Keeping Your Home Virus Free

As our fight against the coronavirus progresses, our region continues to have stay at home orders or other restrictions in place. If we have to go out for essential activities, we gear up with our masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and nervously venture out into the unknown. The idea that our home is our safe haven comforts us during this time of unrest. However, what steps can we take to make sure that the inside of our homes stay virus free during a pandemic? Much has to do with the air we breath.

What about indoor air purification?

To be clear, indoor air purification does not eliminate the need for cleaning and sanitizing hands and surfaces in the home. At the same time, airborne contaminants are not removed by those means. Here’s how air purification helps.

All air has microscopic particles in it. The issue with indoor air at times is that it can get clogged with such particles. Particles like dust and pet dander, can cause allergic reactions in some people, which tax the respiratory system. Other airborne particles, like smoke and airborne viruses, can cause illness. Air purifiers work in different ways to reduce harmful particles

Different types of purification

Air Filters -

Air filters have ratings (MERV & MPR) which indicate the types and size of particles that it will filter as air is circulated through the HVAC system. Smaller particles like viruses and bacteria, are often too small to be captured by traditional filters. HVAC systems need a certain amount of air flow to function properly, so there are limitations to filter strength since powerful filters also limit air flowing through them. UV lights - UV light kills microorganisms like mold, bacteria and viruses. When a UV light is attached to an HVAC system, air returning from the interior space through the ducts will pass these lights, killing these undesirable organisms. A UV light’s effectiveness depends on how fast it can kill organisms that pass it. Also, elimination is limited to organisms that are in the air that passes by it. Not all air in a home or building goes through the ducts. Any air that does not pass the light, cannot be cleaned. Ionized Hydrogen Peroxide Air Purification Systems - These purification systems send out hydrogen peroxide plasma with a positive or negative charge (Some systems such as the RGF HALO-LED sends out both, known as bi-polar ionization). That charge makes the plasma like a magnet, and it attaches itself to various particles and microorganisms in the air and on surfaces. According to the CDC, hydrogen peroxide is safe and effective in killing harmful microorganisms like viruses, fungi and bacteria. As the plasma is drawn to various particles, the particles become heavier and easier to be drawn into your duct. The now bigger sized particles groupings are easier for your air filter to trap. As a final precaution, theres a UV light (or LED in the case of the RGF HALO-LED system) in the main duct that kills any remaining microorganisms. JD Air recommends this type of air purification because it is a complete solution. Whether in the air or on a surface, a microorganism or other type of particle (like pet dander), this type of system will provide layers of protection while you go about your daily activities.