Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Are you dealing with an air quality issue in your home and now you need to find something that will solve your problem? No one likes dealing with the problems that come from poor indoor air quality like allergies, fluctuations in humidity, and mold inside your home. Not only can poor indoor air quality affect the people living there, but it can also potentially damage or affect your personal items like musical instruments and valuables. And these days, there are so many indoor air quality solutions and products saturating the market. 

On your own, it can be difficult to decipher if one solution is actually better than another or if a solution is the right one for your situation. In this blog post, we will give you several of the options you have for indoor air quality solutions and give you the information you need to choose the best indoor air quality solution for your home. 

If you need a solution urgently or need to talk to a professional as soon as possible, give our experts here at MaxAir a call at 410-766-4989. We would be more than happy to help guide you through your options and find the perfect solution to your problem. But if you have time and want to learn more on your own about all of your options before calling the professionals, keep reading because we will break all of it down for you. Let's get into what options you have for indoor air quality solutions.  

What Are My Options For Indoor Air Quality Solutions?

When it comes to indoor air quality, there are a couple of different options you can choose from. However, your options will heavily depend on the type of issue you are having. To help you easily find the right kind of indoor air quality solutions for you, we have broken up this section into more specific sections based on the type of air quality solution. To kick us off, let’s talk about air purifiers.                                                            

Air Purifiers

The air inside your home can be polluted with contaminants like pollen, dust, and dander. Prolonged exposure to these contaminants can lead to issues like allergies and overall discomfort. No one likes dealing with allergies, and if there is something you can do to help it, you probably want to do it. Luckily for you, there are air purifiers that help to filter out all those bad contaminants to ultimately help you breathe better and feel better. When it comes to indoor air purifiers, there are a couple different types that are intended for different uses. Here are the different types of air purifiers and what they are typically used for:

• Whole-home air purifiers: A whole-home air purifier is basically an attachment that is integrated into your existing heating and cooling system to filter out pathogens and contaminants. There are two different types of whole-home air quality solutions including return air purifiers and cabinet air filters. Return air purifiers are installed in your ceiling return air grille and work silently with your HVAC system to help reduce pet dander, pollen, dirt, and other particles that can circulate throughout your home. Cabinet air filters are a highly efficient solution that can filter out contaminants from your home and are available in multiple sizes to accommodate your needs.

• Portable air purifiers: As the name suggests, portable air purifiers are capable of being moved from one room to another. Given that it is portable, a portable air purifier is much smaller than a whole-home air purifier and it lacks the power and capabilities to be used as a whole-home solution. However, if you are only having an issue with one particular area in your home, this may be the smarter (and more affordable) choice for you. 

Dehumidifiers and Humidifiers

If you are having an issue with the humidity in your home and need to be able to better control the moisture level, either a dehumidifier or humidifier could be the best option for you. Humidifiers are designed to add moisture to the air and dehumidifiers do the exact opposite–they remove moisture. So depending on your issue, you will need a specific kind. Here are the types of dehumidifiers and humidifiers that you can choose from for your home:

• Dehumidifier: Much like air purifiers, with dehumidifiers, you have two routes you can take: a whole-home solution or a portable solution. Dehumidifier systems are a whole-home option that actually removes up to 50% more water per kilowatt hour than portable dehumidifiers. However, if you have a problem area or room where you only need it there, then a portable dehumidifier is more likely the better option for you. To learn more about dehumidifier systems, check out this information. 

• Humidifier: When it comes to humidifiers, there are two different types to know, including whole-home humidifiers and portable humidifiers. It is important to note that whole-home humidifiers do not attach to your existing HVAC system like a whole-home air purifier does. Instead, you put it somewhere to cover a large area of your house. A downside to having a large humidifier is that not only will you need the space for such a large unit, but you also have to keep it filled with filtered bottled or distilled water, which can get costly to supply. You will have to replace the filters every couple of months as well. Portable humidifiers are a cost-effective option that is much easier to operate and handle and can be used for specific rooms or areas of your home. You can also easily store away a portable humidifier while it is not in use.

Energy Recovery Ventilators

When you think about indoor air quality solutions, energy recovery ventilators may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) integrate with HVAC systems and operate by moving stale indoor air to the outside and moving fresh outside air inside the home. In areas that experience hot or humid conditions, the ERV's core transfers excess incoming humidity to the outgoing stale air. ERVs help to flush airborne contaminants from the house, improving the air quality inside.

But with all of this information, how do you choose the right solution for you? 

How To Choose The Right Indoor Air Quality Solution

When it comes time to choose an indoor air quality solution for your home, you need to think about a few factors and consider a few things first. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an indoor air quality solution for your home:

• Consider your concerns: First, make sure you know what the main issue is. Determine if your main issue is dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, or chemical odors. This helps in choosing a solution tailored to specific contaminants. If you’re battling with high humidity or mold issues, a dehumidifier might be necessary. Different systems target particulates (like HEPA filters) or gaseous pollutants (like activated carbon filters).

• Room size and coverage: Measure the size of the area you need to treat. As we discussed earlier, air purifiers and HVAC systems are rated for different room sizes. Look for solutions that offer multiple air changes per hour to ensure thorough cleaning of the space.

• Type of air quality solution: Air purifiers are ideal for filtering out particulates and allergens. Great for issues that cover the entire house, whole-home air purifiers integrate with your HVAC system, combining heating, cooling, and air purification in one. Dehumidifiers are best for managing humidity and preventing mold growth. And lastly, ventilation Systems are useful for introducing fresh air and removing stale indoor air, crucial in spaces with poor natural ventilation.

• Filter types and maintenance: There are a couple different types of filters for air quality solutions including HEPA filters which are highly effective for trapping small particles and allergens, activated carbon filters that are good for absorbing odors and chemical pollutants, and UV Light Purifiers that kill bacteria and viruses but may not filter out particles.   

• Smart features and connectivity: You may not think of this as a necessary consideration, but for many people, smart home devices are already integrated into their lives. Certain solutions and devices have the capability to be integrated into your smart home system, allowing you to do things like adjust the settings without being physically present. You can also integrate them with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

• Budget and cost: Compare the upfront cost of various solutions before making a decision. You probably want the most effective solution on the market, but it may not be in your budget. You also need to take into account the long-term costs of filters, energy use, and potential repairs.

• User reviews and expert recommendations: Look at reviews and ratings from other users to gauge satisfaction and reliability. You can also seek expert advice and consult with HVAC specialists and air quality experts for personalized recommendations.

Which Solution Is Right For Me?

Choosing the right air quality solution involves balancing these factors based on your specific needs and conditions. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal allergies, persistent odors, or humidity issues, understanding these elements will guide you to the most effective and efficient choice for you. Always remember to assess the long-term benefits and maintenance requirements. If you would like to talk to professionals about your options or are ready to explore specific solutions, give the MaxAir team a call at 410-766-4989 and our air quality experts will be happy to help answer any questions you have.