Keeping your indoor air quality (IAQ) good is an important aspect of maintaining your HVAC system. It’s for this reason that homeowners have been contacting their local air conditioning service pros asking for ideas to help improve the quality of the air they breathe at home. This has never been more important than today, when health risks abound left and right.
One of the most reliable ways to improve your IAQ levels is with the use of s HEPA filter. However, HEPA filters can be expensive, and these ultra-high- efficiency filters can have a negative effect on your air circulation. Here our HVAC specialists at Bartlett explain what HEPA filters are and discuss when they might be right for your home.
What’s a HEPA Filter?
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate absorbing. In normal residential air conditioning repair, installation and operation, HEPA filters are rarely used, except on rare occasions when residents have medical conditions with specific requirements. The efficiency of these filters enables them to filter out up to 99.97% of particulate matter 0.3 microns or bigger. They’re also able to filter out 95% of pollutants 0.1 microns in size. To put this in perspective, many disease-causing viruses and bacteria are 0.35 to 10 microns in size.
Who Needs HEPA Filters?
Because of their high efficiency, doctors and allergists recommend the use of HEPA filters for people prone to dust, dander and pollen allergies. People with respiratory conditions such as asthma can also be protected from potential attacks with the right HEPA filter.
How Are HEPA Filters Used?
HEPA filters can be stand-alone filters, or they can be retrofitted into an existing duct network. They require regular replacements, however. as their high efficiency also means they become clogged more often than normal filters would. Ask your local HVAC professional if a HEPA filter would work with your existing heating and cooling system.
Turn to Bartlett for All Your HVAC Needs
At Bartlett Air Conditioning, we’re your leading provider of heating and air conditioning services, and you can count on us to help you improve your indoor air quality and keep your HVAC system in good condition all-year-round. Give us a call at (630) 372-7640 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation and request a free estimate on new HVAC installations today. We serve homeowners in Glendale and Elgin, as well as other neighboring communities.