In its most basic function, an air filter removes impurities such as dust, pet dander, or even bacteria from the air that flows through the system. Not only does this improve the air quality inside your home, but it also protects your HVAC system from damage. Changing your oven filter regularly every one to three months is a good way to reduce dust and other particles in the air inside your home. However, a clean filter may not be enough to completely eliminate dust. All air filters receive a MERV rating (minimum efficiency report value).
The higher this rating, the smaller the particles you will prevent from passing through the filter itself. MERV ratings range from one to sixteen, so check your filter's current MERV rating and consider buying a higher rated filter to block smaller particles and keep your home's indoor air cleaner. It's important to note that filters with a higher MERV rating can also restrict air flow through the HVAC system because their mesh is smaller before dramatically increasing the MERV rating of the furnace filter. It's best to contact your HVAC service and ask for recommendations. Homeowners who clean or replace oven filters at the start of the first cold wave of the year also eliminate the source of many winter allergies.
Filters, especially high-quality ones, keep dust, animal dander and other particles out of the air. While a strong freeze generally removes allergens from outside, people with indoor allergies can suffer a lot during the winter months, especially if HVAC filters aren't replaced or maintained regularly. The ratings range from MERV 1 to MERV 20, and the higher number indicates filters that are capable of removing the smallest particles, including many pollen species. These air filters transfer an electrical charge to particles and capture them on metal plates or cause them to settle on nearby surfaces. These particles are also too large to be suspended in the air and will simply continue the cycle of being disturbed in the air and then deposited back on the ground.
The paper filters normally used in boilers and air conditioners are designed to trap large particles, such as dust, that can accumulate in the motor and fans and reduce efficiency. There's no need to heat or cool, so you won't use excess energy by using only the HVAC fan to speed up air circulation after cleaning. An electric air purifier is an HVAC accessory designed to remove dust and other airborne particles from your home air more efficiently than a passive oven filter. The Molekule air purifier features photoelectrochemical oxidation (PECO) technology, which can destroy contaminants such as allergens, mold and volatile organic chemicals (VOC) that pass through the device. The air quality to which a person is exposed is directly related to personal health and well-being.
It may be easy to wipe away dust bunnies under the sofa, but dust suspended in the air is another story. An air purifier that has a HEPA filter or other mechanical filter is an acceptable option for dust particles. They may themselves produce an air pollutant, ozone, which can be harmful to your health and that of your family. In conclusion, using an HVAC air filter is an effective way to reduce dust in your home. It's important to choose a filter with a high MERV rating so that it can capture even small particles like pollen. Additionally, an electric air purifier can help remove even more dust from your home's air.
Finally, remember to clean or replace your oven filter regularly for optimal results.
