When it comes to protecting the HVAC system in your Mooresville, NC home, nothing trumps the importance of clean air filters. All air that enters heat pumps, air conditioners, and furnaces passes through these components. Standard air filters sieve out particulate matter, including dust, dander, and pollen. They protect both indoor air quality (IAQ) and heating and cooling equipment. But for optimum HVAC performance and health, you may need a whole-home humidifier or air purification system. Read on to learn how these integrated accessories provide enhanced HVAC support.
Standard Air Filters Offer Limited IAQ Benefits
HVAC equipment manufacturers design their products to house air filters. They do so to extend the lifespan of heating and cooling equipment. Air filters prevent heavy buildups on or within key HVAC system components. Maintaining clean air filters limits the risk of blocked condensate drains, clogged air intake valves, dirty evaporator and condenser coils, and more. This is why neglecting filter maintenance ranks among the most common causes of HVAC problems.
While air filters exist to protect HVAC systems, they still benefit people and IAQ. With regular air filter maintenance, you’ll have fewer dusty buildups on indoor surfaces, cleaner, fresher-smelling indoor air, and lower energy bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), keeping filters clean can enhance the efficiency of HVAC systems by as much as 15%.
When and Why Do Air Filters Fall Short?
Air filters extract large-sized particulates such as dirt and dander, but standard air filter mesh is larger than many micro-fine allergens and contaminants. Standard air filters aren’t rated to catch harmful microorganisms or gaseous chemicals. Many common indoor pollutants pass right through them, including:
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Dust mite allergens
- Mold
- Viruses
- Bacteria
Lacking advanced air-cleaning, HVAC systems can actually circulate these and other contaminants indefinitely. If you have poor IAQ, your HVAC might move illness-causing germs and mold spores from room to room.
Insufficient Humidity
In addition to regulating temperatures and providing limited air filtration, HVAC systems regulate humidity. When cooling, both air conditioners and heat pumps extract excess moisture from the air. However, humidity regulation from an HVAC system affects only the cooling season and humidity extraction. Unless you have a heat pump with a dry mode setting, your HVAC system won’t extract excess moisture in winter. More importantly, on their own, HVAC systems cannot add moisture to the air. If you have ongoing problems with dry-air conditions, you need additional support.
Vulnerable Residents
The limited air filtration and humidity regulation that HVAC systems supply aren’t always sufficient for vulnerable residents. You may need the support of a whole-house humidifier or air purification system if anyone in your home has a chronic respiratory ailment. Integrated IAQ accessories can help you maintain healthy IAQ to support the needs of:
- People with asthma or chronic allergies
- Newborn babies
- Aging-in-place seniors
- People with terminal illnesses
How Integrated HVAC Accessories Work
HVAC companies install integrated accessories on or within air ducts. These secondary appliances seamlessly support HVAC systems by treating conditioned air before distribution. During active heating and cooling cycles, they add needed humidity or clean air before it enters each room.
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers deactivate gaseous chemical contaminants, including VOCs. They also eradicate viruses, bacteria, mold, mildew, and other germs. They create cleaner, fresher-smelling indoor air. In some instances, they can also limit the spread of communicable illnesses.
Although most people install whole-house air purifiers to protect building residents, these secondary appliances benefit HVAC systems, too. With better air filtration, HVAC systems are less likely to develop heavy buildups of particulate matter on their sensitive, internal components. Improved air filtration supports optimum airflow, enhances efficiency, and decreases operational stress. With the right integrated accessory, your HVAC system could last longer, perform better, and cost less to use.
The Benefits of Supplementary Humidity Control
If your household regularly suffers from dry-air symptoms, a humidifier will add just the right amount of moisture to your air year-round. Installing an integrated humidifier can resolve or prevent all common dry-air problems, including:
- Warped floorboards and furnishings
- Excess static electricity and static shock
- Nighttime nosebleeds
- Nasal and throat irritation
Schedule IAQ Service in Mooresville
Serving Mooresville and the surrounding communities since 2006, Putnam Mechanical offers comprehensive HVAC and IAQ services. With over 75 years of combined industry experience, our team delivers consistently excellent workmanship backed by solid guarantees.
For top-notch HVAC system support from cutting-edge IAQ accessories, contact Putnam Mechanical today!
