Spring is in the air! So is the predictable pollen and dust that like to make trouble for your sinuses! Indoor air quality is a major contributor to your overall physical health. Did you know that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air? That’s why Heating Specialties of Fairton, NJ, specializes in indoor air quality solutions in addition to our heating and cooling system services. Your family deserves clean air.
An air filter primer
The path to clean air often starts with a fresh air filter. If your system uses forced air, it also has a filter that captures pollen and dust before it enters the home. Filters come in different styles and filter strength, and choosing the wrong filter can lead to problems with your heating and cooling unit. Let’s start by looking at the different types of air filters available.
When you’re shopping for air filters, you may see the term MERV listed on the packaging. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and indicates how efficiently a filter can trap air particles. The scale goes from 1 to 20, and most standard filters fall between 1 and 16.
Heating and cooling systems also may offer different air filter options, depending on how much you want to spend and how important clean air is to you:
Washable filters are reusable and can be an economical solution. However, these filters don’t always do a good job of filtering smoke, pet dander or other allergens. They have a MERV rating of about 1-4.
Fiberglass air filters are the least expensive disposable air filter option. They don’t produce much strain on your heating and cooling system as it draws in air, but they also don’t do a great job keeping out the dust and other contaminant particles. Their MERV rating stands at about 4.
Pleated filters are made of cotton or polyester folds. They’re more expensive than their fiberglass counterparts, but they also are better at grabbing the dust, pollen and other small particles that are trying to get into your home. Pleated filters usually have a MERV rating of about 5-8.
HEPA filters are the workhorses, screening almost 99.97 percent of dust pollen, pet dander, viruses, bacteria and other irritants. Their MERV rating can be 11 or higher. They also tend to be more expensive than other filters.
It’s tempting to read this list and think, “Sounds good. I’m going for the filter with the highest MERV rating.” But higher MERV ratings mean your system is going to have to work harder to draw in air. In some cases, a higher MERV rating can overheat or damage your residential heating and cooling system. That is why we always recommend checking your owner’s manual or talking to a trained Heating Specialties technician about which air filter makes sense for you, your home and your heating and cooling system.
Taking air quality a step further with air purifiers and air cleaners
Oftentimes, we will hear from a customer who is concerned about their indoor air quality. They may report trouble breathing at night or problems with excess dust around the house. If your heating and cooling system’s traditional air filter isn’t keeping the air clean enough, it may be time to consider an air purifier or air cleaner.
Air cleaners are supplemental units that rely on special filters to clear the air. Air purifiers, on the other hand, use technology like UV germicidal light to sanitize the air. This UV light can deactivate or kill microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, mold or fungi. They can be a game-changer for people prone to illnesses or just for someone who likes to know they’re enjoying clean air at home.
Which air filter upgrade is right for you? Heating Specialties can help you make this decision. Reach out to us now at (866) 923-2653 to request an appointment. You can also fill out our online contact form at https://htgspecialties.com/contact-us/. A professional technician can visit and talk to you about your unique air quality needs and offer solutions that fix your problems and fit your budget. Enjoy pure, clean air with Heating Specialties!