Approximately half of the U.S. population is exposed to unhealthy air. But as troubling as this statement sounds, we have many options available to clean up the air we breathe. Explore the following ways you can make use of new technology to help you breathe easier at home.
In addition to recording the temperature in your home, smart thermostats can be set to perform specific tasks. For example, you can program your thermostat to tell your HVAC system to switch on your air conditioning when the temperature rises above a given figure or when humidity levels increase. Avoiding high humidity levels is vital if you want to maintain excellent indoor air quality since a hot, damp environment is ideal for microbes to breed.
You can also use your thermostat to maintain different temperatures in different areas of your home for maximum comfort.
New HVAC System Technology Improves Home Comfort
Technological advances in the equipment used by HVAC units can allow you to enjoy more comfort at home.
Unlike a single-stage HVAC system, which turns on a unit at full capacity, many units now run on two-stage compressors. These compressors enable the HVAC system to operate at variable speeds depending on your needs.
Indoor Air Quality Monitors Offer Alerts via Smartphone
Not so long ago, a professional with an internal air quality monitoring device was the only one who could check a home’s indoor air quality (IAQ). That’s not the case anymore. Air quality monitoring devices are affordable, compact, and easy to use.
Monitors are designed to measure various aspects of air quality. These elements include particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5), temperature, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOC).
After you install an IAQ monitor, the device will inform you when it spots a problem, such as if an increased amount of PM2.5 is detected in the air. Depending on the type of monitor you have, you can receive a notification either via a message on your smartphone or by looking for an LED on the device’s display to change color.
Some of the most advanced IAQ monitors can interact with your HVAC system, turning on heating or air conditioning as required.
Precision Air Cleaners Filter Pollutants From Indoor Air
These devices work to remove two types of pollutants from the air: particles or gaseous pollutants.
Air cleaners can remove dust, animal dander, and other particles by attracting them to air filters. If your concern is removing gaseous substances, you could use a gas-phase air filter, which can also deal with poor odors in the air.
However, it’s useful to keep in mind that gas-phase filters work only with one or a small group of gases. Before you buy one, you should identify your specific indoor air quality problem by using an IAQ monitor.
Combined with an indoor air quality monitor and a smart thermostat, the flexibility of modern HVAC systems can provide you with the tools you need to keep the air you and your family members breathe clean and healthy.
