Indoor Air Quality in Gaithersburg, MD

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.

Dehumidifier. Whole-house dehumidifiers mount in the duct to your existing HVAC system to effectively transfer dry air evenly throughout your home and thus remove excess moisture. Excess moisture can be found in the home due to a variety of reasons; crawlspaces and basements, sealed up attics, reduced run times on air conditioning systems.

Dehumidifiers are most commonly used in summer months when humidity levels are higher. It’s important to note, that all these components only work while the HVAC system is in operation. In a lot of cases, homeowners only run their systems on average 25% of the time. Running the fan for longer periods will increase the removal of both biological and chemical pollutants as well as maintain the proper moisture levels.

Ultraviolet Germicidal UV Lights. UV Lights are mounted inside the HVAC system near the indoor cooling coil. As cold and warm air pass through the system, mold, and bacteria can grow in the condensation left behind. Left untreated these mold spores and unpleasant orders can be spread throughout the home.

UV Lights kill the bacteria and mold located on or around these coils and the drain pan preventing these spores from circulating throughout your home. UV Lights are easily maintained with the lights replaced every 1-2 years.