A whole home air filtration system can improve indoor air quality. They can also protect HVAC unit components from damage caused by moisture, debris, and dirt build-up. Breathe cleaner, fresher air in your living space with the right system. Explore the benefits of whole home air filtration and get tips for picking the perfect unit for fresh air at home.
Whole Home Air Filtration System Benefits
A well-maintained heating and cooling system with air filtration can clean air and improve indoor energy efficiency. These benefits can lead to a healthier living environment and reduced electricity bills.
1. Fresh Indoor Air
Recycled air can contain germs and bacteria. These airborne pollutants can cause breathing problems. Clean, fresh, filtered air can create a healthier living environment. It can also help ease breathing for individuals with asthma, allergies, or other breathing conditions.
Filtration systems help remove odors and reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. Materials like paint, cleaning products, and household furniture may emit unpleasant smells, fumes, or gasses. High concentrations of these pollutants can pose health risks, making it crucial to make indoor air quality a priority.
2. Greater Airflow Coverage
A significant advantage that sets whole home air filtration systems apart from portable units is their coverage area. Portable air purification system air cleaning coverage is limited. They only filter the air in a single room.
Whole home air filtration performs much better. A professionally installed system works with HVAC equipment to clean and circulate filtered air. Residential property owners can enjoy improved indoor air quality throughout their living space.
3. Increased HVAC Efficiency
Whole home air filtration systems offer a cost-effective solution to improve indoor air quality. Compared to a portable home air purifier, air filtration systems accomplish far more. They reduce air filter workload, resulting in better indoor air quality.
Air filtration allows your HVAC unit to operate more efficiently. It helps a heating and AC unit use less power while maintaining comfortable temperature levels.
Increased energy efficiency often leads to fewer repair costs and lower electricity bills. A whole home air filtration system can contribute to greater energy efficiency and better protection of HVAC components.
4. Lower Maintenance Costs
Whole home air filtration can save on HVAC maintenance, repair, and replacement costs in the long run. Air filtration helps reduce the build-up of dirt in the mechanical components of a residential HVAC system. The need for frequent AC tune-ups and furnace cleaning can also be minimized.
The cost savings associated with reduced maintenance makes a whole home air filtration system an excellent investment. These systems usually require filter replacements once or twice annually, based on system use and filter type. Portable units generally need filters replaced or cleaned more often, costing more time and money over their lifespan.
While reduced maintenance costs are a common benefit, it is important to continue scheduling regular inspections. The benefits of air filtration and HVAC unit inspections include:
- Reduced Repair Costs: Regular cleaning and changing dirty filters will help the system runs its best while preventing costly repairs.
- Improved Performance: This is particularly vital for air conditioning. Maintenance checks, AC condensate drain inspection, and evaporator coil cleaning can benefit HVAC system performance.
- Air Quality Protection: An AC unit condensate drain backup can cause issues. Condensation will collect and create a moisture-driven environment for bacteria to thrive. Without air filtration, this bacteria will push through the HVAC unit and spread into breathable air.
5. Damage Protection
Whole home air filtration systems protect HVAC components. They shield heating and cooling units from excessive dirt buildup, helping prevent repairs or HVAC replacement costs. By trapping and removing particles from the air, these systems can help protect your unit’s filters and other parts from damage.
6. HVAC System Integration
Another benefit of investing in a whole home filtration system is its seamless integration into an existing heating and cooling infrastructure. Air filtration systems work in sync with HVAC units to purify circulated air in each room of your home.
Unlike standalone devices that require separate power sources and maintenance schedules, these systems work with HVAC equipment. Whole home air filtration systems are installed directly into an existing HVAC unit. The system fan filters and ventilates air through the device. The purified air then passes through the unit and is distributed throughout the home.
Tips for Choosing the Right Air Filtration System
Don’t compromise indoor air quality. Make an informed decision when choosing the right air filtration system. Invest in an efficient model.
Understanding CADR and MERV Ratings
Understanding CADR and MERV ratings can help property owners choose the most suitable air filtration solution. You’ll need to determine your home’s needs before selecting a filtration system for your HVAC unit.
- Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) Ratings: The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers certifies and tests products for accurate CADR ratings. The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) measures how much air an air-filtration system can filter and deliver per minute. This metric helps consumers compare air purifier manufacturer ratings to make informed decisions regarding their indoor air quality. A higher CADR rating indicates better performance in filtering air pollutants like dust, pollen, and smoke particles.
- Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV): The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) reporting value measures how effectively a filter captures airborne particles. Higher MERV ratings indicate finer filtration levels for smaller particles like bacteria or viruses. Lower ratings are better suited for larger debris like pet dander or pollen.
Filter Types to Consider
The filter type used with your air filtration system can also impact indoor air quality.
These filter types capture particles of different sizes effectively. Understanding these filter types can assist property owners in selecting the best filtration system for their homes.
- Standard Filters for Large Particles: The most common type of HVAC system filter is the standard pleated filter. A standard pleated filter MERV rating ranges between 1 and 4. It performs best at snagging dust, pollen, and pet dander. Filtering tiny bacteria or germs may be limited. For improved performance, consider upgrading to a higher MERV-rated filter to capture finer particles.
- Filters for Small Particles: Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) and ionizers remove small particles, including smoke and fine dust particles. As the filtration system works, airborne particles collect on oppositely charged plates within the unit. Although ESPs are more effective than standard filters, air particle build-up can reduce their effectiveness. For ESPs to work well, routine cleaning and maintenance are necessary.
- Filtering Tiny Contaminants: High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can trap tiny contaminants. Airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns can be 99.97% removed from indoor air with a MERV rating from 17 to 20. These filters are efficient but require frequent replacement to keep the air clean.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Light Technology: UV light destroys bacteria, mold spores, viruses, and other harmful germs. While this technology can improve indoor air quality, it should not be relied on as the only solution. UV light technology works best when used with traditional filtration techniques.
Invest in a Whole Home Air Filtration System
Air cleaners are worth the investment. They offer many benefits, including improved indoor air quality. Whole home air filtration systems boast several advantages over portable units. These include better coverage, low-effort integration with HVAC systems, and an extended lifespan.
With this simple upgrade, you can breathe easy knowing you’re taking positive steps toward living in a healthier home.
Experience the benefits yourself and breathe cleaner air in your home with a whole home air filtration system.
Contact JDC Heating & Cooling today to learn more about our air filtration solutions.