Indoor air pollution can be a serious problem, especially for those with allergies or respiratory issues. Air purification and air filtration are two methods that can help improve the quality of the air in your home or office. But what's the difference between the two, and which one is best for your needs? Read on to find out.
Understanding Air Purification and Air Filtration
Air purification and air filtration are both methods used to improve indoor air quality, but they work in different ways. Air purification involves using technology to remove pollutants and contaminants from the air, such as UV-C light or ionization. Air filtration, on the other hand, involves using a filter to trap particles and pollutants as air passes through it. Both methods have their benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to understand the differences and choose the one that best fits your needs.
How Air Purification Works
Air purification uses technology to remove pollutants and contaminants from the air. One common method is UV-C light, which neutralizes bacteria and viruses by damaging their DNA. Another method is ionization, which uses charged particles to attract and trap pollutants. Some air purifiers also use activated carbon filters to remove odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Air purification can be effective at removing a wide range of pollutants, but it can also be more expensive than air filtration.
How Air Filtration Works
Air filtration works by using a physical filter to trap pollutants and contaminants in the air. The filter is made up of a material that allows air to pass through, but captures particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. Some air filters also use activated carbon to remove odors and VOCs. Air filtration is generally less expensive than air purification, but may not be as effective at removing certain types of pollutants like bacteria and viruses. It is important to choose the right type of air filtration system based on your specific needs and the pollutants present in your indoor environment.
Maintaining Your Indoor Air Quality
At Uni-Serve Air Conditioning, we recommend that everyone start with air filtration. When we install new air conditioning systems, we recommend using a media filter cabinet in the attic. This cabinet holds a 4” or 5” thick filter which provides great air filtration without adding a lot of static pressure to the system. These filters can also last anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on pets, kids, and several other factors in the home.
If you do not have a media filter cabinet, then the 1” wall or ceiling filters will suffice. Look for filters with a MERV rating between 8 to 11. The higher the number the more filtration you get. However, if you notice the airflow decreases with a higher MERV rating, then your system may not have proper airflow and the filter is restraining it even more. Try a lesser MERV rating filter until the airflow is not being restricted. Also, the 1” filters need to be changed more often, typically every month.
If you still have dust, allergens, smells, and so on in the home, then it’s time to consider air purification. Uni-Serve Air Conditioning offers multiple air purification options to help improve the indoor air quality in your home. We would be happy to help you find a solution because we care about your air! Call or text us to find out more: 281-360-9898.