Many Spokane, Washington, homeowners are concerned about exposure to allergens, VOCs, air pollutants, and mold. This is especially true if someone in the home is already dealing with asthma, respiratory issues, or allergies.
An air scrubber is a device that is attached to the ductwork of the home’s HVAC system. It can minimize surface contaminants, pet dander, air pollution, odors, and dust, resulting in cleaner air in the house.
What Is an Air Scrubber?
Air scrubbers come as portable units or as whole-house units. Both accomplish a similar task but use different technology.
The whole-house air scrubber connects to the ductwork of the home’s HVAC system. In these units, titanium oxide-coated rods surround UV light. These two components work together to damage the DNA of viruses, germs, and particulates, making them harmless.
Some whole-house air scrubbers use negatively charged ions and attract positively charged particles. This lets them pull harmful particles from nearby surfaces into the device. They not only decontaminate those surfaces but they decontaminate the indoor air.
Whole-house air scrubbers must be installed by professional HVAC technicians. Most are designed to service an area of approximately 3,000 square feet. They are an excellent option for homeowners looking for continuous air cleaning. Professional maintenance is required to keep these units working efficiently, including changing the germicidal UV light bulbs.
A portable air scrubber will use several filters to remove odors and particles from the air in the room where it is placed. The first filter collects larger particles, like animal hair and lint, as it travels through the device. The next filter is typically a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. This filter will eliminate smaller airborne particles, like viruses, mold spores, and germs. Lastly, the carbon filter will trap the odors caused by smoke, mildew, and mold. The filters used in a portable air scrubber can potentially remove up to 99% of pollutants from the air.
Portable units are designed to serve between 500 and 900 ft.² on average. They can be moved to various locations. For them to work correctly, the HEPA filter should be changed yearly, and other filters should be changed based on use. There are several good reasons to install an air scrubber in your home.
1. Eliminate Surface and Airborne Contaminants
You bring contaminants into your home on your shoes, clothing, or hands. These contaminants find their way onto your floors, door knobs, and countertops. Air scrubbers can destroy up to 99% of surface contaminants. They effectively clean and purify the air you breathe, reducing up to 90% of airborne pollutants. Some air scrubbers are effective against E. coli, swine flu, and other bacteria and viruses that cause illness.
2. Attack Lingering Odors
Air scrubbers can erase lingering odors. If you have burned food in your home, you may have noticed that the odors stick around regardless of what you do to eliminate the smell. Air scrubbers can significantly reduce odors while at the same time addressing dust and pet dander.
3. Minimize Particles That Can Cause Irritation
If you or someone in your home has allergies, you know that pollutants can trigger symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes. An air scrubber purifies the air, reducing particles and minimizing allergy and asthma symptoms.
4. Make Your HVAC System Last Longer
You could extend the life of your HVAC system using an air scrubber. Dust and dirt are trapped by the air scrubber before hitting the filter. This can potentially protect your HVAC system’s coil and blower from excess contamination, keeping the system running smoothly.
Enjoying the Best of Heating and Cooling in Spokane, Washington
When looking for a trustworthy company for HVAC services in Spokane, look no further than Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning. We have been providing service in our area since the 1940s. We provide industry-leading quality, a customer-first approach, and 24/7 service. We have an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and are proud members of the NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaning Association).
Our services include residential and commercial HVAC repair, installation, and maintenance. We install boilers, heat pumps, and thermostats. We service all brands, provide expert repair services, and offer ironclad service agreements. Contact Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning today and see for yourself what it is like to work with a team that has the knowledge and the tools to know what issue your HVAC system is facing and the ability to fix it as quickly as possible.
