Can HVAC Air Filters Reduce the Spread of Allergens and Germs?

After finally finishing a big remodeling project, the last chore thought about when sitting down in front of the TV with a cold drink is air filters. Dusty projects involving drywall insulation can leave microscopic residue throughout the house. Sadly, sweeping and mopping never prove satisfactory. Air filters help prevent a large number of health complications caused by flaky dry skin cells, air-freshening sprays, carbon monoxide, common household cleaners, cosmetics powders, dirt from outside, dust from appliance debris, hairsprays, paint, pet dander and smoke from cooking. Every day people demand clean filtered drinking water and the same demand needs to be practiced with air in the household every day.

Cities do not have ordinances in place to protect quality residential air quality. The responsibility of fresh, healthy air resides on homeowners and their families. Navigating the terms of air filters can be daunting at first. Hopefully, some light can be shed on the topic by summarizing the four different types of filters in a succinct manner.

Fiberglass air filters are the cheapest air filter on the market to serve the purpose of protecting you’re A/C system more than your lungs. If there are family members with past respiratory or cardiovascular health complications, High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are a better option than fiberglass. The U.S. government approves HEPA filters as the smartest choice. Pleated means the filter has a series of folds concentrated in a small space. The more pleats, the more effective the filter. Polyester pleats are commonly seen in car engine filters.

UV filters function by employing ultraviolet light to kill microscopic bacteria prone to pass through even the best HEPA filter. Although UV filters are less effective at trapping visible dust that can cause respiratory problems, UV is the best method to kill real infections before entering the house. Electrostatic is not a filter type but a filter feature. Depending on the quality of manufacturing, pleated filters may be electrically charged. Electrostatic precipitators are another type of filter entirely that is expensive and not provided by Dodrill. Washable is another feature of the air filter. Ask a Dodrill employee about washable filters. Some pleated filters are washable and recyclable. HEPA filters are not washable or recyclable. A superior filter does not exist.

Each filter type has specific advantages and disadvantages. If you need any help deciding on the best air filter for the house, please contact Dodrill Comfort & Energy Solutions today. Air filters help protect homes from pesky health complications. Especially in these times of uncertainty with the coronavirus, HVAC air filters can reduce the spread of allergens and germs. Please make the most informed decision to keep your family safe.

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