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Air Purifier Vs Air Filter

What is the Difference between Air Purifier vs Air Filters?

Written by onestoput on . Posted in Air Quality, HVAC.

There is nothing more important than air quality when it comes to living comfortably in your own home.

However, one of the most confusing things when it comes to air quality is the terms for all the cleaners and air purifiers.

What is the difference between an air purifier and an air filter? And which one is better for your home?

Join us as we dive into the details below!

How Are Air Purifiers and Air Filters Similar?

Before you can understand the nitty gritty of air purifiers and air filters, you have to first learn the difference between the two.

Air purifiers and air filters are two types of air cleaners. Air cleaners are built into HVAC systems – whether the HVAC system is a furnace or air conditioner.

Air cleaners filter airborne particles that might affect air quality. Most air cleaners are placed between the air return duct and the HVAC system, letting air pass while removing particles.

Because of this, air purifiers work in a similar manner as air filters. Both types of air cleaners filter out the same pollutants, and thus serve the same purpose.

In general, air cleaners remove particles such as smoke, pollen, dust mites, dead skin, mold spores, pet dander, airborne pathogens, cigarette smoke, volatile organic compounds, and other airborne contaminants.

With how air cleaners trap smaller particles, they improve indoor air quality, leaving you with clean air that won’t smell unpleasant or trigger any allergies.

This is especially important if your HVAC system consists of air conditioning, since your home’s air is circulated over and over again.

Therefore, both air filters and air purifiers work to reduce indoor air pollution and create cleaner air.

What Is the Difference Between an Air Purifier and an Air Filter?

Now that you know how air purifiers and air filters are similar, let’s take a look at how they are different.

How Air Purifiers Work

Air purifiers filter out air pollution, improving indoor air quality.

Many air purifiers often use simple air filtration to trap pollutants, then neutralize airborne particles using various kinds of technologies.

For example, some air purifiers use electrical charges to trap smaller particles that may not be filtered by a physical screen.

Other air purifiers may use ultraviolet light to sterilize airborne particles that may affect your health.

An air purifier works to improve your home’s air in five simple steps:

  • A fan draws your home’s air into a vent.
  • The air passes through several filters that remove large particles, such as dust.
  • The air then passes through finer filters that remove smaller particles, such as air pollution.
  • The air purifier may have a deodorizer which will remove any unpleasant smells.
  • The air purifier may also have a neutralizer, which will sterilize any germs.

The air is then circulated back into the room.

How Air Filters Work

Most air filters come pre-installed in your HVAC system – especially in air conditioning systems – and they are amazing at filtering out larger particles.

An effective air filter uses one or more kinds of screens to sieve out particles.

Sometimes, there are even pre-filters, which trap large particles so that the succeeding filters don’t get clogged up and can filter out tiny particles such as bacteria.

This is done in three simple steps:

  • Your HVAC system draws in air, which gets forced through the air filter.
  • The air first goes through the pre-filter, if there is one present in your air filter.
  • The air then gets pushed through the main air filter, which might use a HEPA filter, electrostatic technology, or a simple paper filter.

Your HVAC system then circulates the clean air throughout your home.

Air Purifiers

Now that you know how an air purifier works, it’s time to become familiar with all of the different types there are.

An air purifier can come in a wide variety of forms, but there are three main types of air purifiers that have become popular over the last few years:

  • Ionic air purifiers
  • UV air purifiers
  • Ozone air purifiers

Each type of air purifier uses different methods for improving indoor air quality. Because of this, we will be diving into the details for each air purifier in separate sections below.

Ionic Air Purifiers

An ionic air purifier is one of the most common types of purifiers available in stores.

The way ionic air purifiers work is through an electrical charge. By creating an electrical charge, the air purifier creates an electrical field around it.

This electrical field then affects all charged particles around it. These charged particles are also known as – you guessed it – ions!

And since the electric charge in the ionic air purifier has a negative end and a positive end, it is able to attract both positive ions and negative ions, since opposite charges attract each other.

But how do ions help purify air?

The way it works is that, while ions in the air are being attracted by the electrical field in the air purifier, they attach to impurities along the way.

So, while an ion travels towards the part of the electrical field with a charge opposite to its own, it’s simultaneously dragging impurities out of the air.

Through this method, ions are used to remove various pollutants, including bacteria.

UV Light Purifiers

Another popular kind of air purifier is a UV light purifier.

As you probably already know, UV stands for ultraviolet, which is a type of light that has a wavelength range shorter than visible light, so you can’t see it.

UV light is also a kind of electromagnetic radiation, which means it is capable of sterilizing whatever crosses its path.

In fact, you may have already tried sterilizing with ultraviolet light if you put your mattresses out in the sun every now and then, since UV light is what gives sunlight its sterilizing effect.

When it comes to an air purifier, a UV sterilizer helps sterilize a wide variety of particles in the air. These particles include everything from mold spores to airborne pathogens.

Because of its sterilization effect, a UV light air purifier makes these particles harmless. Dead spores won’t lead to mold growth or allergies, and dead pathogens won’t infect you with any nasty diseases.

Ozone Air Purifiers

The last type of air purifier we will cover is an ozone air purifier.

An ozone air purifier works by generating ozone, which is a deodorizer and gets rid of any nasty smells.

However, there is a problem with using ozone generators.

Unfortunately, ozone is actually a toxic gas, and it can be dangerous if you end up inhaling large amounts of it.

Since the whole point of ozone generators is to create ozone, the indoor air quality of your home may be affected by a higher level of ozone normally present in nature.

This could become a danger to your health, so always be sure to check that your air purifier doesn’t generate more than 50 to 60 parts per billion.

Air Filters

Next up, we have air filtration.

There are two main types of air filters that can be installed in your HVAC system:

  • HEPA filters
  • Activated carbon filters

These two filters have different specializations and are best used in different ways, so we will be covering them in separate sections below.

HEPA Filters

A HEPA filter, also known as a high efficiency particulate air filter, is considered the best filter on the market.

This is because a HEPA filter is capable of trapping both larger dust particles as well as particles as tiny as 0.3 microns! Plus, HEPA filters trap 99.97% of all airborne particles.

Because of its efficiency, a HEPA air filter is used in all kinds of settings – from residential, to commercial, to medical.

Although it can be a bit pricey, a HEPA air filter is the best way to go if you want to prevent hay fever. This is because it’s the best at filtering out dust mites, dead skin, pet dander, and other possible allergy triggers.

Activated Carbon Filters

In the last few years, activated carbon has become an extremely popular material for absorbing nasty smells and toxic materials like tobacco smoke. In fact, some people even ingest it for health purposes!

And because of how it is highly porous, activated carbon has also made its way into air filters.

An activated carbon filter traps airborne particles in its pores, cleaning the air in your home.

Although they can be used to trap particles in general, activated carbon filters are best if you want to collect large particles, filter out volatile organic compounds, or absorb tobacco smoke.

How Do I Improve the Indoor Air Quality of My Home?

You’ve learned all about the different types of air cleaners, but how do you know which type of air purifier or air filter is best for your home?

If you’re just looking for something to help improve the air quality in your house, a simple review of the descriptions above should help you.

However, if you really want to make sure that the air in your home is as free of any pollutants as possible, the best thing to do is to consult a professional HVAC technician who will have the expertise necessary to recommend the best solution for your home.

Book Your Appointment with One Stop Heating and Air Conditioning Now!

Here at One Stop Heating and Air Conditioning, we have a team of HVAC professionals who can help you achieve the best air quality for your home.

From UV lights, to air cleaners, to air filters, to air purifiers, we’ve got you covered! Say goodbye to smoke, pollen, dust mites, and more with our services.

Plus, we also offer AC repair, AC installation, and AC maintenance – all of which are important for keeping your air as pristine as possible.

So what are you waiting for? Book an appointment on our website using our Service Form!

Call

(801) 355-9500

Service Areas

Wasatch Front, UT, and surrounding areas

Main Office

611 W 9560 S Suite E, Sandy, UT 84070

3 Ways to Clean Furnace

3 Ways to Clean Your Furnace

Written by onestoput on . Posted in Heating.

Did you know that a dirty furnace can’t run properly? Dirt and dust that collects in various areas of your furnace will cause restrictions in airflow. This will then place a significant strain on your furnace, preventing it from heating your home efficiently. The strain on your furnace will also eventually lead to breakdowns.

The best way to prevent harm to your furnace is to clean it regularly. You may think cleaning a furnace is a difficult task because it has so many parts and you don’t know which furnace parts need cleaning. However, cleaning your furnace can be done easily and keep your furnace running efficiently. Review these simple tips for cleaning your furnace.

Tip 1: Monitor Your Air Quality

Most people think of air quality and think about the irritants that affect their respiratory system. These irritants can eventually cause you to get sick. While this is certainly a concern, there is more to air quality than your own health.

For a furnace, dust, dirt, pollen and other debris can be quite harmful. These contaminants can clog up your furnace and prevent it from operating efficiently. For example, your furnace may not be able to produce the desired heat you want for your comfort level. Furthermore, these contaminants may cause your system to work harder and longer to meet your desired temperature needs. If this happens, you’re going to experience breakdowns that’ll lead to costly repairs in the future.

Did you know that heat affects the already low moisture in the air in the winter months? This low moisture content in the air can lead to more contaminants that are circulated when your furnace operates.

One of the best things you can do to improve your air quality is to manage your humidity levels. During the winter, consider running humidifiers to keep your indoor air from getting too dry. Accordingly, during the summer consider running a dehumidifier when the humidity is high.

The optimum humidity for a home is between 30% and 50%. This is enough moisture needed to help keep dust and other contaminants out of the air without encouraging mold and mildew to grow. By maintaining the optimum humidity levels, you could increase the life of your furnace.

Tip 2: Keep Everything Clean

The cleaner you keep your home and the area around your furnace, the better it will run. When you clean your filters, consider sweeping or vacuuming any dirt or dust that may have collected on them. If you vacuum your air filters often, then more air can pass freely through them and you could extend the life of your filter.

If you notice that your filters still appear dirty after cleaning or if you’re noticing less air volume flowing from your registers, it’s time to replace your filter.

Make sure to check your air filters often to ensure air can pass freely through them. Most air filters will last roughly 60 to 90 days. However, you may want to check them more often, especially during the drier months. Once you notice that your air filters are collecting dust on the intake side of the filter, it’s time to change them.

The filter isn’t the only component of a furnace you should keep clean. You should clean the surrounding areas of your furnace. Make sure to check for any fallen leaves, limbs or dirt near your furnace. If you see signs, then it’s time to perform an outside clean-up

Tip 3: Schedule Furnace Maintenance

Finally, be sure to schedule regular maintenance for your system. Your furnace should be serviced every year to ensure it’s working properly as you head into the coldest months.

During a regular maintenance visit, a technician will clean the difficult or hard-to-reach parts of your furnace. This usually includes your circulating fan, the heat exchanger, and the burners. The maintenance goes well beyond cleaning, too, and it includes inspecting and testing your entire system. This reduces your risk of having a furnace failure during the cold parts of the winter.

One Stop Heating & Cooling in Sandy, UT, has been the go-to service provider for furnace tune-ups for the last 20 years. Our team is trained to maintain and service all makes and models. Plus, we provide expert repair and installation for modern brands on the market. Call us today to schedule your furnace tune-up and get your system ready to handle the winter.

3 Common Furnace Problems

3 Common Furnace Problems

Written by onestoput on . Posted in Heating.

For many families, the furnace becomes their favorite home appliance once the winter months arrive. But when a home heating system is not working as expected, the problem can cause a significant decline in the comfort that a family experiences inside their home. Homeowners can prevent problems with the furnace by performing regular maintenance. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the potential complications that can cause the performance of your heating system to decline.

1. Dirty Ductwork

Dust will accumulate on vents, coils, motors and the surfaces of air ducts over time. Pet hairs, skin flakes and other debris will attach itself to the dust that is in the air. The coat of grime this process produces may then begin to cover the parts inside your furnace. The unhealthy environment created makes it possible for mold, bacteria and allergens to introduce themselves into your home and negatively affect the health of family members. Air filters provide some defense against this issue but do not protect all the parts that make up your furnace system.

You can avoid many of the problems associated with dirty ductwork by periodically checking for the presence of dirt, debris and grime. To do this, you only need to remove a vent and take a look inside. Air registers that contain dust buildup, clogged air filters, dust on the motor or blower fan, or dust clinging to the coil are all signs it is time to clean your furnace system’s ductwork.

2. Dirty Burners

When the burners in your furnace become covered in gunk, the result is an insufficient supply of the natural gas needed to facilitate combustion. Clogged burners will make it difficult for your furnace system to work at optimal levels, and they may prevent it from starting altogether. A blue flame is a sign of a clean and healthy burner. Burners that produce orange or yellow flames are probably in need of a thorough cleaning. Another sign that a burner is dirty is a rumble or boom upon ignition. You can clean dirty burners on your own, but this course of action is discouraged. It is both safer and more likely to yield a positive result if you have a professional clean the burners in your furnace.

If you do choose to clean the burners yourself, make sure that you turn off the power to the furnace before starting. You will need to remove the panel from the front of the furnace system to find the burners. Once you identify the burners and remove them from the furnace system, you should use a vacuum to eliminate any dust and debris accumulated on their surfaces. When you are finished with the cleaning, replace the burners and carefully place them in their proper positions. You can then restart the power to the furnace and see if the performance has improved.

3. Dirty Filters

Filters are another component of your heating system that will accumulate large amounts of dust and debris. Airflow into and out of the system becomes restricted when too much dirt settles into the filters. This restricted airflow can cause your furnace to overheat. It is also important to understand that when an accumulation of dirt already exists on them some debris will find its way past your filters. Once dirt and debris are in other areas of your furnace, these culprits cause additional problems to the system by attaching themselves to motors, wheels, furnace blowers and other components.

Your furnace will work harder to circulate warm air throughout your home when the filters are clogged. The additional work the system performs will make it more costly to heat your space. In addition, it could shorten the productive life of the equipment. Clogged filters will also result in dust and debris finding their way through vents and into your home. This debris could mean health problems for family members who suffer from allergies, asthma or other breathing-related issues. Your system will perform better if you clean the air filters in your furnace once a month and replace them three to four times each year.

Dependable Technicians at Your Disposal

One Stop Heating and Air Conditioning has served the furnace repair, maintenance and installation needs of residents in the Sandy area since we first opened for business in 2006. We also perform the same full range of cooling services. Our company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and we’ve satisfied countless customers over the years. We’d like to do the same for you. Anyone with heating or cooling needs in Sandy or the surrounding areas can resolve them by turning to One Stop Heating and Air Conditioning. Call us today.