Do Better Air Filters Mean Better Air Quality?
Can the air filter in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system have a significant impact on your indoor air quality (IAQ)?
Absolutely.
But it does not mean you need the best filter to enjoy clean air.
Many factors go in deciding the right air filter for you, from your environment to your health. Your HVAC system also makes a difference—going with the highest-efficiency filter could, in some cases, obstruct the airflow and stress your HVAC system.
Find a pro at Midwest Air Pros to improve the overall air quality of your home or business. Our companies offer premier solutions to clients in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and other parts of the Midwest.
Air Filters and Air Quality in Kansas City, Springfield, and Wichita
Anyone living with asthma, allergies, or some other type of respiratory issue, will always want the cleanest air possible. Air filters help achieve this goal. They are the first line of defense when it comes to capturing airborne particles circulating throughout your home.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), two of the more effective ways to improve your indoor air are to remove the source of pollutants and to ventilate with outdoor air. Combining these strategies with an effective HVAC filter is a surefire way to boost your air quality.
Choosing the Right Filter
The MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating measures how effective a filter is at capturing airborne particles. A higher number means your filter can capture smaller contaminants—even microscopic airborne particles that can carry viruses.
But choosing the highest-rated filter isn’t always the right decision. Depending on the design of your HVAC system, a high-efficiency filter can interfere with the airflow and ultimately cause problems for your equipment.
Many hospitals and industrial settings use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter that can trap 99.7 percent of all microscopic particles floating in the air. But the average residential HVAC system is not designed to accommodate these filters—and most homes do not require them.
Always follow the manufacturer guidelines in picking out your filter, or consult with a pro at Midwest Air Pros to determine the best fit for your system. Doing so will provide you with the best airflow and sharpest defense against airborne pollutants.
It will also keep you from spending more than you need to on your next air filter.
What’s in Your Home?
Working with one of our experts at Midwest Air Pros can help you determine the best air filtration strategy for your Omaha home or business. Every property is unique—here are a few variables to consider in choosing your next air filter:
- Where you live: are you in the country or the city? Are you surrounded by factories, residential neighborhoods, or farmland? The outdoor air around you makes a big difference.
- Who lives with you: whether you live alone or in a crowded household makes a difference in your air quality. Do you have pets? Are there people who smoke inside your home?
- The makeup of your home: do you have carpeting? What kinds of activities take place there, such as cooking or painting? What types of household cleaning products do you use?
Other Air Quality Tips
1. Always remember to change your filter every one to three months—or clean the filter if it’s washable and reusable. A clogged filter hampers your airflow and taxes your equipment.
2. Schedule one of our companies to clean and seal your ductwork. Those air ducts play a vital role in circulating fresh air to every room in your Des Moines home.
3. Open your windows whenever possible. Create a cross draft by opening windows on opposite ends of your home.
4. Use an exhaust fan whenever possible before cooking or taking a shower.
5. Install a whole-house humidifier to reduce excess moisture in the air.
Learn More About Indoor Air Quality
At Midwest Air Pros, you can find an expert closest to your home in Springfield, MO, Des Moines, IA, Kansas City, MO, Wichita, KS, Omaha, NE, and other parts of the Midwest to improve your indoor air quality. Our companies can help you with all your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical needs. We can also help you choose the right filter for your system.