How Good Is The Air Quality In Your Home?
A telltale sign of poor indoor air quality in a home includes chronic coughing, sneezing, colds and flu. Other signs may include skin irritations and a general feeling of lethargy or lack of energy. If poor air quality persists over long periods of time, it begins to compromise the lungs and can lead to more serious problems. The simplest way to reduce poor air quality is through the use of furnace filters and replacing them regularly.
A Variety Of Furnace Filters
Fortunately, there is a wide variety of furnace filters available for every need. Furnace filters are found on heating and cooling equipment such as furnaces and air conditioning units. Check the operations and maintenance manual for proper filter sizes and types. HEPA filters are among the most popular of the types of filters available. A HEPA filter is specially manufactured and rated to trap household molds and allergens. Household molds and allergens are chief causes of poor indoor air quality.
Electronic Air Cleaner
An electronic air cleaner is sold as a free standing unit or connected to an existing HVAC system. A free standing electronic air filter operates autonomously. Electronic cleaners connected to the furnace or cooling system may rely on the humidifying system or furnace blower for activation when in use. The process with an electronic air cleaner is to turn over high volumes of room air and filter through an internal filtration and collection operation. Unlike air filters installed as part of HVAC systems, turnover of filtered air is higher and measured in parts per hour. Air is automatically taken into the filter unit where dust, allergens and other particulate are filtered and returned to the air stream as clean air.
Replaceable Furnace Filters
Many furnaces use replaceable air filters. Take note of the weave of replaceable furnace filters. Some are manufactured from fibreglass materials while others have a dense weave and may be pleated. A filter with a dense weave is a higher quality filter, trapping a higher percentage of pollutants. They cost more than a typical fibreglass weave but they are worth the few extra dollars. Pay attention to the filter size required by your furnace as the filters come in many different sizes. It is recommended that replaceable air filters be replaced at least every 90 days and even more frequently in damp or dusty climates.
For more information on furnace filters and how to improve your indoor air quality, contact Langton Heating and Air Conditioning in Hamilton today at (905) 312-9644.