April 2012
Spring is here and it’s time to freshen up and clean up! Though spring makes its introduction with vibrant colors and fresh air, it also brings forth pollen and allergens. However, you can take preventative steps to ensure you and your family suffer less this season with the right air filtration. Though you might be tempted by the countless household appliances promising you cleaner air, you really need to focus your attention to the source of your indoor air: your air duct. The duct itself might need cleaning, but chances are, if you change your filter regularly, it doesn’t. It all comes down to how you filter the unfiltered air. Let’s take a look at some different ways of air filtration and cleaning.
- Pleated Filters
- Whole House Media Filters
- Electronic Air Cleaners
- UV Lights
- Trane CleanEffects
The initial cost of these products range in price from around $50 to $1000. As usual, the more you spend, the more allergens, pollen, smoke, etc. that is filtered. With all the choices, you may think it would be easier to buy and install the 1″ pleated “allergy” filters. But be careful, you could cause harm to your system by restricting the airflow it needs. An easy way to test for adequate airflow is to try this: When you install a new allergy filter, see if the filter quickly suctions to the back of the grill; if it does, consider using either a regular 1″ fiberglass filter, changing it once a month, or call us about a 4″ pleated filter which makes up a much larger surface area of filter space. The 4″ filters will usually last anywhere from around 6 months to a year and will do a much better job of filtering than a 1″ and will still allow for adequate airflow. The great thing about these filters is that they are surrounded by a one inch lip, letting them fit into your existing return grill.
Blake