If your home has a forced-air heater or central air conditioning system, then it is probably equipped with a filter located near the air handler. This filter consists of a mesh of fibers that traps contaminants coming in through the return air ducts, preventing them from entering the AC’s cabinet. This filter is designed to protect your air conditioner, which is an important job. But it is not designed to protect the quality of the air circulating through your house. If your home is suffering from an excessive amount of airborne pollutants that are triggering asthma and allergy symptoms among the people who live there, you need to have special filters or air purifiers installed.
Finding the right air filter
There is no “one-size-fits-all” indoor air quality solution: you must call on professionals who will determine what is affecting your air quality and recommend the proper air filter or purifier to improve air quality in your home.Some air filters can restrict airflow in your system which can result in lower comfort and higher energy bills.
The scale that professionals use to measure the effectiveness of an air filter is MERV (which stands for “minimum efficiency reporting value”). The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particles the filter can trap. But ratings above 13 can restrict airflow causing the unit to work harder and use more energy. An indoor air quality professional will be able to match a home’s HVAC system with a filter that will both remove pollutants and allow the heater and air conditioner to work at maximum efficiency.
Sometimes mechanical air filters will not do the job completely, and in these cases you may need to have an electronic air purifier or UV germicidal lights installed in addition to the filter. Again, let your indoor air quality professional guide you toward the ideal solution that will result in healthier air for your entire household.
The professionals at Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning install and service air filters and air purifiers in Fresno, CA.