What Causes Poor Air Quality in the Home – The Basement and the Furnace Filter too.

Did you know that about 40% of the air that we breathe in our homes comes from the basement?  The basement can contain allergens such as mold and mildew and even radon gas.  Particles of dust and pollen can also enter the basement and flow upwards to mix with the particles that are already in your primary living area.

There is another major contributor to the quality of the air that you breathe in your home and that is your furnace.  Simply changing the filter in your furnace can scrub out particles and allergens that help cause poor air quality.

Learn what type of filter is best for your furnace and your home’s air quality – Posted courtesy of Don Weaver of Same Day Heating and Air – Utah

Your furnace filter impacts your indoor air quality and system efficiency while also protecting the HVAC system from harmful particles. It’s important that you consider the five main types of furnace filters before making any purchase.

• Disposable fiberglass filters: These are the most common filters, designed to be cheap and disposable. They have the lowest minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), typically between 2 and 3.
• Disposable pleated filters: Another fairly inexpensive and popular option, these air filters are lined with polyester or cotton paper. With an average MERV rating of 6, they do have some impact on indoor air quality.
• Disposable electrostatic filters: These filter out small particles using charged electrostatic materials. They will improve air quality and have a MERV rating of around 10. The downside: they’re a bit more expensive, but it’s typically worth the added expense for more breathable indoor air.
• Permanent electrostatic filter: These filters are similar to the disposable electrostatic filters but they can be cleaned rather than replaced. They have a slightly lower MERV rating (around 8) and cost a little more.
• High-efficiency pleated filters: If you’re adamant about air quality, you should look for these. With a MERV rating between 14 and 16, these deep filters are thorough air cleaners, removing dust, mold and other allergens. The downside is a higher cost per filter, and most furnaces will need custom adjustments to fit them.