Indoor air might look like it’s fresh and clean, but, if you look closely, it may have tiny particles mixed in with it. You might’ve noticed this in direct sunlight. These particulates are only micrometers in size, so they can go inside narrow entrances easily. We breathe these particles without noticing, and they go deep into our lungs. Unfortunately, these pollutants can cause your health to deteriorate.
The HVAC air filters in your heating and air conditioning system can help improve your indoor air quality. These air filters block the particulate matter from entering your home and the air that you breathe. However, they might not work as they should. This article will discuss the different reasons your HVAC filter is not improving your indoor air quality.
Your home’s HVAC filter might be underperforming due to the following:
Did you recently move? If so, the HVAC system is most likely in tiptop shape, and all the parts are accounted for. However, you might also have noted that there are excess dust and other particulates in the air. Check if the filters are in place in the HVAC unit. The previous homeowner might have forgotten to put the filter in. Without a filter, the contaminants pass through easily. This will lead to a lot of dust and dirt accumulation in your system’s coils, ducts, blowers, and home.
Having an HVAC filter alone is not enough to improve your indoor air quality if it is not installed correctly. Consequently, your high-quality air filter will not work as effectively. A small opening is enough for the particulates to go around the air filter. Therefore, despite having an air filter in place, the indoor air quality will still suffer. You can replace it as per the manufacturer’s recommendation. However, your home’s air quality will not improve unless you do something about installing the air filter properly. Contact your trusted HVAC technician to help you fix this issue.
Filters are static installations. Therefore, air needs to flow from one side to the other for it to work as it should. The HVAC system needs to have enough runtime to force an adequate amount of air through the filters.
An HVAC system that is too large can short cycle. This means that it reaches the set temperature quicker, so the system switches off immediately. The HVAC system does not run long enough for the filter to do its job correctly. Ensure that a professional HVAC technician installs the correct HVAC size for your home. Check the fan settings of your thermostat as well. Make sure that it is “ON” instead of “AUTO” so that it runs longer. If you are not satisfied with this, try a standalone air filter. Discuss your issues with an expert so you can further improve your indoor air quality.
Sometimes, your HVAC runs sufficiently, but there isn’t enough airflow. As a result, the filtration volume decreases. This issue is usually caused by undersized return ducts and dirty air filters. The latter happens when homeowners do not subscribe to a regular HVAC filter replacement schedule. Air cannot pass through easily if the filter is clogged. When this happens, airflow will decrease and air pressure will increase. System efficiency will also be affected negatively. Make sure to change the filters frequently so that it can do its job properly.
The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV, is the filter’s ability to capture particles. The higher the rating, the better it can trap certain types of particles. Therefore, you must pay attention to what MERV rating your filter has. Those with low ratings might be cheaper, but it also means that they are not as effective as those with higher MERV ratings. Consider this the next time you are buying filters. It is worth investing in filters with high ratings if it means you and your family breathe cleaner air when indoors.
HVAC systems will only work at its best if they are installed correctly. It won’t matter if you have a good HVAC brand if the installers make an installation mistake. For instance, the outdoor air duct might have been connected to the system’s return side. This bypasses the air filter. This mistake does not happen often, but it doesn’t mean it can’t happen to you. A highly trained and experienced technician can fix this problem immediately.
It is essential to know how your HVAC unit works and how the air flows. This way, you can determine the correct place to put your air filter. Incorrect or sub-optimal filter placement will lead to poor performance. This might seem like a little thing, but even the best HVAC make and model can underperform when it is in the wrong location.
The air filter is essential in achieving high indoor air quality. If you notice frequent respiratory issues like coughs and sneezes in your family, you might want to look into the air filter of your HVAC unit. It might have one or more of the problems listed above. Prevent any issues by hiring a reliable HVAC contractor to assist you. Make sure that your system receives regular checks and maintenance as well so that you breathe in clean indoor air at all times.
Tower Energy provides excellent HVAC services throughout Hartford County, Connecticut. We hire professionally certified and highly trained technicians who provide superior heating and cooling services, including repairs, tune-ups, installations, and replacements. All our techs are equipped with the proper skills, tools, experience, and knowledge to conduct accurate and prompt HVAC services.
Our company guarantees affordable cooling and heating service prices in the area. Our maintenance services will help increase your home’s comfort and energy-efficiency, as well as reduce your monthly cooling bills. If you need to replace or repair your current system, we can help you find the best make and model that will best fit your home and budget. All our services are backed with a guarantee. Your satisfaction is our priority. Schedule a service appointment and call Tower Energy today. We offer free, in-home consultations.
Contact us now or call us at (860) 677-7347 to find out more.
