Why The Highest MERV For Your Air Filter Isn't Always Best

There’s a learning curve that's involved for property owners when selecting the best hvac filters for their systems. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) ratings, showing the actual efficiency air filters have for capturing particles of a certain size, are helpful. But they’re not the only element home owners must look into. Learn the ins and outs of MERV ratings, and why air flow and lifetime efficiency likewise determine your decision.

Using MERV

Manufacturers and independent businesses test air filters six times to assess how filters perform when they’re new, and also over time. MERV uses the first rating a filter scores, and then gives it the ideal rating between 1 and 16 (High Efficiency Particulate Air [HEPA] filters score between MERV 17 and 20).

Basic filters score between MERV 1 to 4, capturing large dust, and allowing acceptable airflow; MERV 8 to 12 capture even smaller sized particles while generally providing sufficient airflow; MERV 13 to 16 are high-efficiency hvac filters, trapping very small particles; however, they’re generally limited to commercial applications as a result of how they limit airflow.

Understanding efficiency

The MERV rating shouldn't be used in isolation to decide on an air filter. Keep in mind those six ratings? The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) tested numerous MERV-rated filters, comparing their performance over all six ratings, and their conclusions were interesting. They tested a MERV 8 and MERV 11 filter, determined the MERV 8 filter performed better over time.

Considering air flow

The explanation for these surprising findings involve airflow. With use, a MERV 8 filter has relatively higher airflow rates than a MERV 11 filter. As time passes, the MERV 11 filter gets to be more dense, reducing airflow, depriving the HVAC system for air, and decreasing its capability to trap particles. The MERV 8 filter didn’t perform as well at first, but it’s ability to trap particles improves with time. As the surface material fills with particles, it becomes more dense, but airflow capacity doesn’t decrease, comparatively speaking.

The conclusion with regards to choosing air filters? Home owners should consult an expert, like those at Sandium Heating & Air. We serve homeowners in greater South SF Bay Area.

Carrier Air Conditioning - Is It Right For You?

Air conditioners are a must for anyone living in a warm climate. As soon as the temperatures start rising, the air conditioning better be in condition or else tempers may flair. To be prepared for the warm seasons, make sure you have your air conditioning checked by a profession and make sure you have a good air conditioning unit. Sadly, these units do not last forever and will need replacement. When it comes to replacement, you may wonder which brand is best to purchase and who to select for installation.

There are several brands on the market--Carrier, Lennox, Trane, etc. Each have their good and bad selling points, as any product has. When selecting an air conditioner, it's important to read reviews and see what others are saying.

Let's say you select Carrier as the unit you want to purchase. Begin reading reviews about Carrier and see how well the unit works, especially the model you are considering, and research what people say about the product. You will find useful information all around you if you search.

Carrier units work great for some people and don't get the job done for others. Observe what the person is writing about and look for specifics. Note when a person is speaking about their desires and needs and when they are being more objective and talking about the unit. Some may complain that a Carrier unit is too cold, but you may enjoy that part of the unit. So, observe what is being said and make sure it's not a personal complaint, but a true complaint about the system.

As many have reported, the main problem with any unit, whether it's Carrier or not, is that bad installation will make a good unit become a horrible unit. It depends on who installs the unit and how good of a job they perform. So, it is equally important to search and read reviews of installation companies and make sure that your Carrier unit is installed properly. You can purchase the best unit on the market and have it installed incorrect, and be out of luck. It all depends on the installation.

It's time to begin your search. Ask your friends and family members what units they have at their house or apartment and start from there. Or select a brand like Carrier and begin searching through their models and begin reading reviews to see if they are a quality brand.

By Thom Michaels

Is Your Heating Ductwork Sealed and Contained

Heating ductwork is an unseen part of your home but it has a great impact on the comfort level and temperature of your home. If your ductwork leaks air then you are not getting maximum airflow to all parts of your house. This can lead to some rooms being noticeably colder than others in the winter or hotter than others in the summer. An even bigger issue, though, is the extra energy costs and the energy loss that occurs with leaky ductwork.

You can check your heating ductwork for leakage in a couple of different ways. The most common method is to measure the airflow in each room to see just how much air is making it from the furnace out through the ducts. In older homes, it is not unusual to find that as much as 40% of heated and cooled air is lost through leaky ductwork. That is a huge number and one that makes going back and re-sealing ductwork seem appealing. The difficult part is how to go about accessing the ductwork in order to seal it. After all, it is located behind finished walls and is not readily accessible.

Heating Ductwork

There are two primary ways of sealing leaky ductwork. The first way is the most thorough way, but it is also the most expensive way - cutting through drywall to expose the ductwork and tape the joints securely. Many homeowners believe that sealing up leaky ducts with duct tape is a simple solution to their problems. However, this is not a good choice for sealing ductwork because it does not seal tightly enough. Instead, use specialty metal tape that does not get brittle over time.

The second way to seal leaky ductwork is to higher a professional company to spray an aerosol sealant into the ductwork. This method is quicker and easier than cutting through your drywall, and you don't have to go back and do drywall repairs afterwards. Regardless of the method you choose, properly sealed heating ductwork is one of the best things you can do for your home. It will keep you more comfortable in your home and save you money on energy.

By Gregg Hicks

Air Conditioning Filter: Essential Part of Heating and Air Conditioning

The air conditioning filter is one of the most important air conditioning parts in the air conditioning system. Without it, your air conditioning system would be dirty and the air you breathe would be filled with pollutants. All air conditioning parts, from the ductwork to the air conditioning refrigerant, need the air conditioning filter to be clean and replaced to ensure you're getting the very best in central air conditioning.

If an air conditioning filter is left dirty, over time, it can lead to higher energy costs and short
equipment life due to all the air conditioning parts relying on each other. One can not work without the other. Overall, your heating and cooling will not be as effective and you will need to invest in more air conditioning repair and air conditioning maintenance.

An air conditioning filter should be changed every month or every two months for home air conditioning systems and every couple of weeks for certain commercial or industrial air conditioning since it's running almost 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Doing this as a routine in your monthly chores and not waiting until you see dust matted on the air conditioning filter will ensure you and your family the very best health as well as a smooth running air conditioning system . Dust particles can not always be seen so even if you see a little dust on the air filter , clean it as you normally would.

Since there are a variety of air conditioning filters , how quickly one gets blocked versus another depends on the brand - most air conditioning filters are sized 1 ½ to 2 square feet for each ton of capacity for a home or commercial property.

You can judge a filter's ability to clean by using MERV ratings - Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value - which is a rating of how efficient an air conditioning filter is from 1-12. The higher the rating, the more effective it is at removing particles such as animal dander, pollen, dust, mold and other allergens, and the better the protection for your air conditioning equipment . Most air conditioning filters screen out particles measuring from 3 to 10 microns in size.

The common types of air conditioning filters are:

Conventional fiberglass disposable filters (1" and 2"): These are common in most homes and small industrial air conditioners and commercial air conditioning systems. Since they are disposable and have an adhesive coating that traps the dust, you should not clean the filters . This may damage the filter's ability to remove particles by damaging the adhesive coating and/or the underlying mesh work. They are both not as effective as other types of filters even though they are lower in cost.

Pleated fiberglass disposable filters (1" and 2"): The 1" are generally used in many residential and commercial settings and are made of materials that can vary in the effectiveness. Usually, they are more densely woven to increase the efficiency of removing dirt. These have a larger surface area to lead to increased trapping of particles as compared to conventional filters. They must be specified for your air conditioning system or this can lead to increased demand on your air conditioning components. Thereby, a mismatch can be counterproductive on the health of the air conditioning system and possibly lead to higher air conditioning maintenance and service cost. You should check with the air conditioning manufacturer as to the appropriate type of pleated filter for your system. A filter spray can also be applied after the cleaning and drying of the air conditioning air filter .

Electrostatic filters: Different in design and performance, since there are so many varieties, it is rather difficult to determine which is the most efficient. They are commonly advertised as allergy-free air conditioning filters. These filters also come in the 1" and 2" sizes. Air that moves through the filter creates a static charge that collects any dust in the filter. They may require more cleaning and more blower power.

Electronic filters : Connected to an electrical power source and usually wall mounted, electronic filters come with a pre-filter that can collect larger particles and only need to be cleaned every six months.

Carbon filters : These filters contain carbon that can control any odor problems you might have within the air conditioning system . They can also be useful in homes with pets.
Air Conditioning Filter Installation

When placing the appropriate air conditioning filter in to the system, the filter should be placed in the correct direction as indicated by the arrow located on the side or face of the filter. Air should flow in the proper direction which is in the same direction as the arrows. This allows the filter to work appropriately, as the air exits the filter in the most reinforced part of the filter.

The air conditioning filter should fit tightly. A perfect seal is necessary to prevent unfiltered air from entering and damaging your air conditioning system. Without a perfect seal and appropriate sizing, the filter is useless. Additionally, the non-conventional filters may have a higher efficiency and may not fit your system. This should be checked with an air conditioning company, contractor, or air conditioning supply company.

By Sanjeev Shroff

New Advancements in Programmable Thermostats Makes Comfort Easier

Technical developments have changed how we communicate, and not only just when it comes to person-to-person. Advancements in programmable thermostat technology provide home owners easier, real-time ability to access their home’s temperature settings, and much more. If you’re considering a new programmable thermostat, check out devices that will help you maintain control over energy usage, while offering these amazing features.

Connected thermostats

Wi-Fi-enabled programmable thermostats offer home-owners the way to review temperature settings and then make changes from a mobile phone (smart phone) or from a  computer with access to the internet. These kinds of devices enable you to make fine-tuned adjustments in case the temperatures change drastically, for example. Just check the settings on your smartphone, and then make modifications for savings. Or, should your schedule change and you expect to go back home prior to the thermostat turning on your furnace on, rather than going back to a chilly house, alter the settings via your Wi-Fi capable thermostat. Another perk - web enabled devices offer is a web-based program that’s simple to view and change, as compared with small, often complicated touchscreen display panels on the thermostat.

Learning thermostats

Smart thermostats are usually also Wi-Fi-enabled devices; however, they give you unique control over the home’s energy usage as well as your energy savings. These units “read” the patterns of cooling and heating usage over several days, and on auto-pilot adjust settings to guarantee optimum savings. They’re perfect for homeowners with steady schedules, and who might not want to or may not have any time to modify settings.

Additional enhancements

Although it is not a programmable thermostat, some power companies have utilized technology to develop a “smart” meter to improve energy consumption in your home. With a smart meter placed in homes, power companies have better ability to access usage details, as the meter allows two-way communication. Ultimately, smart meters allow a far more efficient method to deliver electricity, manage peak demand usage, improve the power restoration process after power outages, lower electricity costs, and more. For people with any of these installed, the utility company may supply you with a thermostat additionally.

For additional information about programmable thermostats, email or call Sandium Heating & Air. We serve greater south San Francisco Bay area homeowners.

How to Be Your Air Conditioner's Best Friend

There are a few things you can do to take care of your air conditioner and make its life a little longer and a little easier.

How does your air conditioner work? Simply stated, an air conditioning unit removes heat from the air and blows it outside with an outdoor fan. An indoor fan pulls room air across an evaporator coil filled with refrigerant and transfers cool air into your home. Obviously, the movement of air by fans is a big part of the system. That's why it is so important to replace the filter at least once a month.

As dust is picked up, it is trapped on the filter, and you would be surprised how quickly the dust accumulates. Trying to pull air through a clogged filter just makes the fan work harder, raising your utility bill.

The same is true for the fan in the outdoor unit. Make sure the outside of the unit is away from shrubs and other vegetation growth, and keep the unit as clean and free of leaves and dirt as possible. Provide at least five feet of clearance at the top and two feet on all sides of the unit.

When using your air conditioning, the best method is to leave the temperature setting at one comfortable spot. The more you move the temperature up and down, the more work your system must do. If you must move the temperature setting, make the smallest movement possible.

Another way to prolong the life of your air conditioning unit is to operate your other appliances wisely. Dishwashers, washers, dryers and stoves all generate heat and humidity indoors. Try to schedule laundry and cooking during the mornings or evenings to avoid taxing your air conditioner in the heat of the day. Use an exhaust fan in the kitchen, and vent your clothes dryer outside to give your air conditioner a hand.

Sunshine is also an enemy of air conditioning. Keep drapes and shades pulled to prevent sunlight form streaming into rooms. Over 20 percent of your bill can be due to sunlight.

Also, make sure the drain your condensation drips into is clear. Pour a cup of regular laundry bleach down the drain once a month to kill algae and mold and keep the drain running smoothly.

By Scott Ethridge

Air Filtration Systems Can Really Help Reduce Airborne Contaminants That Will Make You Sick

Even though the State of California is making great progress in raising the air quality in the south SF bay area over the last decade, people continue to use air cleaners for aggravating and unhealthful airborne particulates. Plant pollen, dust, mildew and mold, pet dander and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) aren't just irritating, they will also lead to respiratory complications, like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergies as well as sinus attacks. 

Thankfully, several options exist to raise the indoor quality of air using HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters, germicidal systems, gas and electronic phase filters. Each deals with particular air quality challenges.

HEPA Filtration

 These types remove 90 % of the particles within your air that are bigger than .3 microns. Commonly used in industrial and medical facilities, they are the most effective mechanical filters available.

Germicidal systems. Ultraviolet lights (UV) eliminate bacteria, mold spores, viruses and germs. They are usually used in conjunction with air filters in HVAC systems, with fans drawing the air past the lights and the filter, as a result reducing the concentration of contagious airborne pollutants.

Electronic Filtration

 These air cleaners use electric charges to trap particles and may create ozone, a known respiratory irritant. Keeping these filters clean helps reduce the amount of ozone they create. Some kinds of filtration systems can’t be sold in California because of the health hazards associated with ozone production.

Gas Phase Air Filters

 If you are living in a new house or have just lately renovated, gas phase air filters could help you breathe better. They use filters integrated with carbon to eliminate VOCs from the air.

Should you or a loved one have considerable breathing complications, a whole-house approach using a combination of these filtration systems can easily boost comfort and health. These products work with forced A/C equipment and make use of high-efficiency filters to improve indoor air quality all through the home, rather than just the area where the air cleaner operates. These systems could also use UV lights to improve indoor air quality.

If you need to understand more about purification and air cleaners, contact Sandium Heating & Air.