In our modern world, our highly climate-controlled indoor environments often provide extreme comfort. Coupled with the convenience of meeting most of our daily needs without stepping outside, we find ourselves spending a significant portion of our time indoors. However, this shift has raised concerns about poor indoor air quality and its impact on health.
At The Heating and Cooling Guys, our team collaborates with various air filtration and purification manufacturers to offer tools that ensure clean indoor air for you and your family. Let’s explore the available solutions:
Air Filters vs Air Purifiers
Air Filters:
Air filters are integral components of your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Before air circulates through your furnace or air conditioner for heating or cooling, it passes through a filter designed to trap and remove various particulates.
Air filters come in different types, ranging from basic and affordable options to more advanced versions capable of filtering out microscopic particles.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) promotes an industry-wide rating system. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rates filters based on their particle removal ability. Ratings range from 1 to 16, with higher values indicating finer filtration.
Filter materials vary, including layered fiberglass filters with metal grates or pleated polyester filters in cardboard frames. These filters typically require replacement every one to three months.
For Pennsylvania homeowners with family members suffering from allergies, asthma, or respiratory illnesses, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are recommended. HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles measuring 0.3 microns or larger, and the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) defines six HEPA filter levels.
Air Cleaners:
Air cleaners complement HVAC-related air filters and are standalone appliances designed for specific rooms or square footage.
Various technologies and systems target specific particles:
UV Air Cleaners: Developed from hospital purifiers, these UV cleaners combat bacteria, viruses, mold, and other pathogens.
Activated Carbon Filters: Effective at removing gases, odors, smoke, and other particles.
HEPA Air Purifiers: Similar to HEPA filters, they remove dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores. However, they cannot eliminate bacteria and viruses.
Ion Purification: Emitting negative ions, these purifiers attract dust and other positive ions, making particles heavier and easier to collect during cleaning.
While these systems typically operate in specific areas, consider house-wide purification solutions:
Electronic Air Cleaners: Integrated with your HVAC system, they use static electricity, HEPA filters, and ionic cleaners.
Centralized Air Cleaners: Installed in ductwork, they complement HVAC filtration.
Air-to-Air Exchange Systems: Allow fresh outdoor air intake.
Get in Touch for Fresh Indoor Air
At Heating and Cooling Guys in Central, PA our team of experts specializes in air conditioning, heating, and indoor air quality solutions. Whether you’re interested in learning about air filters or exploring air purification systems, we’ve got you covered. Our knowledgeable professionals can guide you in selecting an air treatment system tailored to your family’s needs. Reach out to us at (717) 337-3353, or conveniently request service online today. Breathe easy with The Heating and Cooling Guys!
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