The Weather Channel reports more than one hundred wildfires are burning out of control in Canada. Michigan is one of many states where sunlight is dimmed. Though not visible inside, air in your house can also be affected.
Because the quality of inside air is so important, Mechanical Extremes offers practical solutions. A basic line of defense is to ensure your furnace/AC filters are doing their job. As outdoor particulate finds its way inside, the tiny particles attach to the filter. That reduces air cleaning effectiveness, and at the same time, decreases heating and cooling efficiency.
What should trigger a more frequent filter change? Monitoring the amount of Canadian smoke is one. Mechanical Extremes’ Harold Wilkes also says it depends on the amount of dust in the air. For example, airborne particles are more abundant in rural areas with open fields. Filter changes should be made as often as every month, or up to six months. The thermostat on many of the Carrier furnaces that Mechanical Extremes installs will alert you when it’s time for action. Other units can also be set to remind you on a time basis.
Now here’s where it gets a bit more complicated – choosing the proper filter for your situation. These facts should help. Filters have Merv ratings which define the potential performance of the filter. The higher the Merv number, the filter will capture more, and finer, dust. But know this. A larger number is not always the best solution. Harold Wilkes says “if the Merv rating is too high, it can suffocate the furnace.” That can lead to poor functioning and damage.
The recommended Merv rating will depend on your furnace. For a one-inch thick filter, a rating of 5 to 7 is about right. For 4-inch filters, 8 to 13 is appropriate. Best to check manufacturer specifications to find what’s right for your equipment.
In addition to changing filters more often, taking another step offers a significant improvement. Look for our next email that will tell you about it.
If you have questions, or would like to transfer filter changing to a professional, Mechanical Extremes can help. (517) 812-2484.
