Allergens and Air filters

If you suffer from allergies, there is a big chance that you have searched for every method to filter those allergen particles from your home. It is advised that those suffering from asthma and allergies, upgrade to an efficient air filter to keep the air particle free. However, what is the right air filter for allergies? Here is a closer look,

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Air Filters make a very Important tool for decreasing allergens:

The dirt hidden under the rugs can hurt you or irritate your sensitive body. Your filters are a very important part for safeguarding the air quality of the house, especially when the right kind of air filter is utilized. Cheap air filters that are readily available from the hardware store do absolutely nothing for enhancing the quality of air within the house. They just serve for preventing big dirt, dust particles and hair from harming HVAC equipment (if altered regularly). However, the ordinary filters do very little towards removing dust mites, microscopic dust, pollen, mold, dander, mildew, and other irritants, which are so tiny they slip from the fibers to get blown back into the living space. To trap the particles, it is important to use specialized air filters.

1. Mechanical Filters

Specialized mechanical filters have the ability to physically trap allergens. They were developed during world war two for preventing the leakage of radioactive elements from labs. They can capture approximately 90% of the particles, removing irritants, allergens, and toxins for keeping the air within the house cleaner. The best quality filters can capture 99% of the dust, pollen, and smoke particles. However, not all filters work the best. Pay close attention to MERV ratings. From MERV 1 to MERV 12, the greater the number, the minute the elements the air filter can get rid of. For blocking allergen-inducing elements, selecting a MERV rating of ten or greater is best.

2. Electrostatic Filters

These filters make use of an electrical charge for attracting irritants and allergens for deposit on the collecting plates.

3. Hybrid Filters

These filters blend the elements of both electrostatic and mechanical filtration, which is combined with other features of air quality preservation such as, humidifiers/dehumidifiers and UV light (for pathogens). Incorporating such features into the ‘whole house system’ which is connected to and works in combination with HVAC equipment can enhance filtration, decrease noise in the house and save space.

Air filters play a very important role in making sure your air quality remains intact. If you are tired of suffering from dust and other allergies, get your HVAC checked from a professional.

HVAC experts can guide you on the right filters to use and if you require a complete HVAC change to improve the air quality in your house. However, make sure the service or professional you choose has the expertise and skill to handle your problems. The best way to find out about genuine HVAC services is to search online or ask family and friends for valuable suggestions.

Is it time to replace your AC unit?

This is an important question many homeowners ask when their air conditioning units have crossed over eight to ten years of usage. Old air conditioning units are probably oversized and provide inefficient energy savings and improper cooling to your home’s indoors. If your old unit is too noisy or does not cool properly, then it’s time you consider replacing it for a better model that can reduce environmental impact, improve comfort and lower energy bills. Another important fact that must be noted is that older AC units use ozone-depleting refrigerants. Newer models in the market use refrigerants that are safer and beneficial for the environment. You also need to know that if you don’t replace your old unit at the right time, it could cause serious contamination for your indoors and also encounter massive failure. This could prove to be a costly mess to clean up. So, replace your unit quickly to save money in the long run and also benefit from sustained energy efficiency. It all comes down to these three points to help you determine if you should replace your system or not.

• The life of the AC unit has exceeded 10 or 15 years of usage.
• The AC unit is very loud during operation.
• The AC has completely failed to function.
• Maintaining the AC unit has become too expensive due to its recurring problems.

If you encounter one or more of the given list of points mentioned above, then you should consider replacing your unit. When you buy a new AC unit, take care to purchase one that operates above a 10 SEER level in energy savings. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating and homeowners can use this information to buy a unit that mentions 10 or above in SEER level. There is another advantage of gaining incentives when a new unit is purchase. There are many states in America that offer special incentives when you buy a high efficiency model. Federal tax credits are also made available and homeowners should take advantage of it. There are a few advantages you can enjoy if you replace your old unit and they are:-

1. New Government Standards – There are new standards set by the Federal Government for every homeowner who replaces or purchases a new AC unit with a high SEER rating. You can get a new system that cools efficiently and saves you on energy bills every month.

2. Good Return on Investment – Replacing an old unit depends on its efficiency and size. Buying a unit with a high SEER rating may prove to be expensive at present but will save you money in the long run due to its capacity to run efficiently and save on energy. 

3. Environmentally Friendly – Not many homeowners know that AC units that were purchased before the year 2010 used a refrigerant known as the R-22. This is the very same refrigerant that is causing the depletion of the earth’s ozone layer which protects the environment. Due to this, the EPA has banned manufacturers from making air conditioners with this particular refrigerant, which was responsible of releasing harmful amounts of chemicals into the air. If you buy or replace your old unit, you can do your part in protecting the environment. 

4. Reduce Maintenance Costs – An old unit will add to your electric bills and maintenance costs as well. A new unit can save up to 20% of your energy bills and prove to be an efficient cooling system during the hot weather.

5. Reduce Humidity levels – Sometimes you may feel that are some areas in your home that are really warm while there are some areas that are really cool. This is due to improper insulation, leaky ducts or faulty equipment. It may also be possible that you installed an improperly sized AC unit for your home. This in turn increases humidity levels in the home which results in improper cooling. A new unit can solve the problem as you can check if the system is of the right size for your home. You can also ask your contractor to check if your home is properly insulated and ducts are free from harmful particulates and working properly. They can also check to see if your home’s thermostat is working properly to make sure that you save on energy bills and run the system according to your family’s schedule.

The whole process may seem daunting or expensive but replacing an old unit with a new energy efficient model will be the right decision to make. However make sure that whatever unit you purchase, maintenance comes first. This will ensure that your system has a long life and cools your home efficiently for many more years to come.

DIY Tips for Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance at Home

Preventing cooling problems at home is always wiser than to fix them. Regular maintenance of you’re A/C system will be time and effort well spent. Like any other machine that needs regular tuning, an air conditioner that is well-maintained will function more efficiently. There may not be many repairs you can do yourself as there are specific procedures to follow to keep your air conditioner operating at full efficiency. These tasks can only be carried out by a contractor who is well versed in repairing a cooling system. 

Before starting any work on your unit, make sure that the power to the system is off, especially the evaporator and condenser. Air conditioners are expensive systems and it is imperative that you undertake regular maintenance and avoid costly repairs. You can follow some simple DIY servicing tips to keep your system running like new every time.

• Switch off the power – The main power must always be turned off before commencing work. After that locate the capacitor by following directions provided by the unit’s manufacturer.
• Oil the fan motor and clean the condenser – Your condenser will be covered with dust after a period of usage, so you can clean it with a brush. After this remove the cover grill and setscrew containing the fan. This way you can gain access to the oil ports and lubricate the fan motor as specified by the manufacturer. An air conditioning contractor will probably charge around $700 to service the condenser and fan. However you can avoid this expense by doing it yourself.
• Clean the condenser coils – Using a garden hose you can clean the condenser coils by removing the coil guard. Then spray the inside unit to prevent the accumulation of water-soaked debris. The fins inside can be straightened if bent and cleaned with a fin comb.
• Inspect and adjust belts and pulleys – Belts and pulleys need to be checked periodically as worn out pulleys and loose belts will decrease air flow, shorten the compressor’s life and increase operating costs.
• Check and calibrate the thermostat – Did you know that every degree your air conditioner operates below the 78 degree mark will add 5-8 percent of your energy costs. So an improperly regulated thermostat can cause the unit to run longer than necessary.
• Recycle the refrigerant – An improper refrigerant charge can go unnoticed and increase operating costs or cause compressor shutdown. You need to hire a professional for replacing the refrigerant if is damaged beyond repair. During this process, you need to ensure that no harmful, toxic gases are leaked into the atmosphere.
• Record system temperature and pressure – Maintaining an accurate record of your system’s vital data can indicate future problems, which in turn can be averted.
• Service the filters – The most important component of an air conditioning unit is the air filter. The air that we breathe is purified by the working of the filter. If proper cleaning is not undertaken on a regular basis, then fungi and bacteria will make its way inside your home. To clean the filter, detach the casing that includes the filter. Clean the air filter with a cloth and non-abrasive soap and water. To enhance the life of the filter, you need to repeat this procedure every two weeks. Before reattaching the filter to the unit, ensure that it is completely bone dry.
• Replacement of filter – If the foam air filter is too worn out, you need to avoid using it. You can purchase a plastic electrostatic mesh filter from your local supplier which will cost around $7. Rinse it with clean water and cut the new filter with a pair of scissors. Allow it to dry completely and then install it inside.
• Service the ducts – To help remove dust and debris from the ducts, you need to clean it regularly with a vacuum cleaner.
• Undertake routine checkups – You need to check various parts like breakers, fuses and the thermostat on a regular basis and ensure that all are properly connected.

By following a regular maintenance schedule mentioned here, you can handle most problems that surface from your window or central air conditioning unit.