If you have pets in your Tampa Bay home, you may wonder whether they can affect your HVAC system. No matter how well you groom your pets, animal hair, dander, and other biological elements will slough off. Most of these particulates become airborne. Although air conditioning filters capture many of these contaminants, those that bypass the filter are blown into the living space. Here are a few ways to counter pollutants and keep the air you breathe clean.
HVAC Air Filtration Systems
Air filters are the first line of defense in keeping pollutants out of the HVAC system. If filters become clogged, pollutants enter ducts. From here, they are blown into the living space, affecting indoor air quality.
Filters should be cleaned or changed regularly. Keeping filters clean protects components of the system. If coils become coated with animal dander or other particulates, they cannot absorb and release heat properly. This affects the efficiency of a unit. Utility costs will rise, and the compressor will have to work harder to produce conditioned air.
Other air quality products that help keep indoor air clean include UV lights, air cleaners, dehumidifiers and ventilators. Nuccio Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. offers high-quality equipment that works with your heating and cooling system to improve the quality of your indoor air.
Upgrading to Better Filters
Standard HVAC air filters are designed to capture large particulates, such as textile fibers, pollen, and dust mites. Upgrading to filters that capture smaller contaminants can improve indoor air quality. Industry experts recommend MERV 8 filters for household use.
MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. The higher the MERV number, the smaller the pores of the filter and the better the filtration. MERV 8 filters capture particulates as small as 3 microns, including animal dander and dust mite droppings.
For more information about removing pet contaminants and improving indoor air quality, contact Nuccio Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. at 813-961-7895. Our NATE-certified technicians are always ready to answer your questions.
