Particulates

By Anne Fonda

Particulate is a big word for something in the air that is very small - sometimes so small you can’t see it with the naked eye. Particulates are a source of indoor air pollution. Reducing the particulates in the air you breathe can improve your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ).

Common particulates or particulate matter (PM) either enter your home from outside or are produced inside your home. Some particulates are also allergens, meaning they can cause an allergic reaction.

Common types of particulates include:

Some people are more sensitive to certain particulates. People with allergies, asthma, or another respiratory condition may be the first to notice an issue. Babies can be more sensitive to indoor air pollution as well. But breathing in microscopic PM isn’t good for anyone. Some of the health effects of indoor air pollution can include:

Long-term exposure to certain types of indoor air pollution can have lasting effects. The good news is that it’s pretty easy to reduce indoor air pollution and the amount of particulates in the air.

HVAC systems use air filters to filter out particulates before the air is drawn into the system and redistributed throughout your home. Whether you call it an air filter, a furnace filter, an air conditioner filter, or a heat pump filter, your HVAC filter plays an important role in the IAQ of your home.

Look for an air filter with a MERV rating of 9-13. These filters will capture the most common particulates. The higher the number, the more effective the filter is at capturing the smallest particles.

A whole-house air cleaner or air purification system is more effective than standard 1” HVAC filters. Some systems can capture up to 99.9% of particulates, including bacteria and viruses. These systems are particularly beneficial if you have pets, have a family member with allergies or asthma, or live in an area prone to wildfires or high outdoor air pollution.

Certain allergens can thrive in high-humidity environments. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says the ideal indoor humidity is between 30% and 55%. High humidity is anything over 60%.

Mold, mildew, and dust mites need high humidity to get a foothold. If you live in a climate that is humid year-round, consider investing in a whole-house humidity control solution such as a whole-house dehumidifier. 

One of the biggest things you can do to maintain good indoor air quality is to change your HVAC air filter regularly. A clogged filter stops capturing particulate matter and can also cause your HVAC system to work harder to heat and cool the air in your home. Check out our Filters 101 page for some tips.

Other measures to consider:

You can keep track of outdoor air quality by visiting AirNow.gov to check the air quality data where you live.

Interested in reducing particulate matter and improving your home’s indoor air quality? Contact your local American Standard dealer for recommendations tailored to your family and your home. 

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need. 

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

Expert review by Jennie Bergman, Senior Product Manager, Indoor Air Quality