Indoor air quality is so important to health and wellness, especially in the winter months, when we all spend more time indoors and windows are closed, putting the onus for air circulation on your home’s heating system. There are several options to choose from when it comes to giving your indoor air quality a boost in Pennsylvania! Our Oehlert Bros. energy experts can help you weigh the options and decide what works best for your family’s circumstances.
Most of us are familiar with humidifiers to some degree, but the picture in your mind may be of a noisy and cumbersome machine your moms put in your bedroom when you were sick as a child. Today’s humidifiers are much more efficient and discreet, though the principle is the same: adding moisture to the air we breathe can stave off the effects of over-dry air.
Harsh, dry air can cause irritation of the mucous membranes in our mouth, throat, nasal passages and sinuses. When these mucus linings become inflamed from irritation, they are more likely to trap germs, causing illness. Likewise, dander and debris circulating in the air can cause asthma and allergy flares. Humidifiers can keep the proper amount of moisture in your air, allowing your immune system to more easily clear irritants by lubricating the passageways in your head and neck.
Having the right amount of moisture in the air can also:
Dehumidifiers can treat the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to too much moisture in your home’s air. Elevated humidity can encourage mold and mildew growth, and can also cause your home to feel muggy and too warm. Many people respond by turning down their thermostat, but while that may make a home cooler, it does nothing to address the excess moisture.
A whole-home dehumidifier works differently than portable models you may have seen available for rent or used by contractors:
A whole-house air cleaner can reduce your energy costs all year long, since it works through your entire home heating and cooling system by reducing and removing dirt, mold, pet dander, pollen, viruses, dust and other contaminants. This process also reduces buildup of static electricity, which can protect your electronics. A whole house air cleaner can really benefit families looking to save on their energy costs while purifying the air they breathe.
An air purifier can improve your homes air quality by “washing“ the air in ultraviolet light, neutralizing contaminants. This type of air purifier can prevent airborne pollutants circulating in your home, since it continually treats the air that passes through the system. Like other IAQ equipment, it can also increase your home’s energy efficiency by allowing the air to flow more freely, once blockages are removed.
Whatever type of IAQ systems you prefer, our Installation Manager can help you weigh the pros and cons. All of our indoor air quality equipment comes from top-quality Aprilaire, and is expertly installed by Oehlert Bros. Inc.