Concerns about the effects of poor indoor-air quality have increased.
Poor indoor air quality can be a serious concern for families and individuals dealing with lung issues and serious allergies. There is good news, however; whole-house air-cleaning systems are becoming increasingly more popular and can be incorporated into almost any HVAC system.
In fact, filtering household air is most efficient when it is done through your home’s forced-air heating or central air-conditioning system. These filters are built into the return-air ductwork, trapping particles as air passes through.
There are 4 common types of filters available:
1) Flat Filters
If you have a forced-air furnace, you’ve already got a simple air filtration system. This is the fiberglass filter that comes as a standard piece of any HVAC system. This filter is rudimentary and needs to be changed often. These filters are designed to protect your furnace from large particles of dust, but they won’t block the microscopic particles that are most irritating to lung tissue.
2) Extended Media Filters
This is essentially a large stack of filters designed to filter out even smaller particles. They require professional installation because the large filter holder must be plumbed into the ductwork. This filter will need to be changed yearly, but it should remove a large amount of particles from the air.
3) Electronic Filters
These high-tech units, sometimes called electrostatic precipitators, are also incorporated into the ductwork. As air passes through, a high-voltage current puts an electrical charge on particles. At the other end of the unit, oppositely charged collector plates grab the particles like a magnet. Electronic filters work especially well on smoke particles too small to be trapped in media filters. These require a separate electronic wiring and must be installed professionally.
4) Ultraviolet Filters
Ultraviolet Filters are the best choice for those concerned primarily with germs. UV filters are built-in components that can be added to a home unit. The ultraviolet light kills airborne bacteria and viruses. This type of filter is what hospitals use in order to keep the environment clean and germ free.
When it comes to improving indoor air quality, whole house air purifiers are powerful tools that create a more comfortable and healthier environment for your whole home. For more information or to discuss which whole house air filtration system is right for your family, call Action Air. We’ve been providing the Clarksville area with heating, cooling, sales, and service since 1979. When You Need Action, Call Action Air!
Sources:
Plenty Air
Allergy Buyers Club
This Old House