Air Exchanges.
In older, less insulated homes, outside air infiltrates through doors, windows, roofs and walls to exchange the total air volume of the home as much as 14-20 times a day. Homes insulated with open cell foam insulation are required by code to have fresh air introduced into the air conditioning system when it is running to simulate this infiltration. To increase efficiency, manufacturers have developed ERVs (Energy Recovery Ventilators) which transfer the heat or cold of air exhausting the space to the incoming air.
Filtration.
You can remove some polutants and allergens with proper filtration. Electronic air cleaners and HEPA air filters remove a large quantity of pollutants. Table-top models have proven to be largely ineffective due to the low volume of air they process. (Example: a 3 ton air conditioner with an electronic air cleaner processes 1200 cubic feet of air per minute, compared to a table top model which processes 20-100 cubic feet of air per minute.)
Ultra-Violet.
Massive doses of ultra-violet light will kill germs and oxidize harmful chemicals. Lights of this variety cost in excess of $1,000. Don't be fooled by a company offering a "stick" type light for germ control. Stick lights are used to keep mold and germs from growing on an evaporator coil due to prolonged exposure but have little or no effect on air quality.
The Environmental Protection Agency has published several articles regarding IAQ that may interest you.
Surgi's Heating and Air Conditioning offers several ERV's, Electronic Air Cleaners and Hospital-Grade Ultra-Violet Lights for air purification by Trane, Carrier, Sanuvox and others. Call us if you live in the New Orleans Area at 469-4232 or the Northshore at 985-624-9333 for a free consultation.
