Home Air Cleaners and EPA Guide

Air Cleaners are superior air filtration units which can be installed into your HVAC system in order to provide far better filtration than ordinary air filters. These cleaners work with your existing HVAC equipment to circulate and clean the air as it moves throughout your home.

HVAC media air cleaners are a type of air filtration system that uses a thick, pleated filter media to capture airborne particles as air passes through your HVAC system. They are far more effective than standard 1-inch filters due to a larger surface area and deep pleats, which allow for greater airflow and higher particle capture.

• Filter Media: Usually 4–5 inches thick, made of pleated synthetic fibers.
• Efficiency: Can capture particles down to 0.3 microns, depending on the MERV rating (typically MERV 11–16).
• Installation: Mounted in the return air duct or near the furnace/air handler.
• Maintenance: Filters typically last 6–12 months, much longer than standard filters.

These filters do an excellent job removing dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and some bacteria. This alone can Improve indoor air quality without restricting airflow. Air Cleaners are low maintenance compared to electronic air cleaners. Does not remove odors or gases (for that, you’d need activated carbon). Does not kill microorganisms (UV systems do that).

EPA offers information in a useful “Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home”   EPA Guide to Air Cleaners

Another layer of defense which particularly target microbial pollutants are Whole Home Air Purifiers. These purifiers are a great weapon against the worst microbial pollutants in your home. These devices utilize active air and surface purification throughout the whole home—reducing up to ~99% of allergens, pathogens, VOCs, odors, dust, and dander.

• Silent operation and integrates seamlessly into existing HVAC.
• Improves Indoor Air Quality, reduce HVAC maintenance, and enhance energy efficiency.

REME LED (marketed as HALO‑LED®) is a whole‑home, in‑duct air purification system that integrates into your HVAC. It uses proprietary REME‑LED® technology to actively clean the air throughout your home.

It’s UV‑C LED light focused on a hydrated quad‑metallic catalyst, generating low levels of airborne hydrogen peroxide and bipolar ions.

These oxidizers and ions are distributed via your existing HVAC system, targeting airborne and surface microbes (bacteria, viruses, mold), odors, VOCs, and allergens.

• Zero‑ozone certified and mercury-free.
• Energy‑efficient UV‑C LED that operates only when the blower is on, extending cell life ~2.5× more than mercury-based systems.
• Washable hybrid ceramic catalyst—first of its kind for handling high-contaminant environments.
• · Covers HVAC blowers from 800 to 6,500 CFM, powered at 24 VAC/DC, 17 W.
• Warranty: 7 years for ballast, 4 years for LED cell (U.S.).

UV Germicidal lights are installed directly into your HVAC system and are specifically targeting and killing microorganisms. UV-C light disrupts the DNA/RNA of bacteria, viruses, and mold spores, preventing them from reproducing.

Helps reduce airborne pathogens and surface contamination inside HVAC coils and ducts.

For More information: Benefits of UV Germicidal Light Protection

There are many other ways to improve the ventilation in your home as well. Achieving excellent Indoor Air Quality is often a strategy using many of these methods together. Use Exhaust Fans, install or run exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture, odors, and pollutants. Ensure these fans vent outdoors (not into the attic).

Strategically open windows when weather permits. This will help create cross-ventilation if you open windows on opposite sides of the home. Use ceiling or window fans to pull fresh air in and push stale air out.

Consider Upgrading Your HVAC System. Newer high efficiency systems offer newer technology that delivers real, evidence supported benefits:

• Variable speed systems provide continuous, gentle air circulation which benefits indoor air quality. This continuous filtration helps keep pollutants from settling and prevents temperature swings that can worsen respiratory symptoms.
• They maintain optimal humidity levels, which reduces mold growth and dust mites — two major indoor air quality offenders.

Install Whole-House Fans which are installed in attics. These fans pull cool outdoor air in and push hot indoor air out. These fans work best in mild weather when outdoor air quality is good.

Reduce Indoor Pollutants  Avoid smoking indoors, minimize use of harsh chemicals, and control humidity to prevent mold growth.

Check for Blocked Vents, Leaks in Air Ducts   Ensure supply and return vents are unobstructed for proper airflow. For More Information, Your Critical HVAC Ductwork

There are many, very effective ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality, which can help improve health and comfort for you and your family. It is a good idea to assess your indoor air quality to determine where you can make improvements. Air Doctor Heating and Air can assist you with these improvements and make recommendations. Contact Us, Call or Text us at 301-799-7200 for more information.