Top 5 Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Indoor air quality monitoring

Indoor air quality monitors are devices that help you measure air quality at home. You can use them to determine the sources of indoor air pollutants and make an informed decision about the steps you need to take to bring clean air to your home.

Here are some of the basic indoor air quality measurements to look for in an air quality monitor:

Temperature
Humidity
Particulate matter levels
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Most indoor air quality monitors don’t detect radon gas or carbon monoxide. Since these are some of the most dangerous substances that affect indoor air quality, you should use dedicated tools to monitor their levels. The EPA recommends testing your home for radon regardless of where you live, as it is easy and inexpensive.

When choosing an air quality monitor, you should pay special attention to your home’s indoor air pollution sources. If you’re a smoker, it makes sense to get an indoor air quality monitor that detects tobacco smoke. The same goes for mold; if you live in a dry area, chances are you may not need to spend money on mold detection.

Moreover, a report by the EPA reveals that some of these low-cost indoor air quality monitors become less effective at detecting volatile organic compounds after being in use for six months or longer. If you suspect your indoor air is polluted, even if your monitor doesn’t show any reason for concern, follow your hunch and start applying the necessary measures.

HVAC systems

The acronym HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVAC refers to different technologies to manage the humidity, temperature, and cleanliness of indoor air. The ultimate goal of an HVAC system is to provide residents with thermal comfort and an acceptable quality of indoor air.

Ventilation in an HVAC system is the process of replacing or changing indoor air to control the temperature or reduce any mixture of humidity, carbon dioxide, smoke, dust, airborne bacteria, odors, etc. Ventilation can be forced or mechanical, and we use it to regulate indoor air quality.

The air filter found in an HVAC system is the first layer of protection against poor air quality indoors. When clean, it can reduce the volume of airborne particles of varying sizes. It’s important to replace air filters regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to prevent pollutants from recirculating in your indoor air.

How long do HVAC systems last?

On average, an HVAC system can last between 10–25 years. However, it needs to be regularly inspected for maximum efficiency. Hire a technician to repair broken or damaged parts of your system and prevent any unsealed air leaks.

Ducted HVAC systems accumulate debris and dust over time, so keeping them clean is essential. Proper filtration is also very important—use a high-efficiency filter compatible with your HVAC system.

Indoor air purification technologies

Portable air purifiers are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to filter out contaminants floating in indoor air. When equipped with adequate technology, such as HEPA and carbon filters, UVC LEDs, humidifiers, etc., air purifiers can be very effective against indoor air pollutants.

Let’s look at the different types of air purifiers based on their technology.

HEPA-filtered air purifiers

The acronym HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate-air (filter). An air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter can remove up to 99.97% of pollen, dust, bacteria, mold, and other particles the size of 0.3 microns from indoor air.

The 0.3-micron benchmark approximates the most difficult particle size for the filter to capture, which is why it’s used in efficiency ratings. The HEPA filter is designed to capture particles smaller and larger than 0.3 microns with even greater efficiency.

UVC air purifiers

Some air purifiers use short-wave ultraviolet light technology or UVC LEDs to inactivate microorganisms and pathogens floating in the air, including most viruses, bacteria, and mold. UVC air purifiers are rarely sold as standalone devices, as they can’t trap and remove airborne particles on their own. UVC air cleaning devices can be attached to residential or commercial HVAC units or incorporated into an air purifier.

Air purifier and humidifier combo

According to the Mayo Clinic, a humidifier can help relieve problems caused by dry air. These problems include dry sinuses, cracked skin, etc. Using a humidifier in combination with an air purifier allows you to maintain optimal humidity levels while reducing the number of airborne particles, increasing indoor comfort and air quality in return.

Natural ventilation

Natural ventilation relies on wind and the “stack” effect to create an airflow through your home. Its purpose is to bring fresh air to your home without using mechanical equipment. Natural ventilation is considered early in the home design process. It’s practical during summer nights in some locations because it allows you to bring cool air into your home and at the same time conserve energy.

What’s the stack effect?

The stack effect or chimney effect in a building is the movement of air through unsealed openings, cracks, chimneys, etc. It’s the result of air buoyancy that happens due to a difference in density between indoor and outdoor air, resulting from temperature and moisture variations.

The stack effect happens when cool air enters the basement or the lowest floor of a home, absorbs the heat of a room, and then rises to exit through top-floor windows and openings. This process creates a vacuum that pulls more air through cracks, doors, and windows near the bottom of the house. The stack effect usually occurs in tall buildings.

Indoor plants and air quality

Indoor plants are another indoor air quality solution that has gained popularity. Many advertisers claim that indoor plants act as air purification devices, but this is not entirely true.

Indoor air quality is often affected by carbon dioxide and other gases, including ozone. Through photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into sugar they use for food. They also remove gases from the air in a process called absorption.

In the past, scientists thought indoor plants drastically improved indoor air quality. However, a recent study has shown that they’re not quite as effective as previously thought. The study suggests that the ozone removal effectiveness of indoor vegetation ranges between 0.9–9% (when there’s approximately one plant per 1.82 of floor area).

You would need to use large quantities of indoor plants for them to make a difference in indoor air quality. But which species work best? A study by NASA reveals that florist’s chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) and peace lilies (Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’) work to reduce the levels of the following five common indoor air pollutants:

Formaldehyde (found in paper bags and synthetic fabrics)
Trichloroethylene (found in paints and varnishes)
Benzene (found in tobacco smoke and dyes)
Xylene (released in car exhausts)
Ammonia (found in window cleaners and floor waxers)

Use everything at your disposal

Various indoor air quality solutions can help you improve the air quality in your home or office. Indoor air quality monitoring tools are available to help you determine the exact levels and types of different airborne particles. You can then make an informed decision about how to approach reducing their concentrations.

It’s essential to install the recommended air filters for your specific HVAC system and replace them regularly to prevent the recirculation of harmful airborne particles. Regular inspection and maintenance are also of great importance for the effectiveness of your HVAC system.

Air purifiers are another strong line of defense against poor indoor air quality. An efficient air purifier has a HEPA filter, which can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles of 0.3 microns in diameter. A UVC light in an air purifier works to inactivate pathogens and microorganisms. An air purifier with a built-in humidifier helps keep your indoor air quality at optimal levels.

You can also use natural ventilation to bring fresh air into your house. Ventilation relies on a process called the stack effect. It’s an energy-efficient way to create a fresh airflow indoors. Besides natural ventilation, studies have shown that some indoor plants also work to reduce the volumes of common indoor air pollutants.

Top 5 Indoor Air Quality Solutions for 2022 and Beyond