Indoor Air Quality in Gaithersburg, MD

Indoor air can be riddled with allergens such as pollen, dust mites, dirt, and mold spores. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) there are typically 2-10X more pollutants inside your home than outside. The EPA considers indoor air pollution to be the #1 environmental health problem in the United States and responsible for as much as 50% of all illnesses. 

Air quality in your home can be improved by:

1. Bring more fresh air into your home
2. Remove biological pathogens, chemical pollutants, allergens, dirt, and dust by cleaning your home and air duct systems
3. Kill viruses (including Coronavirus)
4. Add humidity in the winter
5. Remove humidity in the summer
6. Remove humidity from damp locations
7. Prevent mold and bacteria from growing on your equipment
8. Improving ventilation and air circulation

Building The Right Air Purification System

There is a wide variety of air purifying products on the market today. Each type is designed to perform a specific function and treat specific problems.

Presidential’s team of experts have been helping families determine the right product or combination of products for their homes since 1982. From diagnostics to maintenance, to repair, to installation, we do it all. We will not only get your air conditioning unit working at its maximum efficiency but through the installation of indoor air quality products and systems, we will improve your health and save you money on your energy bills!

There are a variety of components that help achieve and maintain healthy indoor air quality. The various components work in conjunction with each other though not all are necessary for every environment.

The first step is to improve the quality of the air inside your home is to have a professional Indoor Air Quality expert test and evaluate it. Once they have all the facts they can recommend the appropriate Indoor Air Quality component for your environment.

Diagram of Indoor Air Quality Product Installation in a Residential Heating and Air Conditioning System

Indoor Air Quality Products

Ventilators, Filters, Purifiers, Humidifiers, Dehumidifiers, and Cleaners

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system does so much more than simply heat and cool your home. A technologically advanced HVAC system also keeps the humidity at a comfortable level all year long. With a professionally installed HVAC system, your home or business’ temperature and humidity can be perfectly balanced.

Ventilators. A fresh air ventilation system brings fresh air from the outside into the home, disrupting and diluting stagnant indoor air. Fresh air is brought into the home through vents on the outside of the home. The fresh influx of air stirs the standing air diluting and moving odors, moisture, and contaminants through the air and into the filtration system. Some ventilators work with a home’s existing duct work and can be programmed to bring in the recommended amount of fresh air while minimizing energy usage and monitoring humidity levels.

Filters. The air filter is typically located at the point where the return duct enters the air handler. Their basic function is to clean the air that circulates through the heating and cooling system. Filters trap and hold many types of particulates and contaminants that could affect your health and comfort. There are two types of filters – MERV and Media.

MERV Filters. These filters are rated via the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) system. This system evaluates the efficiency of an air filter based on how effective it is at catching particles of varying sizes. MERV ratings range from 1-20, with 1 being the lowest level of filtration, and 20 being the highest. MERV 16 through 20 are usually only found in hospitals, cleanrooms, and nuclear power plants. Effective home air filters are rated anywhere between MERV 5 and 13, though we are seeing some MERV 16 for home air filters. MERV Filters are disposable and replacement frequency will vary from monthly to half-yearly depending upon the home and filter choice.

Media Filters. Sitting between the main return duct and the blower cabinet, media filters are deeply pleated, paper-like material, that is at least seven times more effective at removing dust and other particles including flu viruses.

While usually no wider than six inches, the pleated material can cover up to 75 square feet when stretched out. This increased area of filtration accounts for the filter’s long life and ability to capture more contaminants. The media filter’s tight weave can restrict the HVAC system’s ability to blow air through the home. It’s important to seek the advice of a heating and air conditioning professional to insure the media filter chosen doesn’t put a strain on the HVAC system.

Media Filters are disposable and replacement frequency will vary from 6 months to 1 year depending upon the home and filter choice.

Air Purifiers. Installed inside the HVAC air duct, an air purification system attracts and kills molds, bacteria, allergens, and viruses as the air flows through, and with some models, just past the system. They also reduce, smoke, static electricity, and everyday odors from pets and cooking. Independent testing on certain Air Purification Systems has shown to significantly (up to 99%) inactivate captured viruses and germs including CORONAVIRUS.

Air Purifiers are both disposable and permanent depending upon the make and model. Replacement frequency on the disposable filters is typically every several months to a year.

Humidifiers. There are three types of humidifiers – Fan-Powered, Steam, and Bypass. All three add moisture, primarily in the winter months. Maintaining proper moister levels reduces colds and flu, relieves itchy, dry, and cracked skin, dry nasal passages, static electricity, and protects hardwoods, musical instruments, and electronics from drying out and cracking. The fan-powered and bypass models deliver water vapors into the duct. Steam models deliver high temperature water vapors into the duct through dispersion tubes.