Home Air Purification

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Air purification is on everyone’s mind these days. When HVAC professionals discuss air purification, two questions come to mind. First, what type of filter is an AC unit using? And second, does the system contain a whole-home, in-duct air purifier?

New home construction techniques may create a need for increased filtration. Homes today feature better insulation, but this airtight construction can reduce air circulation. Homeowners appreciate this construction because when less air escapes, the home is more efficient and the monthly utility bills are lower. But, many homeowners neglect to consider that as the fresh air enters your home, indoor pollutants build up. Things you do every day, such as cooking, cleaning, and even breathing can cause indoor pollutants. Your home AC unit may be the only filtration system in your house, and therefore a higher-rated filter would be beneficial. 

When homeowners are buying AC units, two questions come up frequently. What kind of filter is needed? And what is a MERV rating and what does it do? MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. In layman’s terms, a MERV measures the amount of matter that passes through an air filter. MERV ratings range from 1 to 20. With one being the lowest level of filtration and 20 being the highest.  

A filter with MERV Ratings of:

  • 1 – 4 capture particles greater than 10 micrometers. (Bugs, dust mites, and household debris) (Example: Window air conditioners)
  • 5 – 8 capture particles greater than 3 micrometers. (Mold, pet dander, and aerosol sprays) (Example: Basic home air conditioners)
  • 9 – 12 capture particles greater than one micrometer. (Most dust and common pollutants) (Example: Excellent residential air conditioners)
  • 13 – 16 capture particles greater than 0.3 micrometers. (Bacteria, droplets from sneezing, most other sources of pollution) (Example: Hospital systems)
  • 17 – 20 capture most particles. (Viruses, the finest particles of dust, smoke, and other debris) (Example: Cleans rooms of manufacturers and research institutions)

The question is, what level of filtration do YOU need? Most HVAC experts think there is little difference after a MERV rating of 7 for the average homeowner.  

Next, let’s review whole-home, in-duct air purifiers, and what they can do to improve your home air quality. They are effective against three categories of pollutants: particulates, microbes, and gases. The filtration helps allergy symptoms by reducing pollen, mold spores, and dust. It can also reduce airborne and surface bacteria, viruses, and musty room odors.

According to the REME HALO® site, the REME HALO® whole-home, in-duct air purifier utilizes RGF’s proprietary Reflective Electro Magnetic Energy technology. The purifier is installed into your existing air conditioning or heating system air ducts. The purifier produces Hydro-Peroxide plasma that is distributed through the air handler, through the duct system, and into the conditioned living space. Unlike passive air technologies, which need pollutants to pass through the unit for purification or filtration, the REME HALO® in-duct air purifier sweeps through your home actively purifying pollutants at the source. In addition, the charged plasma induces particles to coagulate or stick together, making them bigger and easier for your filter to catch. Hydro-peroxides occur naturally in the earth’s atmosphere and are part of nature’s process of cleaning the air.

REME HALO® Benefits:

  • Kills up to 99% of bacteria, mold, and viruses
  • REME® reduces sneeze germs by 99% in the time a sneeze can reach three feet.
  • New zinc ions kill 99% of viruses on surfaces
  • Unlike portable units that are limited to the room in which they are placed, the REME HALO® provides whole-home and building purification.
  • Easily integrates with your existing HVAC system. The unit doesn’t take away living space and operates silently.
  • Two (2) quick release features for easy, no tool, cell replacement
  • Incorporates an adjustable shroud around the REME® cell, which allows customization of the advanced oxidation plasma output.  

To learn more about the natural cleaning powers of hydroperoxides Click here 

Overall, there are things you can do to improve the air quality in your home. If you or your family have allergies or asthma, installing an air filter with a higher MERV rating could help you through the allergy season. Also, whole-home air purifiers can reduce germs by filtering out bacteria and viruses. Purifiers reduce air pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and household odors. Reach out to the Lavallee Systems HVAC team if you have questions regarding your home’s air quality.   

 

RGF Environmental Group, Inc. (n.d.) REME HALO® Whole Home In-Duct Air Purifier.  Information received from https://www.rgf.com/products/air/reme-halo/#undefined