Indoor air quality in your Billings, MT, home is very important for your safety and the health of your family members. Particulates such as dust, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can also impact your health and well-being. If you suffer from allergies, poor indoor air quality can worsen your symptoms. You can utilize air filters in your HVAC system and air purification devices to reduce the number of particulates in your indoor air. Let’s look at the different air filter types available today.

Traditional Pleated Filters

The standard, low-priced, pleated filters commonly used in HVAC systems in the Billings area are typically made from fiberglass or fabric. These filters, rated using the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) scale, can effectively remove many particulates from your home’s air. However, it’s important to note that while a high-rated MERV filter can improve indoor air quality, not all heating and cooling equipment can handle the restricted airflow they cause. This is where the expertise of an HVAC professional comes in. They can help you determine the right MERV-rated filter that will achieve healthy indoor air quality without causing any damage to your equipment.

HEPA Filtration Technology

HEPA filters are renowned for their high effectiveness, often removing as much as 99.97% of the particulates present in the air. However, due to their tendency to restrict airflow, you’ll typically find these filters used in air purification devices rather than standard HVAC systems. HEPA technology is particularly effective in removing smoke, bacteria, and viruses from indoor air, thereby promoting a healthier environment overall. If you’re considering HEPA filtration, a whole-house air purification device might be a suitable option for your home. Unlike bulky, difficult-to-move portable units that tackle one room at a time, a whole-house air purification system addresses your entire home, ensuring consistent air quality throughout.

Electrostatic Filtration

Suppose you’re trying to save some money by purchasing fewer filters but still want to pay close attention to maintaining healthy indoor air quality. In that case, electrostatic filtration is something to consider strongly. Particulates are removed from the air using charged collection plates. By oppositely charging the particles, contaminants will remain on the collection plates until you clean them. No disposable filters are involved in the process, so you don’t have to worry about the cost of upkeep. Electrostatic filters are often 99.97% effective at removing particulates from indoor air.

Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon is an excellent method of improving the smell of your indoor air and its overall quality. It is often included as an additional feature on traditional HVAC filters. There are also separate carbon filters that you can add to your existing filter. It’s a common technology used in whole-home air filtration. Activated carbon is one of the only materials to remove volatile organic compounds from indoor air. These VOCs come from chemical-based cleaning products, new carpets, air fresheners, building materials, beauty products, and more. They can cause substantial health issues, such as allergy symptoms, inflammation, and even cancer.

Washable Air Filters

Another way to save money while improving indoor air quality is to use washable filters. When your filters are dirty, you simply clean and replace them. Just ensure your filter is completely dry before you place it back into your HVAC system. Otherwise, this can introduce moisture into your equipment and your ductwork. The added moisture can quickly lead to mold growth, a severe indoor air quality issue. If you suffer extensively from allergy symptoms, washable filters may not be the best option. Many homeowners don’t get washable filters clean enough to promote optimal indoor air quality.

If you would like to learn more about the different filters you can use in your home to improve your indoor air quality, contact the team at Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC. We can answer any questions you have in addition to performing an indoor air quality assessment. This information helps us make a more tailored recommendation for ways that you can address indoor air quality in your Billings home. We also manage routine maintenance of heating and cooling equipment, make emergency repairs, and address installation of new equipment. Contact Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC in Billings today to schedule an appointment.

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