Is there an advantage of a HEPA air filter over a traditional filter?

If you’re on top of your air filters and changing them as frequently as you should be, you’ve probably come across the HEPA air filters. HEPA air filters, or high-efficiency particulate air filters, work by forcing air through a fine mesh trapping particles like pollen, pet dander, dust mites and smoke.

With how often you should be changing your air filter (a few times a year) you may be tempted to go with the cheap fiberglass filters for a couple of bucks. After all, is there really an advantage to purchasing a higher-quality air filter, like a HEPA air filter, that costs more? We’re here to let you in on the HEPA advantages you may have been missing out on.

We have gone over the importance of indoor air quality previously here. Indoor air quality affects your health, especially if you or someone else in the home has asthma. Being exposed to and breathing in things like pollen, mold spores, dust mite debris, smoke, pet dander or smog can leave you with headaches, sore throats, and skin rashes. Your air filter is what protects you from breathing these things in your home.

As we mentioned earlier, the fiberglass air filters are definitely the cheapest, but they are don’t do very well when it comes to removing particles from the air; we’re talking less than 10% of the pollutants are removed.

Another more traditional option would be the pleated air filter. These remove up to 45% of particles in the air and usually cost around $10. While a better option than the fiberglass filter, it is still inferior to the HEPA air filter.

High efficiency air filters remove up to 85% of the air pollutants in your home, which is a number that can leave you sleeping easy at night. (You’ll probably be sleeping easy with all that clean air to breathe!) And a true HEPA air filter used for a whole house filtration system or air purifier can remove up to 98% of the pollutants in the home.

Fiberglass air filters are actually pretty good when it comes to trapping large particles in the air, but don’t handle the small particles very well. While HEPA air filters aren’t as good at catching large particles, they are much better at capturing the smaller particles. But the smaller particles are much more harmful to your health; these are the ones you want to worry about trapping.

The effectiveness of the HEPA air filter and the importance of air quality to your health are two simple yet powerful reasons why these high efficiency filters are superior to any other option. By investing in a HEPA air filter you can ensure you and your family will be breathing cleaner air.

For more information about air filters, or to have someone tune up your AC to further improve your indoor air quality, call the professionals with Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning..

So, Think You Need and Air Conditioner Replacement?

How do you know you need to replace your AC? As the weather continues to heat up, this is a great question to ask yourself. If you think an air conditioner replacement is in your future, now is a great time to make that decision before you really start to depend on cool air for a comfortable summer. Here are four signs that it’s time to replace your AC.

1. Age

The lifespan of an AC unit usually ranges from 10 to 15 years. Whether our system makes it all

the way to 15 or barley makes it to 10 before calling it quits will depend greatly on the care of your system throughout the years. Better care and preventative maintenance will mean your AC system will last longer. But old age alone isn’t necessarily reason enough for get a new system. If your air conditioner is within this range and has any of the issues listed below, then it’s time for an air conditioning replacement.

2. Inefficient

Often if your AC system is older, it will be less efficient than newer models. Despite the age of your air conditioner, if your system is constantly running without actually cooling your home very well or at all, it’s probably inefficient. In either case, inefficiency means you’ll be paying more for your utility bill than necessary. Take a look at your bills, do some research for normal costs in your area, and if your system is too inefficient, look into something newer and more efficient.

3. Expensive repairs

With time, there will be parts of your AC system that may breakdown or need some service. For these repairs, call the professionals at Complete Heating and Air. Locally owned and family operated, you can trust them with your repair needs. That said, as your system gets older sometimes the repairs become more serious; these repairs are beyond regular maintenance and can be quite expensive. If you find yourself in a situation where the cost of a repair has you thinking a whole new system might be a better bang for your buck, you’re probably right. It’s time to consider an air conditioner replacement.

4. Your home isn’t comfortable

If your home isn’t cool in the summertime, it’s obviously going to be a big problem for your household. You’ll probably be overheated and frustrated. If your system runs but doesn’t cool the air, there can be some serious issues that mean it’s time for an air conditioner replacement. If your system seems more humid than it should be, also it’s time for a replacement. Extra moisture in the air can mean a few things. One is leaking refrigerant which is a health risk for your family and should be fixed immediately. No cool air could mean your compressor failed, or the Freon levels are too low. If that’s the case, it’s time to move on.

Whether your system has one or all of these signs, if you have any questions regarding your air conditioning system and repairs or replacement options, give the experts at Complete Heating and Air a call.

Planning ahead for the worst-case scenario is often the safest bet. It’s the middle of February and the last thing you want is for your furnace to give out on you. But what if it did? Would you know how to go about choosing a new furnace?

When you are looking into buying a new furnace, ultimately you are looking for a machine that will keep your home warm and comfortable. You want something that is efficient, reliable and quiet. You probably also want a machine that is low maintenance and has a long lifespan. Ideally, all of this will be available for a reasonable price. But what specifically should you be looking for?

1. Size

Choosing a new furnace that is the correct size for your home is extremely important. If the furnace is too small, it won’t keep the home warm enough. A furnace that’s too big is going to cost more than a properly fitted appliance. Besides the extra cost, a furnace that is too big usually means the machine will kick on and off too often meaning more wear and tear, ever-varying temperatures, and even more unnecessary costs in utilities.

When choosing a new furnace consider the size of your home, the design, the construction and the climate to determine your heating need. All of these variables can be put in an equation to find the load calculation. Even if you are replacing an existing furnace, it is important to do a new load calculation. You want to be certain that the load calculation is done properly. That is why it is also important to choose contractor that you can trust to determine the heating needs of your home.

2. Efficiency

Choosing an energy-efficient furnace can mean avoiding lost or wasted heat.  The amount of fuel in the furnace that is converted to heat is called the annual fuel utilization efficiency number, or AFUE.

In the long run, it is usually a better value to buy a furnace with a high AFUE and a higher price tag, but lower monthly costs. However, that’s not always the case.

Take some time to consider how much you will be saving with an energy-efficient furnace. It’s also important to factor in how long you will live in your home, your climate, and if there are rebates for a high-efficiency furnace.

3. Choose a Professional You Trust

While there are many things you, as a home owner, can consider when it comes to choosing a new furnace, it is important to choose a profession that you trust. Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning is the company to help you with your furnace needs. The experienced professionals at Complete Comfort know how to select a furnace that is the perfect size for your home. Complete Comfort Heating & AC will help you get a furnace that is powerful and efficient while minimizing operation and maintenance costs. There is nothing to lose with a complementary consultation!

Other things to consider

Even with a brand new furnace, there are still other factors that can help or hurt you when it comes to efficiency and keeping your costs low. Make sure your air ducts are properly maintained, you have proper insulation, and the weather-stripping around doors and windows is up to the task of keeping your heated air inside. And remember, programmable thermostats can save you a lot of money on your monthly bills!