Royal Heating & Air: what kind of air filter to use

Friday, June 25, 2021

How Your HVAC System can Help Reduce Allergy Suffering

Over 26 million Americans have asthma, and the most common type of asthma is triggered by allergies. What if there was a way to reduce those allergens indoors, where we spend the majority of our time? Well, there is! Here are some ways you can use your HVAC system can do just that.

1) Clean air ducts.

Since we don’t really see them, it is easy to forget about them. But your ductwork can accumulate a build up of dirt, dust and allergens that can be spread around your entire home as your HVAC circulates the air. Having your ducts checked and cleaned if they are dirty can reduce a significant number of particles in the air that could be affecting your allergies.

2) Clean filter.

For the same reason, having the right filter and replacing it regularly can make a huge improvement in your indoor air quality. The same filter that will block allergens, can instead spread them throughout your entire home, if your filter gets built up and clogged with contaminants. Keeping a clean filter not only helps with indoor air quality, it will also help your HVAC work more efficiently and extend the life of your system.

There are even high-efficiency filters such as HEPA filters which filter out more particles. However, these more powerful filters can create more pressure in your system which can cause damage if your HVAC system is not suited for high-efficiency filters. So, it is very important to ask your HVAC service technician at the Lake of the Ozarks if your system can handle it.

3) Whole-home Air Purifier.

A whole-home air purifier is a unit that is installed within your HVAC systems air handler, and it is capable of removing 99.97% of pollution and contaminants from the air. It will do so with much more efficiency than your HVAC system alone. A whole-home air purifier captures airborne particles from return air before they enter your HVAC system and can also extend the life of your HVAC system.

4) UV Light.

For another layer of protection, UV lights are a wonderful option for reducing pollutants and killing airborne allergens travelling through your return air vents. There are basically 2 types. One is installed above the evaporator and prevents the growth of microbes on the coil and drain pan. The other is installed in the return air ducts and sterilizes the air as it passes through. Your HVAC technician at the Lake of the Ozarks can advise you on the differences and help you decide which one is best for you.

5) Whole-home dehumidifier.

We have all heard it, “it’s not the heat it’s the humidity” in Missouri. If the humidity in your home is too high, it can negatively impact your home and its indoor air quality. With a whole-home dehumidifier you will be able to set and control the moisture level in your home and keep it at the optimal level to reduce airborne contaminants and the potential of mold and mildew growth. A reputable HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks can help you with choosing and installing one in your home.

If you are interested in using your HVAC system to reduce your allergy suffering, Royal Heating and Air is here to help. We are happy to walk you through all your options and help you make the best decision for you and your home. It is just one more way that Royal Heating and Air really is the King of Comfort.

Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"

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Thursday, November 7, 2019

Learn All About Air Filters - Types, Uses, and More!

Air filters play a very important role in the functionality and efficiency of your HVAC system. By pushing air through the filter, your HVAC system can help keep the air in your home cleaner and healthier. Some filters simply help prevent the spread of dust and debris, while others can help reduce allergens in the air. Choosing the right filter can seem like a daunting task when you're standing in front of an aisle full of so many sizes, ratings, and brands. Let Royal Heating & Air help give you some pointers on how to choose the right air filter for your home. Read on to learn more from the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Facts About Air Filters

Filters are rated on the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) system to determine how efficient they are and what kind of materials they help filter from the air (MERV Rating Chart: http://www.mechreps.com/PDF/Merv_Rating_Chart.pdf). A rating of 1-4 offers minimal filtration and can remove dust mites, fibers, pollen, and dust from the air it filters. Ratings 5-8 can filter the air more thoroughly by removing smaller particles like mold spores, cement dust, and even hair spray. For a more superior filtration, ratings 9-12 can remove Legionella, lead dust, auto emissions, and certain fumes. Ratings between 12 and 20 are typically reserved for surgical rooms, hospitals, "cleanrooms", pharmaceuticals, and areas that deal with hazardous materials.

Air filters not only help filter the air in your home, but they also protect your HVAC system and the air ducts from accumulating dust and debris that would affect its efficiency. To help keep the air and your ducts clean, regularly change your air filters and don't allow them to get clogged.

Types of Air Filters

Fiberglass

This is the most common type of filter on the market. Comprised of fiberglass, these filters help eliminate major debris in the air. Although they are on the lower end of the MERV rating system, they are highly affordable and easily accessible.

Pleated

These filters have a higher rating on the MERV system, reaching between 5 and 13. Because they help eliminate mold spores and finer particles from the air, pleated filters could be a great idea for homeowners that suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. The drawback to these types of filters is that they can be somewhat less efficient. With more resistance to airflow, your system may have to work harder to push air through the house, particularly if you have trouble remembering to change the filter regularly.

HEPA

These are very thorough filters that are rated between 17 and 20 on the MERV system and can filter out tobacco smoke and bacteria. If you have an indoor smoker in your home or someone that suffers from a condition that makes them susceptible to infections, this filter may be the right choice. However, they can be difficult to install and may require a professional technician.

Reusable

These air filters can be washed and replaced, helping save on long-term costs for air filtration. The MERV rating is on the low end, only filtering out major dust particles, mites, and pollen at a 1-4. While these are convenient and cost-effective, they can cause additional issues in your system. If they are not perfectly dried before being reinstalled, they can grow mold and mildew and start to spread it in the air in your home.

Sensing

Some newer filters can actually time how long they have been operating, sense the amount of debris they have accumulated, and alert you that it's time to change the filter. Some brands can even automatically order replacements as needed. While this technology is incredibly convenient and ensures your filters are never overloaded, make sure to check the MERV rating to see if it truly is a good fit for your home and lifestyle.

HVAC at the Lake of the Ozarks

Royal Heating & Air is the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we have your back for all your heating and air conditioning needs! Call Royal Heating & Air to schedule your fall maintenance and home comfort check to ensure all your systems are operating at maximum efficiency. We love taking care of you!