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Everyone wants to breathe easily – especially in our own homes. But our homes can often be a trap for airborne molds and microscopic organisms. If you want take a deep, cleansing breath without itchy, watery eyes, here are some solutions to consider:
- HEPA Air Filtration System: This system hooks directly into the heating and duct system of your home. A HEPA system traps 99.97% of airborne particles (bacteria, mold, pollen) to .3 microns in size. That’s really, really, small. It’s very effective but does require some maintenance. Every six months, you need to clean both sides of the pre-filter and change the carbon blanket. Every three to five years you need to change the HEPA cartridge. (see fig. A)
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| Fig. A |
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Fig. B |
- UV Lights: The UV light system hooks into your ducts and eliminates living organisms like mold spores, viruses and bacteria. Once the system is in place, you need to replace the bulb every 18 months. Most systems are equipped with an audible signal to warn you that it’s time to make the change. (see fig. B)
- Electronic Air Filters: These fit into a standard furnace filter slot and do much the same job, at a higher efficiency. You need to vacuum both sides every month and replace the pads every three to four months. (see fig. C)
- Heat Recovery Ventilator: This also hooks directly into your ductwork and acts like a set of lungs for your house. It filters the air taken in through the fresh air intake vent in your home, heats it with warm air recovered from the home and then expels the stale air. You get cleaner air with the bonus of lower heating costs. This unit requires professional servicing and balancing once a year. (see fig. D)
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| Fig. C |
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Fig. D |
- Central Humidification System: A properly maintained humidifier installed directly on to your furnace system will provide appropriate levels of moisture during the dry months of winter. But it must be maintained or it could be the source of a mold problem in itself. The humidifier pad should be changed every year. (see fig. E)
- Duct cleaning: Clean your ducts every three to five years. This removes any build up of dust, molds and bacteria that can circulate through your home. (see fig. F)
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| Fig. E |
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Fig. F |
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