Air Cleaners vs. Air Filters
Posted: July 8, 2021 by Andy

Our climate-controlled indoor environments are usually quite comfortable in the modern world. So many of our daily needs are easily met without venturing outside; we're a society that spends most of its time indoors. As a result, indoor air quality has become an area of concern, contributing to potential health problems.

Our team here at Hey Neighbor Heating & Cooling, along with the manufacturers of air purification and filtration products, are working to provide solutions to help you ensure there's clean indoor air in your home for you and your family. Here are some details about what's currently available.

Air cleaners

Often used in conjunction with HVAC air filters, these are usually separate appliances typically designed for a single room or specified square footage of space. A wide variety of different systems and technologies are available, and each option tends to focus on a specific set of particles.

For example, ultraviolet (UV) air cleaners for the home were developed from purifiers used in hospitals for disinfecting the air. They tackle bacteria, mold, viruses, and other pathogens. Or, you might opt for activated carbon filters, which are very effective for removing odors, gases, smoke, and similar particles.

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air purifiers work similarly to HEPA filters and remove pollen, dust, mold spores, and pet dander from your indoor air. However, although HEPA air purifiers effectively filter out tiny particles, they can't remove bacteria and viruses.

Another type of air purification technology uses ions to clean the air. These units disperse negative ions into your living space, which attract positive ions such as dust. The resulting fused particles are heavier and fall onto your home's flooring and other surfaces to be removed during dusting and vacuuming chores. Neighborly Tip: Remember to use a HEPA vacuum bag to maximize the capture and disposal of these particles.

Although each of these air purification systems typically works in a single area or confined space, you can invest in a whole-house purification system as well. For instance, an electronic air cleaner works with your heating and cooling system by employing ionic cleaners, static electricity, and HEPA filtration in a single unified system. A centralized air cleaner can be installed as a component of your ductwork and complements your HVAC system's filtration. Something to consider for added indoor air freshness - an air-to-air exchange unit enables your system to pull in more outside fresh air, enhancing the effectiveness of the other purifiers in your system.

Air filters

An essential part of your Northeast Ohio home's HVAC system, your air filter traps and removes a wide range of airborne particulates before the circulating air enters your furnace or air conditioner to be heated or cooled. Many different air filters are available, ranging from basic and inexpensive to more costly but effective versions that filter out even microscopic particles.

A filter's minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating measures its ability to remove particles from the air. Filters carry a MERV rating between 1 and 16, with higher values indicating better filtration.

Air filters are composed of many different types of materials. For example, your system can use a pleated polyester filter in a cardboard frame or a layered fiberglass filter surrounded by a metal grate. Regardless of its composition, consider replacing your filter at least every month or so.

Homeowners with family members with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory illnesses may want to consider using a HEPA filter. These filters capture 99.97% of all particles 0.3 microns or larger.

Contact us for clean indoor air!

At Hey Neighbor Heating & Cooling, our professionals can provide more details about air purification systems and air filters. Our trained team of experts will help you choose an air treatment system that will meet your family's needs. Call us at 877-247-7661 or request service online today. You'll be breathing more easily before you know it!