The importance of good air filtration in our homes!
Why not go for a good quality filter?
In fact, there are several reasons for this and the consumer who has no knowledge and has not done any research will base his decision on the purchase price of the filtration products (filters). Many will wonder why pay more for a filter of the same physical size and the same thickness at double or even triple the price? Indeed, if we limit ourselves to looking at the differences of the filter in terms of appearance, the cost does not justify this difference.
You have to take the time to understand how a filter is constructed. What materials are used? Is it a filter certified by a recognized agency? Is its effectiveness in MERV (MINIMUM EFFICIENCY REPORTING VALUE) clearly indicated? Otherwise, there is a good chance that you are in the presence of a manufactured filter without any form of certification..
The importance of MERV
The MERVs are defined from 1 to 20 the higher the number, the more efficient the filtration. House dust is made up of multiple components of different sizes and the efficiency of filtration in capturing the smallest particles is of utmost importance. When this is understood, the price difference between different types of filtration is much easier to explain. We spend more and more time inside our residences. We should know that the air inside our homes is up to 10 times more polluted than the air outside. According to the American Medical Association 50% of illnesses are caused or aggravated by pollution of the ambient air.
According to a study by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) there are three major factors that affect the air quality inside homes: the source of the problem, ventilation, filtration . Let’s take a closer look !!
THE SOURCE :
To eliminate the problem at its source, it is necessary, for example, to clean the evaporator or the pipe, to properly supply the heating appliances requiring the combustion of fresh air, to repair the leaking pipe or to add or remove moisture in the ambiant air.
THE VENTILATION :
It is necessary to provide a supply of fresh air to dilute the stale air of homes that are too airtight (super insulated), by installing an air exchanger, a supply of fresh air through a recuperator helping in particular to reduce odors and dilute toxins, bio aerosols and reduce the pressurization of the premises.
THE FILTRATION :
The air circulating in the residence must be cleaned. We see filtration as the way to remove dust from the air. In recent years filtration has evolved a lot, even going to the sterilization of volatile organisms using ultra-violet lights which reduce odors and using catalytic cells .
The humidity level: an important factor
The amount of humidity in the air can change the occupants’ perception of comfort, the same temperature can be perceived by our body in a different way, the hairs on our arms are excellent hygrometers and are very sensitive to temperature changes and humidity…
So be careful in choosing your filters and get information from companies specializing in the field.