In the summers, you likely spend a great deal of time indoors in the summer away from the heat. You should be getting the most out of your HVAC system, keeping cool while breathing in clean air. Here are the benefits of a high-efficiency air filter.
Better Indoor Air Quality
You might think that a regular HVAC filter is filtering your air adequately. The reality is that a standard air filter may prevent dust and debris from circulating through your system and your indoor air, but a high-efficiency air filter performs much better. High-efficiency air filters trap mold, dust, dander, pollen, fumes, viruses, and other contaminants to a much higher degree. Better indoor air quality is beneficial for everyone but is especially important for children, the elderly, and those suffering from respiratory issues or illnesses.
MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. The higher the MERV rating an air filter has, the more particulates it can trap. An HVAC system that is furnished with a high-efficiency air filter, like a HEPA filter, can trap 99.97% of particles that are as small as 0.3 microns. To compare, the lowest recommended MERV rating for a standard air filter in the home is 8, while a HEPA filter has a MERV rating of 17 or higher.
Allergen Reduction
Constantly sneezing, itching, and coughing are not pleasant or comfortable ways to spend your hours at home. If you or someone in your household suffers from allergy symptoms, upgrading your HVAC system to work with a high-efficiency air filter could make a difference. This is because these types of air filters trap most particles that cause allergic reactions.
Extending the Lifespan of Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system is a major financial investment. Upgrading to a high-efficiency air filter can help keep your interior HVAC components and ducts clean. This could increase the lifespan of your system as well as minimize the need for costly repairs.
What to Know Before Making the Switch
Before purchasing a high-efficiency filter, it’s important to determine if this type of filter will be compatible with your current HVAC system. Some systems are simply not powerful enough to handle certain filters. You could end up causing major issues with your HVAC system due to a significant reduction in airflow. Some problems include compressor failure, frozen coils, and overheating.
If your current system is not able to accommodate the level of filtration you desire, you may want to consider upgrading to the system that is right for your needs.
Having a professional handle upgrading your current system is also important because of the way that high-efficiency air filters fit. Air filters that have a higher efficiency tend to be thicker than standard filters. While they might be the same shape, they fit differently, and your system is designed to hold a filter with specific dimensions.
Air Quality Testing
During an air quality testing appointment, a highly trained technician will pull air samples from different areas throughout your home or business. The samples are tested for a wide range of pollutants and contaminants. There will also be a visual inspection of your HVAC system, air vents, and other areas to spot any signs of issues with your air quality.
Other Indoor Air Quality Improvement Strategies
Watch Your Humidity
Keep the humidity level in your home below 50%. Studies have found that keeping the relative humidity of your indoor environment under 50% can help reduce allergies. Having your humidity level above this percentage can encourage the growth of dust mites, bacteria, mold, and other allergens. Humid air can hold on to particulates much easier than dry air.
HEPA Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuuming your home using a vacuum cleaner that is outfitted with a HEPA filter can help reduce dust, dander, and other contaminants.
No Smoking
To support the indoor air quality of your home, smoking should not be allowed at any time.
Reduce Pollen
When pollen is at a high level, take the necessary steps to prevent pollen from coming inside. Shower when you come in from the outdoors, and change your clothes promptly.
Outside Pet Grooming
By grooming Fido outside and keeping their sleeping area tidy, you can cut down on the amount that their dander is compromising your IAQ.
Tile Scrubbing
Be sure to scrub your bathrooms, basements, and any other tiled areas throughout your home. These areas are prime suspects for mold growth, which can be detrimental to the quality of your indoor air.
Your High-Efficiency Air Filter Team
Our team at Air Care Heating & Cooling has been providing quality service for years. Not only do we help with indoor air quality, but we can also handle any of your heating and cooling needs. This includes repair, installation, and maintenance services. If you are ready to experience the Air Care Heating & Cooling difference, give us a call today.
