Particulate matter and contaminants such as pet dander, dust, dust mites, volatile organic compounds, pollen, smoke, and more can negatively affect indoor air quality. Those who suffer from allergies may see an increase in their symptoms when indoor air quality is low. The same is true for asthma sufferers and people with chronic health conditions. However, nobody is safe from the adverse effects of poor indoor air quality. You can take steps to improve your IAQ, including regularly changing or cleaning your filters.
The Purpose of HVAC Air Filters
One of the primary functions of an HVAC air filter is to remove particulate matter from the air circulating through your system so that particles don’t build up on the interior components of your heating and cooling equipment. If buildup does occur, this can decrease the efficiency of your system. This can also lead to more frequent repair needs and even a shortened life expectancy for your equipment.
HVAC air filters also trap particulate matter so it doesn’t move through your ductwork and into your home’s various living spaces.
The Type of Filter You Use Matters
There are several types of air filters that you can use in your HVAC system. Some work far better than others at trapping most contaminants in your indoor air. For example, fiberglass filters are affordable but don’t usually trap more than 20% of the particles they encounter. You can upgrade to pleated filters, which have more surface area. Therefore, they trap more particles.
If your HVAC system can keep up with the restricted airflow, consider upgrading your filter to a HEPA variety. High-efficiency particulate air filters can trap up to 99.97% of the particulate matter in your home’s indoor air. Most homes don’t have powerful enough heating and cooling equipment to handle these filters, so you’ll want to consider using them in an air purification or filtration unit.
Activated carbon filters are often combined with standard fiberglass or pleated filters. This material can effectively absorb odors, chemicals, and VOCs from your air. They tend to be slightly more restrictive, but many are acceptable for your HVAC system.
Considering MERV Ratings
When you’re picking out air filters for your home, you might see a MERV rating, Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This rating tells you how good the filter is at catching tiny particles and how much it might slow down the airflow. Ratings go from 1 to 20, and higher numbers mean a more restrictive filter. A filter with a MERV rating between 8 and 12 is a good choice for most homes because it balances filtering power and airflow. But you might want a higher MERV rating if you have allergies, pets, or cleaner air. If you’re unsure what rating is best for your home, you can ask our team for advice on what will work best with your heating and cooling system.
Regular Filter Maintenance
Not only does the type of filter you use in your HVAC system matter, but you must also regularly maintain it. Most filters are designed to be replaced once every 30 to 90 days. The frequency at which you change your filter will depend not only on the type of filter you have but also on the frequency at which you run your heating and cooling equipment, the area where you live, whether you have pets, etc.
You should inspect your filter monthly for signs of damage or buildup. If your filter is dirty and requires replacement, you’ll notice that you can no longer see any light shining through it. There may also be clumps of debris on the surface of the filter. When dirty, the filter will go from a bright white to a gray or brown color.
Some homeowners are utilizing washable filters to save money. Rather than throwing away your filter every few months, you simply remove and wash it. It is essential to let the filter completely dry before placing it back into its housing. Otherwise, you could be introducing moisture into your HVAC system. This can harm your system’s interior components and promote mold growth. Mold can spread in a short amount of time, causing a whole-house disaster that is dangerous to your health and well-being.
UV Light Filtration
In addition to filters that trap particulates, UV light filtration is another option that can improve indoor air quality. Indoor air can also contain viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. UV light filtration works by exposing these microorganisms to UV-C light. Once exposed, the DNA of these microorganisms will be irreversibly damaged, so they can no longer cause health concerns. There is no physical filter present in this type of equipment.
You will need to schedule routine inspections and maintenance of your UV light. If the light becomes dirty, its efficiency will decrease. Also, the light itself must be replaced periodically.
Electostatic Filtration
Electrostatic filtration is another piece of equipment that can be installed on your HVAC system. Electrically charged collection plates will attract oppositely charged particulates before they can spread throughout your home. Electrostatic filtration is convenient because you don’t need to replace filters in the unit. You simply remove the collection plates every so often and clean them. Make sure they are dry before you place them back in the unit.
Addressing Humidity Concerns
The relative humidity level inside your home should remain between 35% and 50%. Anything lower than that can cause your skin and sinuses to feel very dry. Dry air can also increase your risk of getting sick because of the irritation it causes to your nose and throat. High levels of humidity can promote the growth of mold. Humid air can hold onto particulate matter more efficiently, increasing your exposure. Not to mention, too much moisture in your indoor air can cause damage to the structure of your home as well as wood floors, furniture, etc.
You can help maintain a healthy humidity level in your home by monitoring moisture levels and using whole-house dehumidification and humidification equipment. We install these units right onto your HVAC system. We can upgrade your thermostat to provide ongoing and convenient monitoring of your humidity levels. You can use your smart device to control your whole-house equipment, whether at home or away for the day.
If you would like to learn more about your HVAC filter and how it impacts your indoor air quality in Iowa, South Dakota, or Nebraska, contact our team at Kalins Indoor Comfort. We would be happy to answer any questions you have. We can also assess indoor air quality and install whole-house purification, ventilation, and humidity-controlling equipment to improve indoor air quality. We also install, repair, and maintain various heating and cooling equipment, including air conditioners, furnaces, ductless AC, and heat pumps. We also upgrade thermostats, install zoning systems, service fireplaces, install ductwork, ductwork cleaning service, and much more. Contact Kalins Indoor Comfort today to schedule an appointment.
