Feeling a little sneezy, itchy, or congested all of a sudden? That can only mean one thing: spring — along with spring allergies — have officially arrived here in Minnesota.
According to the CDC, seasonal allergies affect up to 60 million Americans annually. And with all the beautiful greenery we have in our state, it’s no surprise that pollen runs rampant here this time of year. If you’re one of the unlucky individuals who experiences hay fever, asthma, or other allergy symptoms as soon as the weather begins to warm up, then there’s a solution that can help reduce allergens and let you enjoy this season comfortably — and it has to do with your HVAC system.
What Is a Whole Home Air Cleaner?
Whole home air cleaners (sometimes called whole house air cleaners or whole home air purifiers) are devices designed to rid your home of the particles that commonly cause spring allergies, along with year-round pollutants as well. Unlike portable air purifiers that are limited to small areas or singular rooms, whole home air cleaners are installed directly into your HVAC system, cleaning all the air throughout your house at the same time it heats it up or cools it down.
Whole Home Air Cleaners vs. Standard HVAC Filters
You might be asking, “Wait, doesn’t my HVAC system already have a filter?” While that’s true, standard HVAC filters are designed to remove large particles from the air, filter out any debris that could damage your HVAC system, and ensure your system maintains its efficiency. A whole home air cleaner goes one step further, using media filters to rid your home of smaller particles, such as allergens. When you need to stop the sneezing, even the best HVAC filter for allergies won’t be as effective as a whole home air cleaner!
What Are Media Filters in HVAC?
Media filters are a type of filter used in whole home air cleaners. Using filter media – such as fiberglass, synthetic fibers, or pleated cloth/paper — media filters can remove up to 99% of contaminants in the air, including small particles like pollen, bacteria, and viruses.
The specific media filters HVAC systems require will depend on the whole home air cleaner model installed. Filters will also be assigned a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), which describes how effectively it captures airborne particles.
Best Whole Home Air Cleaners for Allergies
Here at Joel Smith Heating and Air Conditioning, we partner with industry leaders AprilAire, Field Controls, and RGF for top-of-the-line whole home air cleaning solutions and media filters. Some of the best whole home air cleaners for allergies offered by these companies include:
- AprilAire Models 1210, 1310, and 1410: Feature a MERV 11 filter
- AprilAire Models 2210, 2310, and 2410: Feature a MERV 13 filter
- AprilAire Models 2216, 2416, and 2516: Feature a MERV 16 filter
- AprilAire Model 5000: Silent electronic air cleaner equivalent to MERV 15
- Field Controls Models DUO-2000 and DUO-16/120V: Reduce 93.6% of airborne germs and 88% odors and VOCs in 2 hours
- RGF Reme Halo LED: UV purifier that uses revolutionary REME-LED® technology
Whole Home Air Cleaner Maintenance Tips
In order to keep your whole home air cleaner running smoothly and operating at peak efficiency, there are several ways to maintain your solution, including:
- Checking Air Filters: Set a reminder to check your air filters on a regular basis for dirt or debris that could diminish the effectiveness of your air filters
- Changing Air Filters: Change your air filters according to manufacturer recommendations or if your filter accumulates buildup that cannot be cleaned off
- Observing Airflow: Keep an eye out for any significant reduction in airflow from your vents, which could be a sign that your air cleaning system needs attention
- Monitoring Energy Bills: If you notice a significant increase in your energy bills, your air cleaner may not be operating properly or as efficiently as it could
- Testing Air Quality: Consider testing your air quality to determine how well your air cleaner is working and whether it needs maintenance or an upgrade
- Regular Maintenance: Especially as we approach allergy season, have a professional perform regular tune-ups on your whole home air cleaner to ensure it’s working properly
- Regular Cleanings: Clean out your air ducts, or hire a professional to do so, in order to avoid inefficiencies that could be caused by excessive buildup
- Professional Repairs: If you discover your whole home air cleaner isn’t operating properly, hire a professional who can accurately diagnose the problem and repair it quickly (like Joel Smith HVAC!)
Trust Joel Smith HVAC to Help You Breathe Easier
When you need a whole home air cleaner, you can count on the professionals at Joel Smith Heating and Air Conditioning to get the job done right. With over 30 years of experience serving the Twin Cities region, we’ll help you find the best whole home air cleaner for your house and provide installation, maintenance, and repair services as needed.
Contact us today at (763) 792-1066 or by sending us a message, and you’ll be one step closer to enjoying the warm weather without those pesky allergens in your home.