that you should change your air filters.

It’s highly recommended that you change your air filters every fall since your air conditioner was running all summer long. New air filters will collect all the pollen and dust in the air, so you don’t have to sniffle and sneeze your way through the fall and winter months.

Additionally, a new air filter can ensure that your air conditioner works at its best, providing you with clean air and improved airflow. If you’re not sure when you should replace your filter, simply remove it and take a look. In many cases, a dirty filter is obvious and should be easy to detect.

Try Using Non-Toxic Chemicals to Clean Your Home

Whether you’re wiping down the patio furniture or cleaning the toilet in your basement, you should be conscious of the chemicals you use to get the job done.

Harsh cleaning chemicals can:

• -Affect your home’s indoor air quality.
• -Put your kids and pets in danger.
• -Damage delicate surfaces, including marble countertops.

Instead of using bleach, ammonia, and nondescript products to clean your home, try making your own non-toxic cleaner!

You can find hundreds of recipes online to show you how to make your own cleaning products using non-toxic ingredients.

Vinegar, castile soap, baking soda, and orange oil are just some of the most popular ingredients. If you have a few of these ingredients in your pantry, you’re already halfway there.

Check for a Gas Leak

After you’ve replaced your air filters and cleaned up your home a bit, there’s one final thing you must do: check for a gas leak.

While a gas leak is rare, it is important to check your home for a leak, especially if:

• -You smell sulfur or rotten eggs inside or outside of your home.
• -You feel lightheaded and nauseous while indoors.
• -You see a white cloud near a gas line.
• -Your houseplants are dying.
• -You hear a faint whistle near a gas line.

Your gas bill may be higher than normal as well because of a leak. If you suspect your home has a gas leak, it’s imperative that you call a specialist right away to repair the gas leak before you head into the winter months.

Have More Questions About Fall Cleaning?

The specialists at G.F. Bowman, Inc. can help you and your family lead a cleaner life going into the fall and winter months. Our team can help replace your air filters, check for gas leaks, and check other areas around your home to make sure you’re set for the fall. Clean air, clean surfaces, clean home - call our team today for an estimate.