Air purification in St. Paul, MN

Start with the source of the problem

Dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores and chemical vapors all build up indoors. In a Minnesota winter, homes stay closed up for months, so these particles have fewer ways to get out.

The EPA’s guide to air cleaners in the home says the most effective steps are to reduce pollutant sources and ventilate with clean outdoor air. Air cleaning works best as an addition to those steps. We start every visit by asking what you are trying to fix and where the problem comes from.

Whole-home filtration

A whole-home system cleans the air as it moves through your furnace and air conditioner. The EPA notes that furnace and HVAC filters are designed to filter air throughout a home, while a portable unit treats a single room. That means one system can reach every room your ductwork serves.

For dust, pollen and pet dander, the EPA recommends a filter rated at least MERV 13, or as high as your system can accommodate. A higher-rated filter can restrict airflow in some systems. Before we upgrade your filtration, we check that your furnace and ductwork can handle it.

A furnace or HVAC filter only cleans air while the system is running. During mild weather, the fan may sit idle for hours. We can show you thermostat fan settings that keep air moving through the filter, even when the system is not heating or cooling.

UV lights and electronic air cleaners

Some homeowners ask about UV lights or electronic air cleaners. These can be part of a whole-home system, but you should know one important limit. Some electronic air cleaners, ionizers and UV lamps can give off ozone, which irritates the lungs.

For that reason, avoid any device that intentionally produces ozone. The EPA warns that ozone generators sold as air cleaners can exceed health standards, even when used as directed. The EPA also says no federal agency has approved them for use in occupied spaces.

Who benefits most

Whole-home air cleaning is worth considering if someone at home has allergies or asthma. It also helps in homes with pets, or where dust settles on furniture within a day or two of cleaning. A musty smell can point to a moisture problem that we should look at first.

Dry winter air causes its own discomfort, separate from particles in the air. If dry skin and static shocks are the complaint, a whole-home humidifier may be the better fix. Keep in mind that no air cleaner removes every pollutant from your home.

What to expect from a visit

A certified, background-checked and drug-tested technician comes to your home. We ask what problems you notice, such as dust, allergy symptoms or odors. Then we look at your furnace, filter, ductwork and how air moves through the house.

Next, we explain your options in plain terms and give you a written quote before any work is scheduled. Sometimes the best answer is a better filter rather than new equipment, and we will tell you when that is the case.

Installation, upkeep and safety

We recommend and install air purification that works with your heating and cooling system. Media filter cabinets fit into the ductwork near the furnace. UV and electronic units also need an electrical connection, and that wiring should be left to a professional.

Every system needs regular upkeep to keep working. Filters must be replaced on the manufacturer’s schedule, and UV lamps wear out and need replacing over time. We can check your air cleaner during your heating-season furnace tune-up.

An air cleaner does not protect you from carbon monoxide. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends CO alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. If a CO alarm sounds, get everyone outside and call 911.

Air purification can help if

• Someone at home has allergies or asthma
• Dust builds up quickly after you clean
• You have pets
• The air feels stale through the winter
• Your current furnace filter is a basic, low-rated filter

Common questions

Sources

• U.S. EPA — Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home
• U.S. EPA — Air Cleaners and Air Filters in the Home
• U.S. EPA — Ozone Generators that are Sold as Air Cleaners
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission — Carbon Monoxide Information Center