Indoor Air Quality
Good “Indoor Air
Quality” starts with the air in a home being kept at a comfortable temperature and
humidity level, which is taken care of by the air conditioning system. For the indoor air to really be “Good”, it should
also be clean and free of objectionable odors and particles. “Good Air” also needs to be healthy air. It should be free of harmful materials such
as carbon monoxide, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), pollen and illness
causing bacteria or viruses.
After
temperature and humidity control, the next basic step is to reduce the particles
in the air. Air Filtration is used to
trap airborne particles before they can restrict the cooling coil or get
circulated throughout the home for you to breath. Who wants to breathe in particles? Airborne particles vary greatly in size – from
0.3 Microns to as large as 10 Microns. One Micron is very, very small –
0.000039 inches small! Air Filtering Ability
is measured and rated by its “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value” (MERV). MERV Ratings go from MERV 1 through MERV 20.
·
MERV
1–4 – (80%) - 10 Microns and larger include most Pollen, Cockroach Debris and
Fibers (typical fiberglass or synthetic disposable filters; the most common are
1” thick).
·
MERV
5-8 – (90%) - 3 to 10 Microns will include most Mold Spores, Dust Mite Debris
and Pet Dander (typical 4” thick cotton-polyester pleated disposable filters).
·
MERV
9–12 – (95%) 1 to 3 Microns including Legionella and Auto Emission Particulates
(typical box style 6”-12” deep, microfine cotton-polyester pleated disposable
filters).
·
MERV
13–16 – 0.3 to 1 Micron in size - including Bacteria, most Tobacco Smoke and
Candle Soot (specialized media – cartridge style 6”-12” deep, disposable
filters).
·
MERV
17–20 (HEPA) – Particles smaller than 0.3 Micron in size - including Viruses
and all Combustion Smoke (specialized media – cartridge style 6”-12” deep, disposable
filters).
The
Dilemma:
The best particle
filters have high air flow resistance.
Some very good “allergy” style air filters available in the hardware
stores have so much resistance to airflow that they can damage the furnace heatexchanger and freeze up the cooling coil.
We need to keep the air moving while it is getting filtered!
The
Answer:
To use the high
MERV filters, they need to be designed and applied properly. We can help you here. We have Air Filtration
Solutions that range from the very basic to the most high performance options
available. Ask your Andersen Service
Technician for a specific range of solutions that would be best for your home
and circumstances.