September 20, 2024
Indoor air quality is an essential part of a healthy and comfortable home. Measuring microns plays a significant role in assessing and strategizing ways to optimize indoor air quality. Keep reading to learn what microns are, how they affect your health, and why air purifiers are a good idea for your Northern California home.
A micron, also called a micrometer, is a unit of measure equal to one-millionth of a meter (or 0.000001 meters). This measurement helps describe the size of tiny particles in the air. Any particle measured under 25 microns is generally invisible to the human eye and requires a microscope to see.
Many particles in your home are measured in microns, such as:
Human hair: 70 microns
Pollen: 10 to 100 microns
Dust mites: 10 to 20 microns
Mold spores: 3 to 40 microns
Tobacco smoke: 0.01 to 4 microns
Pet dander: 2.5 to 10 microns
Bacteria: 0.3 to 60 microns
In the context of air quality, microns help quantify the size of airborne particles to determine the level of air pollution. The varying sizes of particles have different health effects. Your nose and throat filter large particles, usually 10 microns or larger, although the particles may cause discomfort, allergic responses, or respiratory conditions in high concentrations or other circumstances.
Particles measured at less than 10 microns pose bigger health risks than large particles as they bypass the nose and throat to reach the lungs. These risks increase with fine particles measuring at 2.5 microns or less.
The lungs are far less effective than the nose and throat at filtering these small particles, and particles often accumulate and remain in the lungs for years or indefinitely or circulate through the body. Particles in the lungs can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, congestion, wheeziness, and asthma attacks. Consistent exposure can worsen existing health conditions and increase the risk of other health problems or illnesses.
Air purifiers and filters play an important role in removing harmful particles and improving indoor air quality. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values (MERVs) are standard ratings that indicate a filter’s ability to trap larger particles. Other ratings consider factors such as the area an air purifier covers and the rate of purifying.
Standard air filters in your air conditioner and furnace are typically designed to remove particles 5-10 microns in size and larger. In other words, a filter with a micron rating of 10 traps particles as small as 10 microns but not anything smaller.
Other filter and air purifier options protect against fine particles in your home by employing a variety of filtration methods. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) units are mechanical filters that trap particles with a fine mesh, usually made of fiberglass or similar materials. These filters remove 99.97% of particles measured as low as 0.3 microns and still maintain high efficiency with even finer particles, but they don’t remove gasses or odors.
Activated carbon filters use activated carbon to remove odors and gasses, but they don’t protect against particles. They’re typically used with HEPA filters to provide comprehensive air purification.
Measuring the air quality and pollution in your home involves assessing the concentration and size of airborne particles. Air quality monitors, also called air pollution monitors, meters, or sensors, are reliable devices that provide real-time data about particles from different sources as well as temperature and humidity. These monitors may provide general results that indicate where your air quality falls on the line between good and hazardous, and they may include specific data such as particle sizes and concentration.
Regularly monitoring indoor air quality helps alert you to potential air quality issues and assess whether they indicate the need for an air filter or purifier upgrade. Consider professional air quality testing services for more detailed and accurate analysis and recommendations.
A HEPA filter is the most common strategy for improving indoor air quality, but an HVAC technician can help assess your home and determine its needs.
Other strategies for boosting indoor air quality include:
Remove pollutant sources: Remove or reduce the sources of particles where possible. Smoking, burning candles, cleaning products, certain cooking methods, and other factors are common contributors to indoor air quality.
Replace filters: Replace your HVAC’s air filter periodically to avoid blockages and ensure proper airflow.
Improve ventilation: Increasing ventilation reduces pollutants produced by sources in your home. Use kitchen and bathroom exhausts, open windows and doors when outdoor air quality levels are optimal, and leave interior doors open.
Manage indoor humidity: Reducing humidity with a dehumidifier or other methods helps reduce the growth of mold and dust mites.
Regular HVAC maintenance: Ductwork cleaning, AC tune-ups, and other professional maintenance services help reduce the buildup and circulation of mold and dust.
Consider other options: In addition to air filters and purifiers, some homes may benefit from air scrubbers, UV air disinfection, and other IAQ solutions.
Service Champions is here to assist with improving your indoor air quality. We serve clients across Sacramento, Alameda County, and other Northern California areas. Our team is the go-to provider for five-star service.
Ask one of our Northern California air quality experts about how we can make your home’s air safer for your family. With flexible financing and other advantages, optimizing your home’s air is a breeze — contact us today or book online.
Nominal ratings provide a general idea of the particle size a filter will capture. Absolute ratings specify the particle sizes a filter will efficiently trap.
Replacement for air purifier filters depends on filter type and usage. HEPA filters typically require replacement yearly, but high usage may require more frequent replacement.