There are many options for improving and upgrading your existing HVAC system. These improvements can make your home more comfortable, healthy and efficient.

Air Filters

Changing your Air Filters is a simple improvement which can benefit your air quality. Your Air Filters should be replaced at least every 3 months. Replace them as often as 1 month for high traffic or homes with pets. Regularly changing your air filters will also help your HVAC system run efficiently as possible.

There are many different types of air filters:

• Fiberglass spun is least expensive, but will only capture larger particulates. These do not remove microbes, smaller particulates, gasses.
• Pleated filters are capable of removing, dust, dander and some allergens.
• Electrostatic filters (such as HEPA) use fibers such as paper and cotton to create static. The static attracts much smaller particles, allergens, mold spores and some microbes.

Air filters are MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) ranked. The ranking refers to the size particulates the filter can remove from the air. Residential MERV rankings are ideally between 3 and 7.

Greater indoor air quality is achievable with air purification systems. These systems are installed directly into your HVAC duct system.

Air Purification

It is important to consider air purification for a healthy air environment. Children, older people and those with health issues benefit from higher air quality.

Air purifiers can neutralize most all indoor contaminants. Contaminants include microbes, viruses, mold, odors and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). These air purifiers come in smaller portable room purifiers or the most effective whole home purifiers. Whole home purifiers are installed into your HVAC system.

The whole home purifiers work the best at removing most all contaminants and odors from your home. For more information see our “Indoor Air Purification” Blog.

Programmable thermostats

Using programmable thermostats can help reduce energy consumption. They allow you to preprogram individual thermostats to more economic settings when no one is using that area. For more information, visit our “Programmable Thermostats- Saving Energy” Blog.

Humidifier/ Dehumidifier

Optimum humidity for health and comfort in your home should be between 30% and 50%. The ideal goal to be around 45%.

Often your heating and air conditioning equipment will dry your air out. Adding moisture to the air will feel more comfortable and be better for your skin and breathing. It will also keep your wood floors and furniture from drying out as well.

A humidifier can be installed to work in conjunction with your HVAC system. There are also portable units which can be used in a single area.

Conversely, sometimes your air can become too humid. Humidity levels over 50% can promote mold growth. This can be a very dangerous environment especially if there are existing health problems.

Mold must be prevented, it can cause serious illnesses as well as breathing issues. Dehumidifiers will remove excess moisture. They come in whole house or portable units. They effectively reduce humidity from the air to moderate levels. These systems can remove up to 12 gallons from your home’s air.

These improvements can really improve your comfort, health and indoor air quality. Air Doctor Heating and Air  is pleased to consult with you, We can advise you on the best components for your existing system. We can also provide you with a Free Estimate if you are considering a new HVAC system.