The last 18 months have been an education for everyone when it comes to protecting homes in Lubbock, Texas against the Coronavirus family, specifically the COVID19 variant that caused the pandemic. At Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric we’ve been bombarded with questions about air filters and air purifiers.
FILTERS VS PURIFIERS
Clearly, people want to know how effective any of these devices might be against COVID19 and all forms of the Coronavirus. The first step is to make sure we are all on the same page when it comes to air filters and air purifiers:
- Filters are designed to physically remove tiny particles of matter that can be floating around. This includes dust, pollen, and pet dander. These are all things that occur naturally but can worsen allergies and cause other respiratory problems when inhaled.
- Air purifiers (also called sanitizers) are designed to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold spores that may be floating in the air. Currently, devices that use ultraviolet light are the most common type of air purifier.
All these devices are most effective when used in combination. While a UV light will kill many organisms, it does not filter out particles. Most air filters are not effective against organisms as small as viruses, so they should be used in conjunction with an air purifier.
A WORD ABOUT HEPA FILTERS
Many of you have heard about HEPA filtration which stands for “high-efficiency particulate arresting.” The fibers in a HEPA filter are designed to trap particles as small as .01 micron in diameter. By comparison, a human hair is about 70 microns. That means these filters would be effective against many viruses and bacteria. Here’s the catch: True HEPA air filters usually aren’t compatible with residential HVAC systems because they are so dense, they restrict airflow. You may be able to buy an air purifier for a single room that includes HEPA filtration, but when it comes to whole-building HEPA filtration that’s usually only possible with commercial HVAC systems like what you might find in a hospital.
WHAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE?
The experts agree, using an air purifier can certainly kill many viruses in your Lubbock, Texas home, including the Coronavirus. While nothing is 100% effective, this will certainly improve your odds. Armstrong also wants to emphasize that an air purifier is not a magic bullet. It should only be a part of the strategy to protect you and your loved ones against COVID19. That includes:
- Wearing a mask outside the home when advised or required
- Social distancing as much as possible
- Washing hands religiously
- Disinfecting surfaces
PROTECT YOUR HOME TODAY
If you are ready to take the extra step in protecting your Lubbock, Texas home against the Coronavirus, call Armstrong Plumbing, Air, & Electric to schedule a no-obligation estimate. Our recommendation is to make sure your home is equipped with the best air filtration possible in conjunction with an air purifier added to your HVAC system to provide whole house purification. To learn more about all the services Armstrong offers, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
