By Don Rackler, WOAI.com Air Conditioning Expert
The air filter of a heating and cooling system, either central systems or room A/C’s, is the device that is designed to remove airborne particles from the air stream created by the system’s blower. It can be a “permanent” type, or a throw-away. It can be less that an inch thick, or more that 4 inches thick. It can be located in the system itself or remotely positioned in a hallway or room. There can be more that one air filter in a single system as well.
Why is filter maintenance important?
According to Energy Star, dirt and neglect are the #1 causes of heating and cooling system failure. Air conditioning and heating professionals agree with this statement. Poor filter maintenance can also increase the heating and cooling system’s energy consumption and cause problems within a system that can result in property damage. Airborne pollutants can effect your home comfort equipment by building up on the indoor coil. Just a thin layer of these pollutants can inhibit airflow and adversely affect the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
How polluted is the air in my home?
Some estimates indicate that in extreme cases, the air inside homes can be as much as 100 times more polluted than the worst outdoor air. With the advent of “tighter” home construction, modern residential structures tend to retain pollutants that are introduced from the outside. Airborne pollutants are simply a fact of life. Pollutants such as mold, bacteria, dust, dander and pollen can cause flare-ups of allergy symptoms and in some cases trigger asthma attacks. With the efficient, tighter construction of today’s homes, even the cleanest homes can harbor dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, bacteria and other airborne pollutants. These airborne pollutants can be circulated throughout the home by the heating and air conditioning system, potentially causing flare-ups of allergy or asthma symptoms for the occupants of the home.
What does the air filter do?
Air filters in heating and air conditioning systems trap varying amounts of airborne particulates dependant upon the filter’s efficiency – the higher the filter’s efficiency, the more matter it can arrest. All filters restrict the air flow created by the system’s blower and some filters will restrict that airflow to a level that can cause catastrophic equipment malfunction. This is why homeowners should consult an air conditioning and heating professional before purchasing aftermarket air filters. Homeowners should be especially wary of air filter products promoted as “lifetime filters” or “electrostatic filters” as some of these are associated with premature equipment failure.
How often should the air filter be changed or cleaned?
Depending on the type of filter and the home itself, maintenance can be once a month to once a year. Sometimes maintenance involves the replacement and disposal of the used filter; sometimes maintenance involves cleaning the dirty filter, depending on the type of filter. Structures that are home to numerous pets or homes that have had new carpet installed will often require filter maintenance performed at a higher frequency than structures with no pets and less carpeting. An air conditioning and heating professional can advise the homeowner on this matter.
What is the best kind of air filter?
The best filter for a home would be one that meets the unique needs of the structure and occupants. The best filters have a higher initial investment, but the greatest benefit for the occupants and equipment. The best filters will trap a greater amount of particulates, allow sufficient airflow through the system and minimize the frequency of maintenance. The least expensive air filters trap about 10% of the particles that are introduced to their surface and virtually no mold spores or pollen. The most expensive units can filter out over 90% of these particles and trap mold spores and pollen. Some of these are even certified to not only trap but also eradicate cold virus, anthrax and similar contaminants.
Are there other products that can make a home healthier?
Air conditioning professionals who specialize in Indoor Air Quality offer high-efficiency air filters, germicidal ultraviolet lights, ventilators, humidifiers and dehumidifiers specifically designed to help keep the indoor air cleaner and fresher, and the home healthier and more comfortable all year round. It should be noted that none of the aforementioned products can substitute for a well designed, properly engineered heating and cooling system – including the associated air distribution system. There are no “cure-alls” for systems that are of incorrect capacity for a structure or that will clean up a system or ductwork that is contaminated with mold or microbial growth.
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