If allergies are affecting your home in Knoxville, selecting the right air filter can help improve air quality and reduce allergy symptoms. At Eco Home Solutions, we’re here to assist in choosing the best air filter for your HVAC system or portable air purifier to ensure relief.
When reducing allergy symptoms, the right air filter is essential. Tiny allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander vary in size, affecting how well filters can capture them.
Focus on two key ratings when selecting an air filter: Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) and Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR).
Follow the 2/3 Rule for best results: the CADR of your filter should be two-thirds of your home’s square footage. For a 1,200-square-foot home, look for a filter with a CADR of at least 800.
Higher CADR means faster clean air circulation. Here’s a comparison of various air filters:
The performance of your air filter depends on its material and construction. While high-performing filters may cost more, they’re a great investment for allergy relief.
Here’s how different air filter materials stack up:
Fiberglass Air Filters
Common and affordable, but they capture less than 10% of allergens, making them less effective for allergy sufferers.
Pleated Fiberglass Air Filters
These have an additional cotton and polyester layer, boosting filtration and capturing 20% to 50% of allergens depending on the MERV and CADR ratings.
HEPA Air Filters
HEPA filters are the best for allergy relief, removing up to 98% of airborne pollutants. They work well in air purifiers, HVAC systems, and whole-house air purifiers. Although pricier, they offer top performance. Be sure to check with Eco Home Solutions to ensure compatibility with your HVAC system.
HEPA filters are the most effective but may not fit all HVAC systems. Consult your system’s manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the highest-rated filter your system supports. If HEPA isn’t an option, look for a high MERV-rated filter and consider a portable air purifier for extra relief.
Allergies don’t have to be a hassle. With the right air filter, you can improve air quality and enjoy relief from seasonal allergies.
Our expert technicians at Eco Home Solutions are ready to help you choose the best filter for your system and offer other air quality improvements. Contact us today to create a more comfortable, allergy-friendly home in Knoxville!
Look out for these signs: rising energy bills, uneven heating or cooling, strange noises, frequent repairs, the system's age, poor air quality, lack of comfort, leaks or moisture, outdated tech, and humidity issues at home.
Central air conditioning is a system that cools your home. It removes heat and humidity from the air. This is done using outdoor and indoor parts.
Replacing an AC unit can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours. This depends on the project's size, the AC type, and where it's located. It's an estimate, but it gives you a rough idea.
An aging HVAC system uses more energy to keep your home comfortable, raising your bills. Watching your energy bills can show when it's time for maintenance or a new system.
It works by moving refrigerant through an indoor coil and an outdoor coil. A compressor and fans help transfer heat. The refrigerant takes heat from the air inside and sends it outside.
Then, it sends cooled air back through ducts and vents throughout your home.
Generally, it takes 4 to 8 hours to replace an air conditioner. If you're also replacing your furnace, it might take longer, around 8 to 14 hours.
Uneven temperatures might mean ductwork problems, old equipment, or an inefficient system. Getting a new, right-sized, and balanced system can fix this and keep your home comfortable.
The main parts include the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The outdoor unit has the condenser, compressor, and fan. The indoor unit has the evaporator coil, air handler, and ductwork.
There's also the refrigerant and the thermostat.
The time it takes to install an AC unit changes a lot. It depends on your home's size, how easy it is to get to the AC, and the type of AC. It also matters if you're just changing it or getting a whole new system.
Noises like banging, rattling, or squealing suggest mechanical issues, like worn parts or loose components. These sounds are serious and could lead to expensive repairs or system failure if ignored.
There are split systems and packaged units. Split systems have indoor and outdoor units. Packaged units have everything in one outdoor unit.
There's also heat pump systems. They can heat and cool your home.
Older HVAC systems need more repairs to keep working. If repairs happen often, it might be cheaper to get a new, reliable system in the long run.
Consider your home's size and what you need from the system. Think about energy efficiency and features like smart thermostats and humidity control.
Make sure the unit is the right size for your home.
Most HVAC systems last 10-15 years, depending on use and care. If your system is getting old, it's time to think about a new, energy-saving model.
If your system is over 10 years old and needs a lot of repairs, it might be time for a new one. Newer systems are more efficient and cost less to run.
If you're always adjusting the thermostat or feeling uncomfortable, your system might not be working right. A new, efficient system can give you better control over your home's climate.
Use a programmable thermostat and make sure your home is well-insulated. Block heat with window treatments or plants.
Regular maintenance, like tune-ups, filter changes, and inspections, can catch and fix problems early. This can save you from big repairs or replacing your system too soon. It also makes your system last longer and work better.
Look for signs like age over 15 years, frequent repairs, trouble keeping the temperature steady, strange noises, and rising energy bills.
New HVAC tech improves energy use, performance, and comfort. Old systems miss out on these benefits. Upgrading to a newer system can save energy and make your home more comfortable.
They have the skills and tools to install, maintain, and fix your system right. This ensures it works well, efficiently, and lasts longer.
.jpg)
