Air Purifiers and Air Filters––What’s the Difference?
Here in Colorado, it’s no secret many of us love the outdoors––nothing beats fresh air.
These days, however, people spend a lot more time inside. In fact, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study found Americans spend roughly 90 percent of their lives indoors.
In addition to heating and cooling, healthy air is vital to indoor comfort. Today’s homes and buildings are well-insulated. As a result, they can trap germs, allergens, and pollutants that have nowhere to escape.
A sound solution is to invest in indoor air quality (IAQ) products. They can complement your current heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC} system––be it an air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump.
Carrier West is pleased to connect you to a certified heating and cooling specialist in your area. Work with an authorized Carrier dealer who upholds strict criteria of training, business ethics, and customer approval ratings.
What Are Air Filters?
Air filters are a necessary part of any heating or cooling system. Your air filter catches particles that circulate through your ductwork. This includes the following:
- Dust
- Dander
- Smoke
- Mold
- Mites
- Bacteria
MERV Ratings
How effective is your filter at trapping contaminants? That depends, in part, on its minimum efficiency reporting value—or MERV rating. The higher the MERV, the more effective the filter is at catching small particles. MERV 16 and below are suited for homes, while hospitals use filters with a MERV rating of 17 through 20.
If you’re looking for top-of-the-line filtration, check out HEPA filters. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. They can eliminate 99.97 percent of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Before you upgrade your filter, check with your manufacturer’s guide to ensure your system can handle a higher-rated filter. Otherwise, you will restrict your system’s airflow.
Change Your Filter!
The team at Carrier West recommends all our Denver customers change their HVAC filters at least every 90—and more often if you have pets in your home or someone with allergies.
A clogged filter cannot do its job of catching dust and debris. Additionally, it can cause your system to run less efficiently, leading to mechanical problems.
What Are Air Purifiers?
Air purifiers are an add-on technology that goes the extra mile to improve IAQ. Here are a few types of air purification technology:
- Ultraviolet (UV) Lamps
Ever seen your doctor or dentist sanitize their equipment using a purple light? The same technology can remove viruses, bacteria, mold, and pathogens from the air in your home. For instance, Carrier’s Performance™ Ultraviolet Germicidal UV Light can deactivate germs that grow in humid HVAC systems.
- Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)
Wave goodbye to stale air with a ventilator. This unit creates natural ventilation by removing air from the indoors and blowing in a pre-filtered fresh supply from the outdoors. It is a natural way to keep your home healthy without energy loss from opening windows.
- Whole-Home Purifiers
While many air purifiers are standalone, these units simulate having an air purifier in every room of your home. For example, the Infinity® Air Purifier mounts to your furnace. It can capture up to 95 percent of particles and uses an electrical charge to inactivate or kill them. Additionally, it has been proven effective against pathogens that cause the flu, common cold, and strep.
Call Today and Find a Dealer Near You!
Carrier West is proud to connect you to a qualified HVAC dealer in Denver, CO, and surrounding communities. Call today at 303-479-4813 or request service online.