In the mid 1980’s, building codes became much more stringent on sealing homes from the outside environment to conserve energy. Our success in sealing our homes from the outside elements also prevents natural air exchanges. Pollutants are never allowed to be expelled to the outside. This is especially true in winter when we rarely are able to open up windows.
There are four main categories of indoor air quality problems:
- Particulars – dust, smoke, pollen, etc.
- Bio-aerosols – micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria, mold, etc.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) – chemical or odor causing gases etc.
- Humidity – Too much or too little humidity can cause mold, cracks in wood and an uncomfortable home to live in. The question that most people have is, “What can I do about it?”. There are different solutions for each of the types of indoor air pollutants.
Solutions:
- Particulars – Media filters
- Bio-aerosols – UV lights
- Volatile Organic Compounds – Electronic Air Cleaner
- Humidity – Humidifier and Dehumidifier
- Overall Air Quality – Heat recovery ventilators
Most particulars are 1 micron or larger (There are approximately 25,000 microns in an inch) and can be filtered out of the air stream with a good 6 inch media filter. The standard 1 inch filter that comes with a furnace is designed to keep the furnace safe, it is not designed to keep the air we breathe safe.
Bio-aerosols are living things and are best killed with UV light technology. UV light is the same technology that the post office uses to ensure that the mail is safe from bio-aerosols. Most bio-aerosols are less than 1 micron in size, and a 6 inch media filter will not remove them from the air stream, which is why it is important to have a UV light to kill them.
Volatile organic compounds are generally smaller than 1 micron and are not filtered out by a 6 inch media filter. UV lights do neutralize some VOCs, but not all. VOCs are as small as.01 microns, and the best solution to remove them from the air is a HEPA air purifier. HEPA air purifiers constantly filter a portion of the air as it moves through the duct system, removing particles as small as.01 microns.
At Warren Heating, we are very concerned about the health of our customers and their families. We start by doing an IAQ assessment of the home, then recommend solutions to ensure we are always breathing the best quality air. Click on the above, underlined words, to learn more about each product.
Second Wind UV Light
UV lights kill the harmful bio-aerosols that get into your home. Mold, bacteria, and viruses can be nearly eliminated through their use. This is the same technology that the US Post Office uses ensure that the mail is safe to deliver. UV lights are installed into the return air drop and purifies the air as it is circulated through the duct system.
Connex Control/Thermostat
The cornerstone of the Evolution System, the Connex Control is more than just a programmable thermostat. It’s an advanced, multi-function interface that combines six controls in one, putting you in complete command of your comfort. A large, easy to read display provides on-screen prompts to help guide you through programming and operation. And, with TrueSense’ dirty filter detection and routine maintenance reminders, the Connex Control helps you maintain peak system performance and efficiency.
Aprilaire Humidifier 
The Aprilaire Automatic Humidifier is the world’s first computer-equipped, completely automated, “no touch” humidifier. It never needs constant manual adjustments. The advanced computer technology measures the outdoor temperature and indoor humidity over 86,000 times a day and continually adjusts your homes indoor humidity to its optimum level. It also performs at a level three times more accurate and four times more reliable than other humidifiers.
Sante Fe Dehumidifier
Too much humidity can cause mold to grow and an uncomfortable home to live in. Much damage can be done to items stored in a basement that is too humid. Our whole home dehumidifiers can treat an entire home and are self draining, so you never have to worry about emptying the equipment.
Heat Recovery Ventilator
Since the mid 1980s, America has been building tighter homes, increasing energy efficiency. However, by reducing the outdoor air exchange, all of the harmful air stays in your home. Heat Recovery Ventilators exchange the indoor air with the outdoor air up to 6 times a day, giving you a constant supply of clean, fresh air. Additionally, HRVs are up to 80% efficient, causing only minimal energy loss.
Aprilaire 5000 Electronic Air Cleaner
The Aprilaire Model 5000 Electronic Air Cleaner’s performance exceeds all other whole-house air cleaners on the market today. Its breakthrough technology delivers record-setting performance. Even trapping particles as small as a virus at an efficiency of 80%. Unlike standard plate-type electronic air cleaners that lose efficiency over time and require regular maintenance, the Aprilaire Electronic Air Cleaner’s special electronically enhanced media permanently traps particulate, so you get the efficiency you expect all the time. And the special Aprilaire media only needs to be changed once a year. Maintenance is simple!
Connex Control/Thermostat 
The cornerstone of the Evolution System, the Connex Control is more than just a programmable thermostat. It’s an advanced, multi-function interface that combines six controls in one, putting you in complete command of your comfort. A large, easy to read display provides on-screen prompts to help guide you through programming and operation. And, with TrueSense’ dirty filter detection and routine maintenance reminders, the Connex Control helps you maintain peak system performance and efficiency.