While Dayton’s air quality is generally acceptable, it doesn’t always stay within the normal air quality index of 50 or below. When the outdoor air quality isn’t ideal, your HVAC system can help you enjoy healthy air indoors.
Choose the Right Filter
A high-quality air filter is one of the most affordable ways to achieve a normal air quality index indoors. Standard 1-inch fiberglass filters keep debris out of your system, but they don’t clean your air much. For better indoor air, choose a filter with a MERV of at least 6. A MERV between 8 and 10 helps even more. In some systems, a high-efficiency filter can interfere with airflow, so consult an HVAC professional before installing any filter with a MERV higher than 10.
For even higher air quality, use a portable air purifier. These often use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that remove bacteria, smoke particles, and fine dust, as well as activate carbon filters that trap gaseous pollutants.
Use Your AC Efficiently
When the outdoor air quality is low, keep your windows closed to help maintain a normal air quality index. It might seem counterintuitive, but air quality is typically worse in the morning and better between noon and 6 p.m. Instead of opening your windows in the morning, set your air conditioner to “On” or “Fan Mode” to let the fan run throughout the day, even when you don’t need cooling. This way, your system continuously draws air through the filter, cleaning it with every pass. Leave your interior doors open to encourage airflow throughout the house.
If you run your AC often, consider upgrading to a more efficient system with a SEER of 16 or more. These systems feature two-stage or variable-speed modes that adjust the amount of airflow output to meet your needs.
For more tips on maintaining the normal air quality index in your home, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services from anywhere in the Dayton area.
