No homeowner is going to complain about having cleaner air in their home. This is especially true after the EPA revealed that the air in many U.S. homes is more polluted than the outdoor air. Receiving cleaner air doesn’t need to be difficult, or come with an excessive cost. The air filter for your HVAC system can help achieve cleaner air, if you use the right type. Your Minuteman Heating & AC technician can assist you in selecting the right air filter for your system. If you haven’t already scheduled annual air conditioning service in Arlington, TX, call today and talk to your NATE certified technician about an air filter for cleaner air in your home. You may be wondering what the right type is, what pollutants can you expect in your home, and is it safe for your HVAC system? We will look at the answers in the following:

Common Sources of Indoor Pollution

Tightly built home’s may be great for energy efficiency, but without adequate ventilation, their indoor air quality is questionable. The accumulation of pollutants from  building materials, and the potential for a concentration of viruses and bacteria are often related to homes built for energy efficiency. Our technicians can assist you in providing cleaner air. Call today to schedule air conditioning service in Arlington, TX. So just what are these pollutants? The potential is extensive, but some are more common than others.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) are the vapors or gases from common products used in the home, and its construction. Products which can be endangering your health from VOC’s include:

• Aerosolized products such as air fresheners and hairspray
• Common household cleaning products
• Paint
• Carpet
• Products made from pressed wood
• Upholstery
• Vinyl flooring
• Engineered wood flooring
• Glue and adhesives
• Other construction materials

How to Prevent it

Check for building supplies (including carpet, vinyl and engineered wood products), paint and household products listed as low VOC’s or as containing no VOCs.

Pet Dander

Pet dander is common problem for those with allergies and asthma. Taking care of your pet can reduce it, but those with allergies need a quality air filter.

Dust Mites and Cockroaches

Dust mites and the parts of cockroaches, along with their excrement are a common source of allergies. Frequent vacuuming and quality air filtration offer the best relief.

Pollen

While it is helpful to open windows and doors, in order to provide fresh air, keep them closed during pollen seasons. Pollen is also tracked into the home and enters through ventilation pipes. Quality air filtration can help to remove indoor pollen. Contact our NATE certified technicians today for reliable air conditioning service in Arlington, TX.

Duct System

The duct work in your home is an often overlooked component. It should be periodically inspected for failing seals, damage, separated joints and the need for cleaning. If it has been a while since an inspection, ask your technician to inspect the ducts the next time you call for air conditioning service in Arlington, TX.

How Indoor Air Pollution May Affect You

Indoor air pollution can cause headaches and nausea; and worsen the health of those with allergies, asthma, and chronic respiratory conditions. The long term consequences of indoor  pollution are frighteningly clear, and may include cancer, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases and other illnesses. Minuteman Heating & AC offers professional heating and air conditioning service in Arlington, TX, including clean air solutions.

The Extra Benefit

There are three types of air cleaning systems, including whole house air filters, portable air cleaners and whole house air filtration systems. Cleaner air not only improves the air quality in your home, it can improve your quality of life by eliminating odors. Examples of odors it can remove include cooking odors, pesticides, cat litter and pet odors. Contact our expert technicians to schedule heating and air conditioning service in Arlington, TX.

How an Air Filter May Help Provide Cleaner Air

Air filters are rated by the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV system. The MERV rating for a filter is typically between 1 and 20, with the latter being the most effective, although not necessarily the best for your unit’s lifespan. It is essential for the filter to be compatible and approved for use with your heating and air conditioning in Arlington, TX, to prevent potential damage. In order to provide the filtration of pollutants, the filter should be a MERV 5 or higher. Those with a lower rating are useful only for protecting the HVAC system from large damaging particles.

Pleated filters with a MERV of 5 to 13 are fairly efficient in removing medium to large airborne particles. In addition, those with a MERV between 7 and 13 are almost as efficient as a HEPA filter in removing airborne particles. High efficiency filters feature a MERV of 14 to 16, and are often confused with HEPA filters, which have a MERV value of 17 to 20. True HEPA filters require a specialized system due to their size and increased air flow resistance.

In addition, caution is required when using high efficiency filters, as not all systems have fans designed to accommodate them. In systems that lack adequate fan capacity, damage may result to the system. Your HVAC technician is the best guide for the filter your system can tolerate. Contact Minuteman Heating & AC to schedule heating and air conditioning service in Arlington, TX.

Routinely Change Air Filters

One of the most important maintenance tasks the homeowner can provide is to change the filter routinely. Regular filter changes can extend the system’s life span, while reducing the need for air conditioning service in Arlington, TX. Pleated filters are an fairly effective option for most systems.

Contact Minuteman Heating and AC for questions about your air filter, or to schedule AC installation, repair or heating and air conditioning service in Arlington, TX. Our NATE certified technicians can provide you with the information and the installation you require for cleaner air. We serve  Arlington, Mansfield and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.