Indoor Air Quality

Milwaukee Indoor Air Quality Services

Call Burant Heating & Air Conditioning LLC Today for Indoor Air Quality Testing in Southwest Wisconsin!

Indoor air quality plays a vital role in our well-being. Poor indoor air quality can cause a number of issues that impact your health, such as having a constant sore throat, frequently getting headaches, and noticing an increase in fatigue and lethargy.

It can be especially bothersome to those who suffer from seasonal or indoor allergies or asthma. Thankfully, you can improve the quality of air inside your home when you partner with Burant Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC. We proudly provide indoor air quality testing and services in Milwaukee and the surrounding areas.

 

To schedule an appointment with our Milwaukee indoor air quality experts, please give us a call at (414) 386-3660 or contact us online.

Air Filters & Air Purification Systems

There are three main kinds of air filters: pleated, fiberglass, and media filters.

  1. Pleated Air Filters: Typically, a MERV 6 or higher (MERV = quality of filter) has better airflow allowance for your furnace or AC unit.
  2. Fiberglass Filters: These keep the “big” stuff away and out of your furnace. However, the way they were made doesn’t do much for smaller particles. They also have a low MERV rating, which means they do a decent job but are not as good as pleated filters.
  3. Media Filters: These filters are pleated but are 4” thick or more. These have those lines you see on your filters, but they are thicker than the average pleated 1” filter. So, they do an even better job of keeping animal hair or dust bunnies away.

Maintaining air filters is not just about changing them regularly. It's important to choose the right type of filter that fits your specific needs. Filters with high-efficiency ratings, like HEPA filters, can capture smaller particles, which are crucial for homes with pets or residents with allergies. Choosing the right filter can significantly impact both your indoor air quality and the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Air filters need to be changed on a regular basis. Not only is this extremely important for the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system, but dirty filters can also contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Electronic Options With Improved Technology

We also have something called an Electronic Air Cleaner. When the air passes through and collects all the particles, it sends them through an electric field that is about 10,000 volts. They get a positive charge, and once they get to the filter that acts like a grounding mechanism, they cling to it and won’t go any further.

The technology behind electronic air cleaners is fascinating. By charging particles, they can remove additional pollutants that regular filters might miss, including smoke and smaller pollen particles. Another benefit is their reusable nature: the collection plates can be washed and reused, making them a cost-effective solution over time.

Then there is an Electronic Media Filter which is pretty much the same as the air cleaner, but the Media filter has 4” grounding strips attached to the filter, providing a larger area to ensure those particles are being grounded and kept out of the furnace or AC.

Whole-Home Purification Solutions

Whole-home purification consists of three main components:

  1. A MERV 16 media filter which collects airborne particles
  2. A UV light system (non-ozone producing) which takes care of the VOC (volatile organic compound) gases that may be in your home air
  3. A charcoal-style filter that eliminates unpleasant odors in the home

Whole-home purification systems are incredibly efficient, integrating multiple methods to ensure clean and healthy indoor air. By combining filtration, UV light systems, and charcoal filters, the system tackles various pollutants comprehensively. This synergy is beneficial in managing complex air quality issues such as mold, bacteria, and irritating odors.

You can also take the UV light system and connect it externally to your furnace system. This will kill any mold or bacteria, and it takes care of other irritants that some of us have to deal with when it comes to allergies.

Humidifiers (Add Humidity) for Comfort

Dry indoor air is a common problem in the winter when we have our furnaces running all the time. The heat feels nice, but the resulting dryness and itchiness of your skin, eyes, nose, and throat can become a real problem. Adding a whole-home humidifier can make you feel more comfortable.

There are a few different types of humidifiers that can be used in the home:

  1. Bypass humidifier: This type of humidifier mounts onto the furnace and a duct runs from the humidifier, attaching to the return. When the system calls for humidity, the humidifier will turn on and operate. This system is best used with a single-stage furnace because, with the two-stage or modulating furnaces, the blower motor does not have enough power to blow the heat and water through the humidifier pad equally. With the single-stage furnace, the motor constantly runs equally, allowing for water at the top of the humidifier tray to run through the pad and blow out of it equally in the ducts.
  2. Power humidifier: Power humidifiers mount on the furnace and have the same pad system as the bypass. This humidifier has a built-in fan, which allows the unit to work with all types of furnaces. The tray is on top of the humidifier, allowing water to be distributed through the pad and into the air when the fan kicks on. This unit needs to be in the heating mode for it to operate properly, and the fan needs to be running.
  3. Steam humidifier: Steam humidifiers can mount anywhere in the home where the unit can be connected to the ductwork. It can even operate in homes that do not have ductwork and can instead just go onto the fan coil of the furnace. This unit, by far, creates the most humidity in the home.

Humidifiers not only enhance comfort but also offer health benefits by maintaining optimal air moisture, which can prevent respiratory issues and skin dryness. Proper humidity levels also protect wooden furniture and musical instruments from damage caused by extremely dry air.

Dehumidifiers for Moisture Control

You may be experiencing the opposite humidity problem in the summer, where the air inside of your home feels too moist for comfort. In situations where your regular AC cycle is not enough to dehumidify the air, you may wish to consider adding either a freestanding dehumidifier or one that attaches to your HVAC system. Dehumidifiers remove humidity and are considered to be self-contained air purification systems. All dehumidifiers are either low-ambient control or non-low ambient control.

There are a couple of different types of dehumidifiers that can be used in homes:

  1. Freestanding dehumidifiers: can go anywhere on the floor and do not have to be ducted into anything to operate.
  2. Ducted dehumidifiers: work for the whole home but need to be connected to the furnace system with special control. The fan and dehumidifier turn on with the click of a button.

Effective dehumidification not only makes your home more comfortable but also prevents the growth of mold and mildew. Mold can develop in moist, undetected locations, and controlling humidity is key to containing these risks. High humidity levels can also exacerbate allergy symptoms, and using a dehumidifier can mitigate these issues efficiently.

Local Climate Considerations in Milwaukee

The unique climate of Milwaukee, characterized by cold winters and humid summers, demands particular attention to indoor air quality. During winter, cold air tends to hold less moisture, leading to drier indoor environments. This dryness can contribute to a host of problems like dry skin, respiratory discomfort, and static electricity within homes. Installing a humidifier becomes essential under such conditions to maintain optimal humidity levels, which can help mitigate these effects and offer a more comfortable living experience.

In contrast, the summer months in Milwaukee bring increased humidity, often necessitating the use of a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier is crucial not just for comfort but also to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can thrive in moist environments. By balancing humidity levels, you can maintain a healthier indoor environment, reducing the likelihood of mold-associated health issues and structural damage to your home.

Whether you need an air purifier, humidifier or dehumidifier, Burant Heating & Air Conditioning LLC has the knowledge and expertise to help with your Milwaukee air quality needs. Contact us online or call (414) 386-3660 today.

FAQs on Air Quality Solutions

How Often Should I Replace My Air Filter?

The frequency of air filter replacement depends significantly on several factors, such as the type of filter you are using and the specific needs of your household. In general, it's recommended to check your air filter monthly and replace it every 90 days. However, if you have pets or if someone in your household suffers from allergies, changing your filter more frequently—every 30 to 60 days—can be beneficial. Changing your air filter regularly not only maintains good air quality but also prolongs the life of your HVAC system by reducing stress on its components.

What Are the Signs That I Need a Humidifier for My Home?

Signs that your home might benefit from a humidifier include persistent dry skin, nasal passages, and throat, as well as increased static electricity or cracking wood flooring and furniture. These issues often become more noticeable during the winter months when heating systems dry out indoor air. Installing a humidifier can alleviate these issues by adding moisture to the air, improving overall comfort as well as protecting your home from damage caused by excessive dryness.

How Do Humidifiers Improve Indoor Air Quality?

Humidifiers can significantly enhance indoor air quality by maintaining the optimal humidity range, typically between 30-50%. This balance prevents the air from getting too dry, which can worsen respiratory issues and lead to dry skin. Moist air can also aid in keeping dust and allergens at bay, as these elements tend to be less airborne in humid conditions. Ultimately, a properly humidified environment is a healthier and more comfortable one.

Should I Use a Dehumidifier Even If I Have an Air Conditioner?

Even though air conditioners help in reducing humidity to some extent, they are primarily designed for cooling. Depending on your local climate and specific indoor humidity levels, a dehumidifier can still be necessary, especially in basements or other areas prone to excess moisture. Using a dehumidifier can provide precise humidity control, optimizing home comfort and preventing potential issues such as mold, mildew, and musty odors.

What Are the Benefits of Whole-Home Air Filtration Systems?

Whole-home air filtration systems offer comprehensive solutions to enhance indoor air quality by effectively reducing a wide range of pollutants. These systems can capture larger contaminants like dust and pet dander, as well as microscopic particles such as allergens and VOCs. By doing so, they provide cleaner, healthier air throughout the entire house. Additionally, these systems can improve HVAC efficiency by preventing buildup on the equipment, which can lead to lower maintenance costs and a longer system lifespan.

 

Call Burant Heating & Air Conditioning LLC at (414) 386-3660 today or contact us online to get started with an indoor air quality service in Milwaukee!

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