Air Filters and the Quality of YOUR Air

4/30/2014 (Permalink)

Questions about improving your air quality? Call us anytime! (843) 552-1226

As we close out Air Quality Week we wanted to share an extremely useful article by Bryan McElveen, Charelston’s EcoRealtor.  Bryan is committed to sustainable communities and high performance homes.  We have partnered with Bryan on several non-profit events in the Charleston area and look forward to hearing more from him in the future.

The following is an excerpt from his “Indoor Air Quality of Homes” article.  This addresses specifically air filters, including a link to a clear comparison of different types of filters.  We encourage you to read the whole article for more of his thoughts on action you can take to ensure the quality of the air in your home or business.

“Filter and Freshen - The sources of pollutants can never be totally eliminated, so it is important to filter and replenish the air in the home.

The air conditioning and heating system in your home has a system filter that all the circulated air passes through. This filter not only cleans particulates from the air, but also prevents the settling of dust and mold in the ventilation ducts. Not all filters are made the same, and there are varying degrees of quality from useless to overkill – read HERE for an easy guide (some sizes can be difficult to find, email me for help). Filters should be changed regularly, depending on use. There are often set periods such as 30 or 90 days, but it’s best to be subjective – observe the filter each month and if it looks filthy, change it.

Your central system should have a “Fan” setting that allows you to change from “auto” to “on” or something similar. The automatic setting runs the fan only when the system is actively cooling or heating, whereas “on” will run the fan and circulate the air regardless of system mode. Be mindful of how much the system is running – during temperate times of year (like right now in April or later in October), your system may go for a few days without turning on. If that’s the case, then flip the switch to “on” every now and then so that the air in your home can be circulated and filtered.”

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston takes the air quality in your home and office seriously.  If you feel you have a mold, mildew, or HVAC issue possibly contributing to health or comfort issues in your home or business… We can help.

We are available 24/7 at (843) 552-1226 or for non-emergent needs you can reach us via our Contact Us page.