Whole Home Humidifiers vs. Portable Humidifiers
Arizona is dry! How dry? Just look at a forecast on any weather channel or website and see rows of 0% chance of rain. Arizona’s average annual precipitation is only about 13 inches and even less in cities such as Phoenix, about 8 inches of annual rainfall. According to Consumer Reports, home air humidity should be between 30-50%. Air humidity creates desirable health benefits such as reduced allergies, asthma symptoms, and softer skin. It can also preserve the condition of wood furniture, paint, and electronics while reducing static cling on your clothes and linens.
Whole home or in-duct humidifiers are units that are incorporated directly into your HVAC system to provide controlled humidity throughout the home. The initial unit and installation cost may be higher than a tabletop or console unit, but cost less to run, about $30 per year compared to $350 or more per year. They are typically a quieter option, cost less to maintain, and don’t need replacing as often. Whole home humidifiers should be installed by a properly licensed HVAC contractor.
Air Purifiers and HEPA Filters (air cleaning devices)
Various products either portable or in-duct clean contaminates such as gases, particles, and biological materials from indoor air. People seek air cleaning devices for many reasons including allergies to pet dander, pollen, dust, and smoke and/or to remove polluting gases or carcinogens such as tobacco smoke, gas from stoves, or vehicle exhaust.
These products vary widely in effectiveness, price, and the type of pollutants they specialize in cleaning. Generally, the devices cleans air by collecting particles through a filtration process or attempt to destroy the polluting particles. HEPA or air filters are designed to purify particles (dust, pollen, pet dander, etc.) or gases depending on the type purchased. PCO cleaners can also be used to reduce gas pollutants. UVGI cleaners or ozone generators help clear biological matter such as bacteria and mold, but it’s cautioned that ozone generators produce ozone which is a lung irritant.
Before considering the purchase of any of these air cleaning devices, it’s recommended to perform research to find out what product if any is right for your needs. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has a wealth of information on these products and Consumer Reports provides objective reviews on a variety of different air purifiers.
If you are interested in installing an in-duct air cleaner or humidifier, call Arizona Heat Pump Council at 602-248-7767 to be referred to a licensed, reputable HVAC contractor.
Arizona is dry! How dry? Just look at a forecast on any weather channel or website and see rows of 0% chance of rain. Arizona’s average annual precipitation is only about 13 inches and even less in cities such as Phoenix, about 8 inches of annual rainfall. According to Consumer Reports, home air humidity should be between 30-50%. Air humidity creates desirable health benefits such as reduced allergies, asthma symptoms, and softer skin. It can also preserve the condition of wood furniture, paint, and electronics while reducing static cling on your clothes and linens.
Whole home or in-duct humidifiers are units that are incorporated directly into your HVAC system to provide controlled humidity throughout the home. The initial unit and installation cost may be higher than a tabletop or console unit, but cost less to run, about $30 per year compared to $350 or more per year. They are typically a quieter option, cost less to maintain, and don’t need replacing as often. Whole home humidifiers should be installed by a properly licensed HVAC contractor.
Air Purifiers and HEPA Filters (air cleaning devices)
Various products either portable or in-duct clean contaminates such as gases, particles, and biological materials from indoor air. People seek air cleaning devices for many reasons including allergies to pet dander, pollen, dust, and smoke and/or to remove polluting gases or carcinogens such as tobacco smoke, gas from stoves, or vehicle exhaust.
These products vary widely in effectiveness, price, and the type of pollutants they specialize in cleaning. Generally, the devices cleans air by collecting particles through a filtration process or attempt to destroy the polluting particles. HEPA or air filters are designed to purify particles (dust, pollen, pet dander, etc.) or gases depending on the type purchased. PCO cleaners can also be used to reduce gas pollutants. UVGI cleaners or ozone generators help clear biological matter such as bacteria and mold, but it’s cautioned that ozone generators produce ozone which is a lung irritant.
Before considering the purchase of any of these air cleaning devices, it’s recommended to perform research to find out what product if any is right for your needs. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has a wealth of information on these products and Consumer Reports provides objective reviews on a variety of different air purifiers.
If you are interested in installing an in-duct air cleaner or humidifier, call Arizona Heat Pump Council at 602-248-7767 to be referred to a licensed, reputable HVAC contractor.
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