If you spent much of your time indoors last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you likely understand the importance of ensuring your home is comfortable. However, when thinking about comfort, most homeowners focus only on furnaces or heating and cooling systems, often overlooking the importance of indoor air quality. Air filtration and purification systems are crucial factors that determine indoor air quality.
Good air filters, such as the MERV 11 filter, remove or sieve air particles from air entering your home. It removes contaminants such as dirt, dust, mold, bacteria, and pet dander. Below are the benefits of having air filtration systems in your home.
1. Reduces risks of airborne diseases
Unfortunately, most viruses that make humans sick are airborne and present in the air you breathe. If a sick person sneezes or coughs, they release infected droplets, which remain afloat and can be inhaled by others. Common diseases, such as the common cold and even COVID-19, are spread through airborne transmission.
Fortunately, installing an air filtration system at home will keep you and your loved ones safe from these airborne illnesses. According to the EPA, air filters reduce the risk of contracting and transmitting airborne diseases.
2. Ease asthma symptoms
Several studies have linked poor indoor air quality with increased severity of asthma symptoms. However, the connection between these two diseases is clear. Poor indoor air quality at home aggravates respiratory problems, specifically in people with previous conditions, such as asthma. Poor indoor air quality can potentially trigger a full-blown asthma attack.
However, installing an air filtration system can ease these symptoms. If you or one of your family members have asthma, a home air filtration system can make a difference.
3. Protect kids and elderly
Even though indoor air toxins are not good for people of all ages, children and the elderly are highly susceptible to airborne contaminants. If your home is multigenerational, installing an air purifier can protect your loved ones.
4. Improves general wellness
Studies done by the EPA suggest that poor indoor air quality is a primary cause of several health issues, including eye, skin, nose, and throat irritations. Poor IAQ also predisposes one to respiratory illnesses, cancer, and heart conditions, especially if you live close to industrial areas. Continuous exposure to contaminated and unfiltered air can slowly impair your overall wellness. Investing in an air filter protects and boosts your overall wellness.
5. Improves sleep
A University of Denmark study found that air quality significantly affects sleep quality. Air quality is as important as noise levels and temperature in sleep. Continuous exposure to contaminated air can impair your sleep patterns. Remember that poor sleep can predispose one to several other health issues, such as obesity and heart diseases. Efficient HVAC systems coupled with a proper functioning air filtration system can improve sleep quality.
Endnote
Most homeowners overlook the importance of maintaining good indoor air quality in their homes. This is why you should ensure that air filters in your heat pump, furnace, or air conditioner function optimally. Air filters should be inspected regularly and changed when dirty.
