How to Properly Clean All the Air Vents in Your Home

Having dusty air vents can affect the air quality in your home and your HVAC system’s efficiency. Cleaning these vents helps improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy efficiency. Keep reading to find out how to effectively clean these vents throughout your Broken Arrow home.

What You’ll Need for Cleaning

To get your air vents clean, you’ll need soap and water, clean rags or cloths, a cleaning brush, a vacuum cleaner, a broom, and a screwdriver.

Turn Off the HVAC System

You don’t want your HVAC system running while you’re trying to clean the vents. Turn it off until you’re done cleaning and the vents are back in place.

Remove Vent Covers

Use a screwdriver to take off the vent covers. You can clean them room by room or put them in a pile and go through them one by one. Just make sure you know where each vent cover goes.

Wash, Brush, or Wipe Vent Covers

For light dust or debris, you can use a dry, clean cloth to wipe them clean. You can also use a cleaning brush to remove more stubborn debris. If your vent covers have a lot of debris, clean them with soap and water and then wipe them dry with a clean cloth.

Vacuum Air Vents and Grills

Vacuum inside each air vent to remove dust and debris. You can also use your vacuum cleaner to clean any grills that are on ceilings. Watch for dust falling down onto you if you do this.

Replace Vent Covers

When all vent covers are dry, put them back in place using your screwdriver.

Turn Your HVAC System On

You can now run your HVAC system again. You should notice better efficiency and have healthier air.

How Often to Clean Air Vents

You should clean your vents every few months to prevent dust and debris from building up. Remember to also change your air filters for even cleaner air.

If you need air duct cleaning done by a professional, please contact  Air Assurance. Our HVAC team can eliminate dust and debris from the ductwork in your Broken Arrow home so you have cleaner air.

How Well Do Air Purifiers Help Your Home's Air Quality?

Your HVAC system removes some of the contaminants from your home's air, but that's not what it's designed for. If you suffer from allergies or asthma and you want to maximize your indoor air quality, you'll need something more powerful. Will an air purifier do the trick? If so, what kind do you need? Here's what you need to know about air purifiers and IAQ.

What Air Purifiers Do

An air filter's effectiveness is measured by its MERV rating. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value measures a filter's ability to remove contaminants from the air — how many and what size. A residential HVAC system can usually handle a filter rated up to MERV 12. This will eliminate basic dust and pollen, as well as milled flour, auto emissions, and a few other things.

However, if you want a filter that can remove viruses, bacteria, or smoke, you'll need a higher rating. The most effective option is a High Efficiency Particulate Air filter. HEPA filters are rated between MERV 13 and 20, which is too thick to go into a regular HVAC system without causing damage. With an air purifier, though, a HEPA filter can remove up to 99.97% of contaminants down to 0.3 microns.

Keep in mind, though, that 99.97% is measured in ideal, laboratory conditions. The filter's effectiveness in your home will likely be a bit less. Additionally, the air purifier only remains effective if you change the filter regularly. Still, as far as air purifiers go, HEPA is the best.

VOCs and IAQ

Good air purifiers eliminate most airborne contaminants, but VOCs are a different matter. Volatile Organic Compounds are harmful gases released by common household items such as paints and cleaning supplies. As gases, they flow through even HEPA filters and circulate through your home.

To eliminate VOCs, you'll need a system that uses a gas-phase filter, such as activated carbon, working in tandem with your HEPA filter. Carbon or charcoal absorb harmful gases to keep your air breathable.

For help improving your indoor air quality, contact us at Air Assurance. Broken Arrow's home comfort is our top priority.

How Do You Make Sure Pets and Air Quality Mix Well?

Do Not Display

We love our pets. Thus, many of us enjoy having them close beside us inside our homes, where we can interact with them and we can ensure they're well cared for. Most of us make some significant adaptations to living with pets indoors, although there can be some kerfuffles along the way.

One of the biggest drawbacks of sharing space with cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, or even gerbils is that they shed. It's not just feathers and hair — although that can impact your indoor air quality — but also a minute substance that might best be described as pet dandruff or pet dander. Let's take a closer look at dealing with pets and air quality.

Pet Dander and Allergies

Many people, despite their love for their pets, are allergic to pet dander. It can cause extreme reactions from sniffles, watery eyes, shortness of breath, and contact dermatitis. Often, pet owners are forced to take antihistamines in order to coexist with their pets.

Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to improve the relationship between pets and air quality in your home.

1. Use a quality air filter. A dense, pleated air filter will catch fine particles in the return air before it's recirculated as conditioned air. Use a better-quality filter rated 8 to 12 on the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) scale. Cheap air filters do nothing for your indoor air quality, although they will catch larger dirt particles and keep them out of your equipment.

2. Bathe cats and dogs often. Brush pets thoroughly outdoors to get rid of shedding hair and dander to improve the relationship between pets and air quality. Wash pets at least once a week, making sure you thoroughly rinse out shampoo. Use a pH-balanced shampoo that will help prevent dry skin or the allergic reaction that can cause dander. For birds, keep cages clean.

3. Try an air purifier. Talk to your HVAC consultant about the best air purifier for your home, as there are many types.

For more on pets and air quality, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

indoor Air Quality testing?

Indoor air quality has a significant impact on health. Exposure to the pollutants in indoor air has been associated with sneezing, coughing, respiratory irritation, and more-severe long-term health issues like cancer and lung disease. High-quality air filters can improve the quality of your home's air. Call Air Assurance Co if you would like a no costs assessment and report of your indoor air quality, including VOCS, particulate count, CO2 and more.

How Air Filters Affect Air Quality

The air that your HVAC system circulates throughout your home passes through an air filter before it's distributed. The air filter captures large dirt particles, dust bunnies, hair, and lint. If you have a high-quality filter, it will also capture microscopic allergens. As a result, the high-quality filter leaves the air that's circulated throughout your home cleaner, healthier, and better for breathing.

Cheap fiberglass air filters only trap large particles. As a result, they don't boost your home's air quality. High-quality filters that also capture microscopic particles (helping improve indoor air quality) include:

• Pleated electrostatic filters. Electrostatic filters consist of charged material that attracts oppositely charged particles. These filters capture tiny pollutants like smoke, bacteria, and allergens. Pleats improve their filtering performance.

• HEPA filters. These utilize specially formulated filtration technology that captures up to 99.97% of airborne particles equal to or greater than 0.3 microns in diameter. As a result, they capture a wide variety of microscopic particles like mold spores, tobacco smoke, pollen grains, pet dander, bacteria, and some viruses.

• Carbon filters. Carbon filters are specifically made to remove odors. They also remove gaseous vapors, smoke, and certain chemicals, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

• Air purifiers. Air purifiers use the same filtration types as HVAC air filters. They pull air from a room, pass it through a filter, and send purified air back to the room. Modern purifiers typically use a multilayer filter system comprising prefilters, carbon filters, antibacterial filters, and HEPA filters.

Considering the large volume of indoor air that passes through an air filter, well-maintained filters can have a significant positive impact on your home's air quality. Make sure you replace your filters regularly to keep them working efficiently. For the best indoor air-quality solutions in the Broken Arrow area, don't hesitate to contact us at Air Assurance.

What Kind of AC Filter Material Is Best for Your Unit?

When looking for the best air filter for your home, you'll need to choose between different AC filter materials. The best AC filter material will depend on your needs and priorities. Read on to learn more about the materials available.

Fiberglass Filters

These consist of fibers or strands of fiberglass spread out over a cardboard or metal frame. The fiberglass forms the barrier for capturing harmful particles. These filters are made for single use. With regard to MERV ratings, these filters are on the lower end. Nevertheless, they are popular because of their low cost.

Pleated Air Filters

Pleated filters are similar to fiberglass air filters. However, they typically use polyester cloth to do the filtration. They're also more capable of preventing dust from flowing into a room. This AC filter material is in a shape that resembles an accordion, giving pleated filters a larger surface area for filtration than flat filters. The surface area also offers less resistance to airflow and makes the filters last longer.

Reusable Cloth-Based Filters

You can use washable cloth-based filters for some time, wash them, and then reuse them. They're relatively cheap and are best suited for low-intensity use. Because their MERV rating is usually low, you should avoid using them in a high-pollutant environment.

It's recommended that you wash these filters every two weeks. Be sure to let them dry thoroughly before reusing them to prevent mold growth.

HEPA Filters

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters have glass fibers twisted and turned to form a microscopic fibrous maze. Due to their unique design, the fibers capture particles in a variety of ways, including via:

• Direct impaction

• Interception

• Sieving

• Diffusion

HEPA filters have a high MERV rating. Because of their high costs and installation requirements, they're usually only suitable for homes with people who have specific needs, which may be due to allergies, asthma, and other illnesses.

Cleanliness is crucial to the proper functioning of air filters, so ensure that you clean or replace yours regularly. For more information on AC filter material, contact Air Assurance. We've served the home-comfort needs of Broken Arrowhomeowners since 1985.

Can Some Types of HVAC Filters Damage Your System?

The air filter prevents particles like dust from ruining the interior components of your heating and cooling system — but only if you put in the right one. The wrong filter will damage the very system it's supposed to protect. Astonishing, isn't it? If you don't want to have an air filter damage your HVAC system, you'll need to avoid these two types of filters:

Wrong High-Efficiency Filter

MERV, or the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, expresses how well a filter traps small airborne particles. A higher MERV number represents greater effectiveness at catching small particles.

To improve indoor air quality, some homeowners buy the most powerful HVAC filter they can get. Getting a good filter isn't about buying the highest-efficiency model you can afford. A filter with a higher MERV rating has a tighter weave on it than one with a lower rating. Consequently, the higher-efficiency filter places more resistance against airflow.

Your HVAC system may not have the capacity to accommodate filters with a MERV rating above 12, which could put you at risk for filter damage. The airflow blockage by a high-efficiency filter increases the air pressure in your HVAC system. That could damage your ductwork and even your furnace or air conditioner.

Take care to not replace your filter with a high-efficiency model that your HVAC system can't handle. If you really want clean air, you could install an air cleaner in your ducts. Air cleaners capture small airborne particles without restricting airflow.

Dirty Filter

An air filter will accumulate excessive dirt if you leave it in the return duct for very long. A clogged filter slows down airflow through your HVAC system. With a clogged filter, the system works harder to keep your house warm or cool, which could accelerate wear and tear and increase the need for HVAC repairs.

Check your air filter every month and replace it if it looks dirty.

Always ensure you have an air filter that does its filtration job without causing filter damage that harms your HVAC system. If you need more information on avoiding air filter damage, contact us at Air Assurance. We offer a variety of heating, cooling, and air-quality products to homeowners in the Broken Arrow area.

Types of Air Filters

You need to change your HVAC system's air filter regularly to keep your air clean and your system functioning efficiently. Do you know what kind of filter you need? Here's a brief guide to different types of air filters and how they work.

Fiberglass

The cheapest and most basic type of air filter, fiberglass filters are the lowest rated ones on the MERV scale. They can capture and remove large dust particles, but things like mold, pollen, and other allergens remain in your air.

Pleated

Made of cotton fabric and folded into pleats like a curtain, these filters are designed to remove smaller particles from the air, such as dust mites and pet dander. The more pleats the filter has, the better airflow it allows through it, and the more efficiently your HVAC system can heat or cool your home.

Electrostatic

Rather than simply creating a barrier to trap allergens and contaminants, this one actually generates an electrostatic charge, which attracts contaminants to it. They stick to the filter, while the clean air passes through. Electrostatic filters can remove things like mold, mildew, bacteria, and even cigarette smoke, which makes them ideal for allergy and asthma sufferers.

HEPA

High Efficiency Particulate Air filters. Designed for medical uses and laboratory clean rooms, these filters can remove 99.97 percent of impurities from the air, down to 0.3 microns. That includes viruses, sea salt, milled flour, and more. Unfortunately, these filters are too thick to fit into a regular HVAC system without damaging it. If you want extra air protection, you'll need to invest in a separate air purifier for your home, that's designed for the HEPA filter.

Washable

There are two types of air filters that are washable. Some cloth filters can be washed regularly instead of replaced. More common, though, are washable electrostatic filters. Washable filters last three to five years, making them much more practical than the expensive disposable ones, which must be replaced every few months.

To learn more about different types of air filters, contact us at Air Assurance. We proudly serve all of Broken Arrow's HVAC needs.

How to Prepare for Fall Allergens

Have you started to experience the annoyance and discomfort associated with fall allergies yet? Areas in northeastern and eastern Oklahoma rank among the top 15 areas in the U.S. where people suffer the most from allergies. Local culprits in the fall include ragweed pollen, the inevitable mold spores, and dust mites.Allergy season in this part of Oklahoma is long lasting, according to the Weather Channel who estimate it lasts from April through November. With such a long season, it’s worth considering what you can do to alleviate them using your HVAC system.Your heating and cooling system handles much of the air in your home and it’s the perfect place to start reducing the impact of fall allergies caused by airborne particulates by:

Upgrading the air filter.

A denser, higher quality air filter will trap more particles that will reduce your allergy symptoms. Look for one whose MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating is 8 or higher. You can also go by the manufacturer’s quality descriptions, which normally range from good to best.Upgrade the filter as long as your HVAC system can handle one with a MERV rating between 8 and 12 or qualified as “best.” It’s important to verify the maximum density you can use because installing too thick a filter will slow the air flowing through the air handler, which harms your equipment.

Maintaining the HVAC system.

Ask your HVAC contractor to service your system, which reduces the amount of dust and pollen inside it. They're able to access every part of the system for cleaning and adjusting,

Ductwork inspection.

Have your HVAC pro check the ducts for dust. You may need to have the ducts professionally cleaned to clear accumulations of dust and debris. If you or a previous owner have run the system with dirty air filters, allergens can easily collect inside the ducts. Besides clearing the air, clean ducts deliver air more efficiently and quietly.

For more information about managing fall allergies with your HVAC system, contact Air Assurance, providing HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

It's Time to Change Your Air Filters

The air filter makes a significant contribution to your HVAC system's performance and efficiency. You should pay attention to your filters and prevent them from becoming too dirty. So when should you replace them? Here's a look at why you should change air filters after summer:

Heavy Summer Air Conditioner Workout

You rely on your A/C system a lot to keep you comfortable in the summer. The increased operating hours imply a great volume of air flows through your system throughout the season.Along with the air comes airborne particulates – such as dust, dirt, dust mites, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and pet dander – that are trapped by the air filter. With the good summer workout that your air filters get, it makes sense to replace them after summer.

Prevent Damage to Internal HVAC Components

Your air filter keeps contaminants in the air from getting inside your HVAC system, where they can harm critical motors and capacitors. When it's dirty, it captures these contaminants less effectively.When dirty air clogs up your filter, it could potentially pollute your whole system. As a result, your system could need additional repair and service that wouldn't be necessary had you changed your filter on schedule.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Mold spores and pollen are generally more widespread in the warmer months than in the winter. A filter that's full of trapped mold spores and pollen can act as a breeding ground for the microorganisms and degrade your indoor air quality.Changing air filters after the summer helps reduce the allergy triggers inside your home.

Dirty filters reduce your home's air quality and your HVAC system's overall efficiency, so make sure you replace them regularly. For more information on when and when to change air filters, please contact us at Air Assurance. Broken Arrow residents have counted on us for quality heating, plumbing, and air conditioning services since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “geralt/Pixabay”

How to Remember to Change Your Air Filter

Changing your air filter is one of the simplest things you can do to maintain your heating and cooling system. Unfortunately, it’s also the one thing that many homeowners forget to do. Forgetting about this small yet important task can have a negative impact on your HVAC system’s performance and your home’s overall indoor air quality.If you find yourself forgetting to change your air filter time and again, you can use these tips to give yourself a reminder when the time comes:

• Put it on your chore list - One of the best ways to remember to change your HVAC air filter is to include it in your list of household chores. The chore list itself should be placed in a highly visible and commonly visited spot in your home. Your refrigerator door makes a perfect spot for a chore list.

• Use your phone or computer to set a reminder - you can also use technology to help remind you of those all-important filter changes, along with other HVAC maintenance items. The vast majority of phones, tablets and computers have calendars with built-in alerts and notifications. All you’ll have to do is pick a date when you want to change your HVAC filter, add a brief message and set your audio or visual alert.

• Keep spare filters in an obvious spot - Another thing you can do is place a brand-new air filter in a location where you’re bound to see it on a daily basis. This way, you’ll always have a reminder to change your filter. You can even slap a bright sticky note on the filter with the intended date of your next change.

• Have someone else remind you - You can even have a friend, roommate, family member or other loved one reminds you of when it’s time to change your HVAC filter.

To learn more about air filters and other HVAC accessories, contact the professionals at Air Assurance, addressing the heating and cooling needs of Broken Arrow residents since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “3402423/Pixabay”

Should You Change Your Air Filter More Frequently in the Summer?

Summer brings substantial heat and humidity to our area, and that means air conditioners get a good workout. You probably know you should change your air filter to keep things running well, but you might hear different opinions on how often. Here are reasons you should play closer attention to the filter in summer and avoid letting it get too dirty.

When the HVAC System Works Harder, Filters Collect Dust Faster

Hot weather plays a big role on how frequently you will need to change your air filter. The more your air conditioner has to run, the more air blows through the filter. When more air is moving through the filter, greater amounts of particulates get trapped.Unless Oklahoma has an unusually cool and dry summer, which is very rare, then chances are you will be using your air conditioner a lot and it will work hard to keep your home comfortable. This means you should check your air filter every month during the season, even if you don’t think you will need to change it.

How Often to Change the Filter

Many air filters, especially the low cost ones, will need to be changed every month during summer. You will be able to see very quickly how much dust it has already collected.Thick, pleated filters can sometimes last longer without needing to be replaced, but you should still check them every month and avoid going longer than 3 months without replacing them. The only exception to this is if the manufacturer or your HVAC technician specifically states otherwise.

Why Dirty Filters are Harmful

One of the primary problems with dirty filters is they restrict the volume of air getting through. This places a burden on the air handler and in turn takes a toll on the entire system. Soiled filters can also lead to:

• Frozen coils

• Dirty ducts

• Worsening allergies

• Higher energy bills — the restricted airflow makes your air conditioner cycle more and expend more effort.

To learn more about air filters and your Broken Arrow home, please contact us at Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Steve Heap/Shutterstock”

What Kind of HVAC Air Filter Should You be Using?

With the dust and pollen common in the Broken Arrow area, the right kind of HVAC air filter is essential for maintaining healthy indoor air. To choose the best kind of filter for you, you'll need to understand the factors that play into a filter's effectiveness.

Quality Filters Protect Your Health

Standard fiberglass flat-panel filters may be cheap, but they also offer little benefit. They keep large debris particles out of your HVAC system, but do nothing to improve your air quality. For cleaner air, you'll need a filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of at least 5. These are usually fiberglass or synthetic fiber flat-panel filters. Synthetic fibers are packed more densely than fiberglass, allowing them to trap smaller particles, such as mold spores.If anyone in your home has seasonal or dust allergies, or another respiratory concern, look for an air filter of MERV 11 to 12. This range includes pleated filters made of synthetic fiber. The accordion-like folds in these filters provide a greater surface area to trap particles, increasing their efficiency and lifespan.

Better Filters, Better System Performance

Higher-efficiency filters help maintain your HVAC system's energy efficiency by keeping the components cleaner. Dust on your blower fan and A/C evaporator coil places strain on these components and increases their energy demands, which in turn raises your utility bills. The more efficient the filter, the less dust and other debris enters your system.Pleated filters are less likely to clog quickly, reducing the risk of airflow problems. Very high efficiency filters, however, can be dense enough to interfere with airflow. Consult a technician before installing a filter of MERV 12 or higher.Your filter's size also influences its effectiveness. An undersized filter can blow out of the holder or fail to handle your system's airflow rate. Most systems use 1-inch filters, but some use 4-inch models. To make sure you get the right size, take your old filter with you when shopping for a new one.

For professional help finding the best air filter for your needs, contact us at Air Assurance anywhere around Broken Arrow.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Sonia-Sorbi/Shutterstock”

How Can You Make Your Home a Healthier Environment?

The agricultural production and manufacturing around Broken Arrow can make maintaining a healthy home environment difficult at times, but there's still plenty you can do to keep your home clean.

Keep the Contaminants Out

Because chemicals such as paint, pesticides and harsh cleaners give off harmful fumes, these products should be stored outside your home. Choosing paint, carpeting and other household materials labeled low-VOC can also reduce chemical fumes in your home.High humidity encourages the spread of dust mites, mold and bacteria. Aim to keep your indoor humidity level between 40 and 50 percent. Run your exhaust fans after showering or cooking, and repair leaks in your plumbing, roof or basement. Regularly disinfecting your sponges, mops and other cleaning supplies also cuts down on the bacteria and mold spores floating around your home.Using an HVAC air filter with a MERV rating between 5 and 10 and replacing it on schedule will reduce the level of dust, pollen, mold spores and pet dander in your air.

Good ventilation helps remove contaminants from your air and controls your humidity, doing double duty to support a healthy home environment. If you live in a modern airtight home or an older one that's been air sealed for energy efficiency, you'll benefit from a whole-house ventilation system.

Stay on Top of Health Risks

Any fuel-burning appliance, such as a gas stove or fireplace, can release carbon monoxide. Even trace amounts can cause headaches and fatigue. To protect your health, install CO detectors on every floor and within 15 feet of every sleeping area.Around one in 16 homes has a dangerously high level of radon, a natural yet cancer-causing gas that enters through the foundation or water lines. The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality's Radon Program offers test kits for this gas.Investing in professional air quality testing is another way to find out what harmful contaminants are in your home's air so you can take steps toward getting rid of them.

For more information on maintaining a healthy home environment, contact Air Assurance. We've been serving Broken Arrow since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “design36/Shutterstock”

Bewildered About What Type of Furnace Filter to Choose? This Guide Can Help

Buying the right furnace filter can make a big difference. With all of the choices out there, it can be hard to make a proper decision. However when you take into account all of the factors that are important to you in regards to your family’s health, indoor air quality and cost, the choice becomes much easier.First you must consider the efficiency of your filter by looking at its minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV rating. The MERV ranges from 1-20, with 1 being the cheapest and least restrictive to airflow and 20 being the most efficient, collecting 99.9 percent of all airborne particles.A low-MERV filter provides just enough protection to keep larger particles out of the furnace. These are cheaper to use but do little to improve air as they are solely to keep your HVAC unit dust free. A cost-effective MERV 4 filter allows for decent airflow and catches most large particles like dust and lint and are good if you’re not overly concerned with air quality.These filters may be fine if you don’t have allergies; however, if you are sensitive to airborne allergens, you may want to consider installing an electrostatic furnace filter with a MERV rating between 8-10 that will catch pollen, spores and dander. If someone in your family has low immunity, consider a high efficiency, pleated synthetic cotton filter with a MERV of 14 or higher. These can be removed and cleaned, catch bacteria, most smoke and can last up to six years, if properly maintained.  While they do cost more, they will save you money in health care costs.Whichever you do choose, remember that filers with higher MERV ratings require more attention and regular cleaning or replacement. While higher quality filters remove more particles, they also put more strain on your unit due to reduced airflow so it is advisable to contact a qualified HVAC technician before making a change.For more information on furnace filters and HVAC needs, contact Air Assurance, servicing the Tulsa Metropolitan region since 1985.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Jezper/Shutterstock”

What Do Those Air Filter Ratings Other Than MERV Mean?

The heating/cooling (HVAC) system in your Tulsa-area home requires relatively little maintenance, but this maintenance needs to be provided on a regular basis. Besides annual check-ups from a qualified HVAC technician, the most important aspect of an efficiently running heating/cooling system is the proper selection and regular replacement of your equipments' air filters. Choosing appropriate filters according to universally accepted air filter ratings such as MERV is where you should start.

Air filters generally carry MERV ratings, a widely accepted rating system developed by ASHRE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers. The acronym MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The rating numbers, which extend from 1-16 for residential air filters, apply to the particle size a specific filter is capable of trapping. MERV 1-4 filters can capture particles that are 10 microns or larger in size. Filters rated between 5-13 capture increasingly smaller particulate down to as tiny as 1.0 micron. Most experts recommend homeowners use air filters with ratings of from MERV 8-12 for the best balance of economy and efficiency. Anything higher than a MERV-12 will certainly be more aggressive in its filtering capabilities but may also restrict airflow to a point that could be harmful to your equipment.

Some air filter sales outlets have started using alternative air filter ratings other than MERV. These are not approved by ASHRE and may cause some confusion when you're trying to compare efficiency and cost of different filters. Home Depot is one example of a company that's switched from MERV to something called FPR, which stands for Air Filter Performance Rating. An FPR-8, however, is not equal to a MERV-8. MPR, or Microparticle Performance Rating, is another arbitrary rating system used by a certain filter manufacturer. Neither FPR nor MPR are recognized by ASHRE, whose MERV system has been universally recognized and used for decades.

As the largest full-service HVAC equipment and service provider in the Tulsa area, Air Assurance has been providing excellence to our clients since 1985. Contact us for more info or advice on air filter ratings or any indoor air topics.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Why a Better Quality Air Filter Is Worth the Price

The phrase “you get what you pay for” rings true for just about any purchase, especially when it comes to heating and cooling equipment. In most cases, buying the best equipment possible gives you the best results. When you look for your next air filter, you’ll want one that offers the best defense against common airborne pollutants including dust, pet dander and various bacteria.

Finding the best air filter isn’t easy, but it’s a task made easier by looking at its minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). MERV ratings allow consumers to compare air filters based on their overall efficiency in removing airborne particles from an HVAC system’s air stream. These ratings range from as low as 1 to a high of 16 for standard filters and 20 for true HEPA filters.

The higher the MERV rating for a filter, the more airborne particles it’s capable of capturing. Here’s a brief rundown of what air filtration media are capable of at their specific MERV ratings:

MERV 1 to 4 – Common flat or panel air filters for residential heating and cooling systems. These filters can capture pollen, dust mites and other airborne pollutants more than 10 microns in particle size.

MERV 5 to 13 – Medium efficiency filters capable of capturing mold spores, pet dander, most bacteria and other airborne pollutants as small 1 micron in particle size.

MERV 14 to 16 – Higher efficiency filters capable of trapping viruses, bacteria and a broad range of other airborne pollutants as small as 0.3 microns.

MERV 17 to 20 – True HEPA filters capable of trapping 99.997 percent of airborne particles smaller than 0.3 microns.

A cheap air filter may have a lower MERV rating than your climate system was designed for, which can cause a noticeable drop in indoor air quality. Don’t hesitate to get your money’s worth by choosing a high quality filter with a MERV rating matched for your unit.

To understand more about your home’s air filtration options in the Broken Arrow area, contact the professionals at Air Assurance today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Air Filters: What Do You Want Yours to Do?

Air Filters: What Do You Want Yours to Do?

Ever feel overwhelmed at the prospect of choosing an air filter for your HVAC system? Fortunately, the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) provides a small, yet important glimpse into the world of effective air filtration.

Rated from a scale of 1 to 16 for standard air filters and 17 to 20 for HEPA filters, MERV measures an air filter’s ability to efficiently capture airborne particles and other pollutants. With these ratings, you can choose the right filter for your HVAC application:

• 1 - 4 MERV: Provide affordable and disposable filtration for residential applications, capturing up to 80 percent of pollen, dust mites and other particles greater than 10 microns in size.

• 5 - 8 MERV: Ideal for both residential and industrial use, these filters capture over 90 percent of airborne particles ranging from 3 to 10 microns in size. These particles include mold spores, cement dust and pollutants from dusting aids and hair spray.

• 9-12 MERV: Offer superior residential filtration, capturing over 95 percent of airborne pollutants as small as 1 micron in size, including Legionella bacteria, vehicle emissions and dust from humidifiers.

• 13-16 MERV: Commonly used in “clean room” environments, including hospitals. These filters trap over 98 percent of pollutants, including all types of bacteria, most tobacco smoke and other particles ranging from 0.3 to 1 micron.

• 17-20 MERV: Reserved for HEPA filters in order to signify their superior filtration properties. These filters can capture over 99.997 percent of airborne particles less than 0.3 microns.

High-MERV filters often require higher performance fan motors or specialized ductwork to make up for airflow issues. Air filters rated at MERV 7 to 13 offer similar performance to HEPA filters without the need for stronger fans or reworked ducts. Be sure to check these filters monthly, as they get clogged more easily.Remember, not all air filters are measured the same, therefore, it's best to buy from reputable sources who understand how this affects the system performance, not just because it's made by a large company.

At Air Assurance, we make it our business to take care of your home comfort needs and we've done the testing on filtration so that we know what kind of filtration works best with your system.  We have even had our filters specially made to our specifications so that you know there the best.  Contact us to learn more about air filters and your filtration options in the Broken Arrow area.

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Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Air Filters: The More You Know About Them, the More You'll Get Out of Them

Air Filters: The More You Know About Them, the More You'll Get Out of Them

You're probably already aware that replacing your air filter should be part of your routine air-conditioner maintenance. But it can pay to know more about this essential component of your cooling system. Actually, the more you know about air filters, the more you'll get out of them -- in terms of peak efficiency and home comfort. Here are some facts about air filters:

• MERV ratings: All air filters have minimum efficiency reporting values. This value is a reflection of a filter's ability to remove particulates such as dander, dust and smoke from the air stream. A MERV 1 filter is the least effective, and a MERV 16 is the most effective. A MERV 9 to 12 filter is generally recommended for homeowners who want highly effective dust control. If you decide to go with one of these filters, make sure you check it monthly. Because a filter in this range is denser than a filter with a lower MERV rating, it can get clogged more easily and restrict airflow, which can ultimately cause damage to your air conditioner. If you have any doubt about the type of filter you should be using, get in touch with your HVAC professional. There is no real Standard testing procedure that regulates how MERV ratings are established, so it's best to consult your HVAC professional first.

• Whether to clean or replace: Some types of air filters are meant to be disposable. These filters should not be cleaned and reused. Check this type of filter every month, and change it when it looks dirty. Some filters, however, can be cleaned. A washable filter should be checked frequently and cleaned as often as every few weeks. Make sure it's thoroughly dry before you return it to the air conditioner. If you're wondering whether your filter is the disposable or washable type, check your owner's manual or contact your HVAC-system professional.

• NOTE: Filters can be rated high on the MERV scale, but low in the ability to let air pass through easily. This causes restrictions making the system less efficient with lower air flow, and could cause harm to your system. Air Assurance carries Clean-Climate filters which are made to Air Assurance specifications and have been tested for both MERV and Static Pressure, giving you the best of both worlds.

• HEPA filtration. High efficiency particulate air filtration is the top-of-the-line option in particulate removal and is widely used in hospitals, where it's important to have air that's as free of organic pollutants as much as possible. But these filters are extremely dense and not appropriate for many cooling systems. If air quality is a special concern in your home, and you're serious about HEPA filtration, consider a whole-house air purifier.

If you have any questions about air filters, don't hesitate to contact Air Assurance. We can help you find the filter that's best suited to your system. And we can help you with all your other home-comfort needs, as well. We serve homeowners in Broken Arrow and greater Tulsa.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Air Filter Know-How: Here's How They Work

In the cold winters and hot summers, keeping a home well-insulated is key.  But as insulation becomes more efficient and less air is exchanged between your house and the outside environment, air quality may suffer.  In this article, we'll be going over one of the simplest ways to improve your air quality: the pleated air filter.Filters can be found in just about any appliance or machine that deals with air in an enclosed space, from automobiles and aircraft to home furnaces and air conditioners. Filters in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems intercept air as it flows through your home, sending the air through a fibrous material which catches and holds particles such as dust, bacteria, pollen, mold, and pet dander.  Pleated filters take this to another level of efficiency by pleating (partially folding) the material, resulting in a filter with much greater surface area.  This means that not only can the air filter catch more particles from the air, but their buildup is spread over a greater area, extending the filter's usable life.  The EPA notes that pleated filters also use a finer mesh fiber, trapping inhalable particles other filters might miss.Air filters come in various Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVs, and choosing a pleated filter with a high MERV value (above 10) is known to ease suffering from indoor allergens.  But even filters with MERV values of 6 or 8 can be a worthwhile investment for your home, offering significant advantages over panel (non-folded) filters.Remember that air filters should be checked monthly and changed quarterly to keep them operating at their highest efficiency.  As it filters out dust and particles from your home, the air filter will retain particle buildup, and its efficiency will slowly decrease.  If left unchecked for extended periods of time, filters may even clog and cause damage to your HVAC systems. Air Assurance has invested in making filters to their specifications in order to make sure the best air quality and air flow both exist for a great value.If you have any questions, contact us at our Air Assurance website or at (918) 615-5760.  We're proud to serve the Broken Arrow and Tulsa areas, and are ready to assist you with anything you might need.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Routine Filter Maintenance Is Essential During The Peak Of Cooling Season

Routine filter maintenance is a must during the cooling season. Changing your filter regularly offers a number of benefits you can’t afford to miss.The premise underlying air filters is twofold: They should provide basic protection for the cooling system in general so as to avoid problems due to dirt buildup, and they should offer minimum air quality protection for home occupants.The only way to ensure protection against poor indoor air quality and dirt buildup is to change the filter often, because over time, as the filter collects dirt and debris from the air, the filter’s surface space becomes full. At this point, it will no longer function.There are several key benefits to routine filter maintenance:

• A clean system – A clean filter space will allow the appropriate amount of airflow into the system. When airflow is restricted, it will place undue pressure on the compressor, for instance, which will eventually wear out and cause a complete system failure.

• Enhanced indoor air quality – Once your filter becomes full, dirt and debris will potentially bypass it and circulate through your home.

• System protection – When components inside the A/C are full of dirt, they will quickly begin to fail, leading to the costly repair (or replacement) of components, such as the compressor or the coils.

• A/C efficiency – When you regularly change your filter, you’ll ensure that your system can operate a peak capacity, keeping parts like the coils and air handler clean and locking in energy savings.

As you ramp up your regular use of the air conditioner, you’ll need to check the filter about once a month, changing it as it gets dirty. Homeowners who have allergies, ongoing construction projects or pets might need to change it more often. Homeowners who don’t can get away with changing their filters less often.Put routine filter maintenance at the top of your list this season to preserve your system’s efficiency, avoid repairs and ensure energy savings. For more information, contact Air Assurance Heating, Cooling & Air Quality-- serving homeowners in the Greater Broken Arrow area.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!     Air Filter image via Shutterstock