The short answer to this is, “no,” but we’d gather that you probably would like a bit more information than simply that.
The thing of it is, the air filter that comes standard with your HVAC system is there to protect the inside components of that system from dirt and debris that can build up and impede system performance. While a clogged air filter can hurt your indoor air quality (IAQ), your IAQ needs are not the primary reason for this filter and simply relying on this air filter will do nothing to protect or improve your indoor air quality. To truly protect or improve your indoor air quality, you’d do well to consider the installation of a:
Whole-House Dehumidifier: You’re no stranger to high humidity, right? Anytime the relative humidity levels rise above 50%, there’s too much ambient moisture in the air to let sweat evaporate off of our bodies—our natural way of cooling off—leaving you feeling pretty uncomfortable.
High humidity also encourages the development of mold and mildew as well as other bacteria. And while your air conditioner can handle some dehumidification on its own, it is very superficial, and the cooling system can waste a lot of energy trying to overcome excessive humidity.
A whole house dehumidifier works by lowering humidity levels to exact amount you need, effectively improving your comfort and eliminating the growth of mold and bacteria. In addition, it eases the strain on your air conditioner, helping you save money.
Electronic Air Filter: As we stated above, your HVAC system comes with a basic filter to strain dust and dirt out of the air as the system runs, which can be someone adequate when it comes to helping your indoor air quality—but not wholly.
If your household suffers from an excess of dust or you have allergy and asthma sufferers in your home, you may want to consider the installation of an electronic air filter, which charges any particles, no matter how small, and causes them to stick to a collection pan. This makes your air much cleaner than it might otherwise be.
UV Air Filter: We mentioned mold and mildew development already, and a dehumidifier will definitely help prevent this, but, did you know there’s more you can do? A UV air filter doesn’t clean the air already circulating through your home, but rather it helps clean the air coming from your AC before it even enters your home. Germs and bacteria, like mold, have the perfect home right inside your ductwork which is cool and damp from air conditioning use.
A UV air filter is installed directly into your ductwork, in order to eliminate this growth and prevent it from developing further. You may wonder if this type of UV use is safe, and yes, it is. It’s harmless to people and pets, but deadly to the microorganisms that can make you sick.
At North Central Florida Air Conditioning, we are improving lives by improving homes!
Contact us today for superior IAQ products and services in Gainesville and beyond.
