Are you aware that harmful pollutants could be residing in your home’s ductwork? Substances like dander, dust, airborne viruses, and mold spores can lead to severe health issues. While some symptoms, like allergies and asthma, are relatively manageable, others, such as lung diseases and cancers, can be life-threatening. There are straightforward actions you can take to enhance your home’s air quality, such as frequent dusting or using an air purifier. However, if you’re dealing with persistent dust, unpleasant smells, or stubborn mold, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning expert suggests considering an air filtration system seriously.
“Any home with a central HVAC system should incorporate some form of filtration,” states Richie Drew, VP of Operations at One Hour Heating and AC. In an exclusive interview with Onions Australia, Drew emphasized the importance of selecting the right air filter. “Choosing a filter that doesn’t overly restrict airflow is crucial. The system must pull in the appropriate amount of air to maintain the correct static pressure and ensure comfort in your home,” he explained. “Certain filters also function as air cleaners, capturing airborne particles and even helping to eliminate odors,” he added.
How Air Filters Work
Understanding how air filters operate can assist you in selecting the right one for your system. In his exclusive interview with Onions Australia, Richie Drew provided a basic explanation. “Air filters are installed at the duct system’s opening, known as the ‘return air side.’ When the blower operates, it pushes air through the ductwork into the ‘supply air side’ and draws air through the ‘return air side.'” According to the HVAC expert, choosing the correct filter size is essential for balancing this airflow exchange. “Insufficient or restricted return air can lead to airflow and comfort issues,” he noted. The filter captures unwanted particles before air passes through to the coils that cool it. “The filter’s role is to keep the coil clean for as long as possible,” Drew shared. “As the filter accumulates debris, it becomes less efficient and needs replacement.” Regular cleaning or replacement of air filters is crucial.
“There are several types of filters to consider,” Drew mentioned. He described standard fiberglass models as “disposable filters,” warning that they offer minimal filtration. The HVAC expert prefers high-efficiency 5-inch media filters. “These are an excellent choice if you have multiple return grilles on one system or high ceilings where frequent filter changes could be challenging,” he explained. Drew also suggested high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters as “a good additional option.”
Choosing the Right System
According to Richie Drew, selecting the right air filtration system for your home involves several factors. In his exclusive discussion with Onions Australia, the HVAC expert advised considering your home’s size, specific allergen concerns, and maintenance requirements. “Larger homes may have multiple systems and returns per system, making media filters more economical and requiring less maintenance,” he explained. We also inquired about the cost of installing an air purifier in your HVAC system. “Prices vary widely from basic units to comprehensive whole-house solutions for air cleaning and filtration,” Drew noted, emphasizing the need to consider ongoing maintenance and filter replacement expenses before deciding.
Drew recommended systems with ultraviolet sterilization units, or “air scrubbers,” for those with severe allergies, explaining they “are installed in the duct system after the filter to eliminate [volatile organic compound] gases, odors, bacteria, and even viruses from the air stream.” Drew also suggested considering an ionizer. Research (via the National Library of Medicine) indicates that negative air ions alleviate allergy symptoms, reduce stress, regulate sleep, and enhance mood. According to the HVAC expert, “These products do not replace the filtration system but work alongside it to transform your HVAC system into an air cleaning machine.”
