Health and safety should always be the top priority and Climate Control Company knows consumers want to give their loved ones healthy air to breathe. Business owners have not only an ethical responsibility but a legal one as well, to provide safe conditions for their workers. The more we learn about the health risks from poor indoor air quality, the more important it becomes to identify and eliminate the problem.
Identifying the Problem
You can’t solve a problem until you identify what the problem is. As a rule, you can break down IAQ problems into some broad categories:
Particulate matter
Of particular concern are very small particles of 2.5 microns or less referred to as PM2.5. For comparison, the size of a human hair is 50-70 microns. The World Health Organization calls PM2.5 the largest single environmental health risk in the world.
Volatile organic compounds (VOC)
These are chemical pollutants. If there is a chemical smell in your Glenwood Springs, CO home or business it’s likely a VOC. Gasoline, cleaners, and paints are just a few of the products containing VOCs. Many of these chemicals are linked to an increased risk of cancer and other diseases.
Measuring Air Quality
If you do an internet search you will find there are many IAQ monitors you can buy. They are available in several price ranges. We are not here to judge the accuracy and quality of those IAQ monitors and urge you to do your research before investing the money.
AirAdvice for Homes™
One product Climate Control can vouch for is AirAdvice for Homes, which identifies and measures indoor air quality problems. When we come to the home we set up the monitor. Over the course of about 30 minutes, it gathers air quality data and transmits it to the AirAdvice computers to be analyzed. A report is sent back showing the levels of particulates, VOCs, and carbon dioxide.
Filtering vs. Purification
Depending on the results of the air quality test there are a number of solutions available. A standard fiberglass furnace filter (which we don’t recommend) will stop only the largest particles. While it may give some protection to your HVAC systems it will do little or nothing to improve your IAQ. A much more efficient choice is an electronic air cleaner. It uses an electrical charge to attract and trap even very small particles.
Even the best filters are only effective against particulates. A much more advanced system is the REME HALO® in-duct purifier. Just like the air purification systems in many hospitals, it uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold. It can even eliminate some VOCs.
Serving the Western Slope since 1956
Whether it’s an HVAC replacement or improving your indoor air quality, it’s all part of our motto, “Comfort driven, Colorado style” because your comfort and safety is our top priority. You can also depend on us for emergency service 24/7 in Glenwood Springs, CO and the Roaring Fork and Vail Valleys. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
