Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Air Filters

We’re not quite out of the woods yet as far DandelionInFieldas colder weather goes, but March is definitely the turning point when it comes to springtime. Now that February is behind us, you’re surely starting to eagerly anticipate the warmer weather and blooming vegetation that spring brings with it. Keep in mind, however, that spring can bring a number of problems with it as well. This is especially true for those of us with allergy and/or asthma symptoms.

Contrary to what some homeowners seem to believe, the air in our homes is not inherently of high quality. In fact, it is possible that the air in your home is more polluted than the air outdoors! If you want to breathe clean, healthful air in your home all year long, you may require professional indoor air quality products and services in Loveland, CO.

Dust, Dirt, Pollen, And Other Airborne Pollutants

Because you’ll be going in and out of your home more now that the weather is nice, and because there is more exposed dust and dirt outdoors in the spring and summer than there is in the winter, it is possible to track these pollutants into the house with you. Plus, blossoming vegetation means pollen that can go airborne outdoors and find its way into your home. The first line of defense against these airborne pollutants is an air filter.

The air filter in your HVAC system, unfortunately, is probably not going to cut it. These filters are of low efficiency, with a low MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value). Your system may be able to handle a more efficient standard filter, but using a designated filtration system that complies with your HVAC system is a better option. You may also opt to use an air cleaner, such as an electrostatic precipitator, to take a more active stand against these pollutants.

These electronic air cleaners feature ionization chambers that charge the pollutants in the air. Those pollutants are then trapped on collector plates that are oppositely charged. The plates can be removed by the homeowner for simple, convenient cleaning.

Biological Pollutants

Removing dust and dirt from the air is an effective way of dealing with such pollutants. However, not all pollutants can simply be removed from the air successfully. Living microorganisms, such as mold spores, viruses, and bacteria, are often too small for such an approach. They are also biological entities, meaning that they can reproduce. Destroying them and rendering them incapable of reproduction is really the only way to effectively deal with them.

Using UV air purifiers, like UV germicidal lights, will do the trick. Installed in your ductwork near the air handler, these lamps emit UV rays that disrupt such pollutants at a biological level. They are entirely safe for animals and people in the house. They should be used to supplement, but not replace, more traditional air filtration/purification systems, as they do not filter airborne pollutants out of the air.

Schedule your IAQ services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning, the company you can trust. 

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Using a forced-air heating system, like a furnace or a heat pump, is the preferred method of maintaining comfortable temperatures throughout the winter season for many homeowners. Just because your heater is operational, however, doesn’t mean that it is performing at peak efficiency and performance levels. One way in which you can help your heater is by keeping a fresh air filter in place.

Routine heating maintenance is very important for keeping your system up and running properly. But you cannot leave filter changes for your professional heating technician to handle once a year. Filters need to be changed far more frequently in order to enjoy quality heating in Laporte, CO.

 

Problems Caused by Dirty Air Filters

The most immediate problem caused by dirty air filters is increased airflow resistance. If your filter is too dirty, your system is going to work harder than it should to force air through that filter. All of the heated air distributed throughout your home passes through this filter, so this is obviously a serious problem. It puts unnecessary strain on the heater, and drives energy costs up in the process.

Dirty air filters can negatively affect your indoor air quality as well. The standard filter in a furnace isn’t really there to boost indoor air quality, as it is of a relatively low efficiency. Its primary purpose is to protect the system and its components themselves. If the air filter gets too dirty, however, unfiltered air can be blown around that filter, putting indoor air quality at risk.

Short cycling is one of the most prevalent issues with dirty air filters. When heat becomes trapped in the system due to decreased airflow, it will cause the system to shut down as temperatures rise too high. The system will cool, and come on again, only to repeat the process. The comfort levels in your home will fall, energy costs will spike, and your system will incur unnecessary wear and tear.

Count on Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for great heating services. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

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Chances are that you, as a homeowner with a whole-house HVAC system, have some level of familiarity with air filters. What you may not realize, though, is that not all air filters are created equal. There are various methods of air filtration, and air filters of different capabilities are used in different applications. To ensure that you are using the right air filter for your needs, make sure that you work with a skilled professional who will help you to choose the most appropriate air filter in Fort Collins, CO. This will depend upon a number of factors. When you are ready to take advantage of an air filtration system, schedule service with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning.

A Better Performance

A common misconception about air filters is that it is always more desirable to have a more efficient air filter in place. This is simply not true, and for a few different reasons. First of all, if you are trying to invest in HEPA filters that have no business in most residential applications, you are going to be paying for a level of efficiency that will just go to waste. If you invest in a cheap air filter, though, which is of too low an efficiency for your needs, then it will potentially allow many of the pollutants that you are targeting to pass right through the filter media. The only way in which to get a great performance from your air filter is to find one that suits your unique situation, and we can ensure that this is the case.

Better for Your System

Another reason as to why it is vital to use the right air filter with your HVAC system is for the good of that system itself. If your air filter is too efficient, it will likely clog frequently. This can increase airflow resistance throughout your HVAC system, making it harder for your heater or air conditioner to do its job and leaving you to pay more for a weaker performance from that system. The added strain can also lead to operational problems over time.

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