Explanation of MERV Ratings
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV ratings, from one to 16, express an air filter’s efficiency at removing contaminants from the air. The higher the rating is, the cleaner the air will be. McGrady-Perdue recommends using the highest MERV filter available for your unit, because the filter media becomes denser as efficiency increases, allowing the filter to remove higher quantities of smaller particles from the air.
McGrady-Perdue Offers Several Options to Improve Home Air Quality
Blue-Tube UV Light Kit – the single most popular germicidal UV light for keeping mold off coils and sterilizing mold, bacteria, viruses and allergens from the air as the air cycles through your system. Bulbs last two years and are changed during normal maintenance of your system.
HALO® – McGrady-Perdue offers installation of the REME HALO® whole home in-duct air purifier. Known as the next generation of indoor air quality (IAQ) technology and capable of purifying every cubic inch of air that your central air conditioning system reaches, the HALO purifies the air and is effective against all three categories of indoor air pollutants: particulates, microbial, and gases.
Aprilaire Humidifier – Maintaining the correct moisture level, between 30-50%, in your air is important in several ways. Humidity reduces the incidence of respiratory infections and symptoms related to allergens, sinusitis, and asthma. It helps reduce dust mites, viruses, and bacteria. It also helps your home feel warm and cozy and can decrease energy expenses by making the air feel warmer and hold heat better. Proper humidity levels also preserve the natural beauty of wood floors, cabinetry, and furnishings susceptible to warping, cracking or other permanent damage due to dry air. How to tell if your air is too dry: Static shock, cracks in floorboards, creaky furniture, chipped paint, dry skin and sinuses, or withering houseplants could indicate your humidity is too low.
Aprilaire Dehumidifier – In areas of high humidity greater than 50%, a dehumidifier may be needed. This may be in certain areas of your home, such as a basement, or during hot, humid summers. Did you know Roanoke averages 65% humidity? High humidity also increases indoor air pollutants, like dust mites and mold spores. Your air conditioner works to remove some humidity from your air, which helps cool the air your family enjoys during hot, humid weather. However, when you incorporate a dehumidifier into the mix, you are relieving those duties from your air conditioner, allowing it to focus more on cooling the air. This allows for more efficiency, working in sync with each other and saves energy. Drier air feels cooler than hot, humid air.