Florida air is humid, pollen-heavy, and (six months a year) full of mold spores. Here's the IAQ stack that actually moves the needle.
What works
- —MERV 11–13 media filter (4 in.) — biggest single ROI
- —Whole-house dehumidifier (Aprilaire E100/E130) — for homes that can't hit 55% RH
- —UV light on the evaporator coil — prevents biofilm regrowth
- —Annual coil cleaning
What's mostly marketing
- —Ionizers and 'PCO' purifiers — minimal independent data
- —MERV 16 in residential systems — chokes airflow
- —Duct cleaning as an annual service — only worth it after construction or rodents
Frequently asked
Quick answers, straight up.
Do UV lights really work?
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On the evaporator coil — yes, they prevent mold/biofilm. Marketed as a 'whole-house disinfectant' — no, the air moves too fast.
