Air filtration is an important part of maintaining healthy indoor air quality in your Northglenn, CO, home. Particulate matter, such as dust, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds, can compromise your indoor air quality. Luckily, there are ways to improve your indoor air quality, including the use of air filters.
The Use of Air Filters
Air filters can be used as part of your heating and cooling system and whole-house air filtration equipment. If you suffer from annoying allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, a cough, a stuffy nose, or itchy skin, it’s important to consider the type of filter you use. Upgrading to something that traps more particulate matter is ideal.
Different Types of Air Filters
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to air filters. Some are made for different uses, and one of our professionals can help you determine what your best option is. Homes with pets benefit from a higher grade of filter that is changed more frequently. The same applies if you have someone in the home who smokes, you do a lot of cooking that produces odors, or you’re experiencing an influx of seasonal allergy symptoms.
HEPA Filtration
HEPA filters, or high-efficiency particulate air filters, are tightly woven filters that can trap as much as 99.97% of the particulates that pass through them. They tend to be restrictive, so you’ll often see HEPA filters used for air purification systems rather than furnaces. Your system may not be rated to use a HEPA filter as it can be too restrictive and cause excess strain on your HVAC unit. Our technicians can advise you as to what filters are compatible with the system you have.
Pre-Filters
A pre-filter is designed to trap large particulate matter before it reaches your primary filters, extending the lifespan of your filters and equipment. Some of the common particulates that are trapped by pre-filters include pet hair, dander, dust, etc. Pre-filters come in washable and replaceable models and are often paired with HEPA filters.
Activated Carbon Filters
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals released from building materials, paint, chemical-based cleaning products, air fresheners, perfumes, beauty products, and more. Exposure to VOCs over the course of many days or months can lead to headaches, nausea, and ongoing health issues. Activated carbon can improve the smell of your home while reducing your exposure to VOCs, promoting a much healthier indoor living environment.
Electronic Air Filters
Electronic air filters are beneficial because they can remove particulate matter as small as 0.3 microns from your indoor air. They are washable plates rather than replaceable filters, so you save money in the long run. Charged particles are trapped by oppositely charged collection plates.
Ionization Technology
Ionization is a technology often used in conjunction with electronic air filters. This process makes it easier for your filtration system to remove particles, including bacteria, viruses, and pathogens that may be making you and your family sick. Just make sure that you’re using a high-quality ionization system that doesn’t produce unhealthy levels of ozone. Ionization can remove particles as small as 0.1 microns in size.
Understanding MERV Ratings
Filters typically have a MERV rating, which stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. When a MERV rating is very high, very small particles can be trapped rather than circulating back into your indoor air. Low MERV-rated filters allow more particles to flow through. While you may want to invest in the highest-rated filter you can find, this can cause airflow restrictions that could harm your heating and cooling equipment. Ask our team what MERV rating is optimal for your current HVAC setup.
Professional Assistance
If you live in the Northglenn area and would like to inquire about the type of filter you should be using for your home, reach out to our team here at Unique Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.. We would be happy to answer your questions. We can also take care of routine maintenance for your heating and cooling equipment, in addition to new HVAC installation and repairs. We also address indoor air quality, providing an in-home air quality assessment and the installation of whole-house air purification equipment. We can also address IAQ concerns with a whole-house dehumidifier or whole-house humidifier. We offer commercial HVAC services as well. Contact Unique Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. today to schedule an appointment.
