Air filters are an essential part of home heating and cooling systems, yet they are often overlooked. Filtration usually occurs when spent air is returned to the air conditioning equipment to be conditioned and redistributed. The air passes through the filter and the material removes particulates and other pollutants from the air. Air filtration is defined as “the process of reducing or eliminating unwanted particles or gases from the air”.
Atmospheric dust is a complex mixture of smoke, mists, fumes, dry granular particles, and fibers suspended in the air. In addition to the above, the air can contain living organisms such as bacteria, plant pollens, etc. Air conditioning systems generally have provisions to remove some of these unacceptable air pollutants. Air filtration usually involves the removal of particles with sizes ranging from 0.1 to 200 microns. The standard MERV values range from 1 to 16, and the number serves as an indicator of how well the filter will remove material from the air.
The quality and quantity of the filter material influence the size of the air particles that can be captured, the way they are captured, and the flow of air through the system. The air filter in your home's boiler, air conditioner, or heat pump is an important component of the air conditioning system that is often overlooked. The opposite happens if you don't have an air filter or if the air filter is so dirty that it restricts air flow. Air filters are an aftermarket product with a lifespan that usually ranges from 1 to 6 months in the case of disposable filters. Filters are used in air conditioning systems to remove dust and other pollutants from the air in order to purify it.
Air filters with a MERV rating of 14 or higher capture more particulate matter, but they also restrict airflow more and clog up faster. The two main functions of an air filter are to protect your home's heating and cooling system from dust and debris buildup, as well as to purify the air by removing pollutants such as pollen, smoke, bacteria, mold spores, and other allergens. By keeping your home's heating and cooling system clean and free from debris buildup, you can ensure that it runs efficiently and effectively for years to come. In addition to protecting your home's heating and cooling system from dust and debris buildup, an air filter also helps improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants from the air. This helps reduce allergies and asthma symptoms for those who suffer from them. It also helps reduce odors in your home by trapping odors before they can spread throughout your home. Overall, air filters play a critical role in maintaining home comfort and performance.
By keeping your home's heating and cooling system clean and free from debris buildup, you can ensure that it runs efficiently and effectively for years to come. In addition, an air filter helps improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants from the air.