Clean Air and Your Home

When the air conditioning system was designed, an air filter was installed before the blower motor and indoor coil of the heating and cooling system. The purpose of this filter was to keep dust and debris out of the motor and more importantly the indoor coil. Within the indoor equipment of your air conditioning system is a coil that looks like a car radiator or the coils inside of your outdoor air conditioner. The air that circulates throughout your home must pass thru this coil. The coil will trap dust and debris that make it past the filter. A clogged indoor coil can cause many issues from a decrease in efficiency (higher utility cost), decrease in cooling ability, to down right failure of the system and even cause compressor failures in the outdoor unit. The trick is filtering the air without causing an air restriction that will cause the same results as a clogged coil.

Every heating and air conditioning system has some sort of filtration system that was designed to protect the equipment. Some of the filters were (are) so porous that the indoor coil seems to filter air more than the filter itself. Over the years the main purpose of the filter has shifted from protecting the indoor coil to cleaning the air we breathe within our homes. Statistics state the air within the home can be more polluted than the outdoors. Allergens, smoke, pets, chemicals within the home, and most importantly homeowners who suffer from asthma have created a billion dollar industry based solely on clean air. There are many options that have both advantages and disadvantages that I will describe briefly.

I am sure you have seen the info-mercials for portable air cleaners. The problem with portable air cleaners is finding a vendor you can trust, a product you can trust, a product that works and then you must purchase one for each room. A good portable air cleaner works and does the job. You will add the electric utility cost of how ever many air cleaners you will be running and you will still need a filtration system for your heating and air conditioning equipment.

Think of your heating and a/c system as an air circulation system. You already have a way to remove air from within your home, clean it and recirculate it back into your home. How clean you want to get depends upon your needs and budget.

Throwaway filters - Can cost as little as $0.30. Are pretty much designed to protect the equipment from large dust and debris, they were not designed with air quality in mind. They must be replaced every 30 days.

Throwaway Pleated Filters - Fit into the same spot as your standard throwaway filters. They do trap and collect smaller particles and do a decent job of filtering the air. The problem with these filters is that they can restrict the air flow too much. I have seen a clean pleated filter restrict the air flow in a system to the point the system has failed. The pleated throwaway filter is the cheapest and first step of air cleaning; however, it is just that and can actually cause failures due to its restrictive air qualities.

Washable Electrostatic Filters - Use air flow to create a positive field that attracts dust and debris. Traps more than a pleated throwaway but can be even more air restrictive.

Electronic Air Cleaners – use electricity to zap debris as it comes through the system. This system was considered top of the line in past years. When clean, an electronic air cleaner can be very efficient at removing debris down into the micron size. However, the system can become as inefficient as a $0.30 throwaway filter if not kept clean. How clean? Every two weeks to a month at the most.

Media Filters - Range in width from about 3”- 10”. These media filters are designed to capture particles in the micron range and do not need cleaning. You simply replace the filter media every six months to a year. The width and design of these filters allow for greater (proper) air flow. Media filters have become the standard in providing good air flow and air filtration as a reasonable cost.

Electronic Media Filters - Combine the electronic air cleaner and the media filter into one of the most efficient air filtration systems made. Many units claim to capture and kill viruses. They are extremely efficient and need to have the media replaced every six months to a year.

There are several other options and designs. Every manufacturer is going to claim how efficient and great their system works. I would suggest you talk to your heating and air conditioning contractor about your needs. Your contractor should be able to discuss:
1. The type of system you have now
2. What systems are available for your equipment and home?
3. The budget you want to spend on air filtration
4. The maintenance (time and effort) you want to spend maintaining that system
5. The advantages and options that satisfy the above

I would be happy to email you a reminder to clean or perform the required maintenance of your filtration system. We can talk about your system and help determine the type of system you have. Once we know what you have, I can email you the instructions on how to properly maintain it and even send you reminders that it is time to perform those procedures.

Feel free to contact me anytime with any questions.