Whole House Air Filtration in Oakdale, PA

Why Consider Whole House Air Filtration?

Indoor air quality directly impacts your family's health and comfort. Airborne pollutants can trigger allergies, exacerbate asthma symptoms, and contribute to respiratory issues. Even for those without specific sensitivities, cleaner air simply makes your home a more pleasant place to live.

A whole house system is integrated directly into your home's ductwork. As your heating or cooling system runs, air passes through the advanced filtration unit, which captures a much higher percentage of airborne particles than standard furnace filters. The cleaned air is then distributed back into every room, providing consistent purification.

Benefits of a Whole House Air Filtration System

Investing in a whole house air filtration system offers numerous advantages:

• Improved Indoor Air Quality: The primary benefit is significantly cleaner air circulating throughout your home. These systems effectively capture microscopic particles that standard filters miss.
• Allergy and Asthma Relief: By removing common triggers like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores, these systems can significantly reduce allergy and asthma symptoms, allowing residents to breathe easier.
• Reduced Dust and Cleaning: With fewer particles floating in the air, you'll notice less dust settling on furniture and surfaces, potentially reducing the frequency of cleaning needed.
• Enhanced HVAC System Efficiency and Longevity: High-quality air filters protect the components of your heating and cooling system from buildup. This can help the system operate more efficiently, potentially lowering energy costs, and can extend the lifespan of expensive equipment by reducing wear and tear caused by debris.
• Odor Reduction: Some systems can help reduce common household odors, including those from cooking, pets, and other sources.
• Uniform Air Purification: Unlike portable units that only clean the air in a single room, a whole house system treats all the air that passes through your central ductwork, ensuring cleaner air reaches every corner of your home.

For residents in Oakdale, PA, addressing indoor air quality is a proactive step towards creating a healthier living environment.

Types of Whole House Air Filtration Systems

Whole house air filtration systems employ various technologies to capture airborne contaminants. The most common types include:

Media Air Cleaners:

These are highly effective mechanical filters integrated into the HVAC system's return air duct. They use a thick, pleated filter cartridge, often several inches deep, with a large surface area.

• How they work: Air is forced through the dense filter media, trapping particles as it passes. The effectiveness is measured by the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. Higher MERV ratings (typically 11-16 for whole house systems) indicate finer filtration, capturing smaller particles like bacteria and viruses.
• Maintenance: Media filters need to be replaced periodically, typically every 6-12 months, depending on the specific filter type, household air quality, and HVAC system usage. Replacement is a straightforward process, though professional guidance ensures the correct filter is used and installed properly.

Electronic Air Cleaners:

These systems use electrical charges to capture particles.

• How they work: Air passes through an ionization section where particles receive an electrical charge. These charged particles are then collected on oppositely charged plates or collection cells.
• Effectiveness: Electronic air cleaners can be very effective at capturing extremely small particles.
• Maintenance: Instead of being replaced, the collection plates/cells need to be periodically removed and cleaned. This typically involves washing them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some systems may also have a pre-filter that needs regular cleaning or replacement.

UV Germicidal Lights (Often paired):

While not filters in the traditional sense (they don't capture particles), UV lamps are often installed in conjunction with filtration systems or coils to kill or inactivate microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and mold spores as they pass through the system. They are a valuable addition for enhancing overall Indoor Air Quality.

The best type of system for your home depends on various factors, including the specific air quality issues you want to address, existing HVAC system configuration, and desired level of filtration. Our experts can assess your needs and recommend the most suitable system.

Installation Process

Installing a whole house air filtration system requires integrating the unit directly into your home's existing HVAC ductwork. This is not a DIY project and should be performed by experienced HVAC professionals.

The installation process typically involves:

• System Selection: Based on your home size, HVAC system type, and air quality concerns, a suitable filtration system is chosen.
• Location Identification: A proper location in the return air duct, usually near the air handler or furnace, is identified for optimal performance.
• Ductwork Modification: The existing ductwork is carefully cut and modified to accommodate the new filtration unit.
• System Integration: The air cleaner is securely installed within the modified ductwork.
• Electrical Connection: Electronic air cleaners require an electrical connection, which must be safely wired by a qualified technician.
• System Testing: Once installed, the system is tested to ensure proper airflow and effective operation.
• User Guidance: The technician explains how the system works, advises on required HVAC Maintenance, and demonstrates how to access and maintain the filter or collection cells.

Proper installation is crucial for the system to operate efficiently and effectively purify your home's air without negatively impacting the airflow of your HVAC system.

Maintenance for Your Whole House Air Filtration System

Like any component of your HVAC system, whole house air filtration units require routine maintenance to ensure continued performance. The specific maintenance steps vary depending on the type of system:

• Media Air Cleaners: The primary maintenance is the timely replacement of the filter cartridge. Ignoring replacement can lead to a clogged filter, which restricts airflow, reduces filtration effectiveness, and can put a strain on your HVAC system, potentially leading to energy inefficiency or equipment issues. We can help you determine the appropriate replacement schedule based on your system and home environment.
• Electronic Air Cleaners: These systems require regular cleaning of the collection plates/cells. If these components become overloaded with particles, the system's effectiveness diminishes. The frequency of cleaning depends on household air quality but is generally recommended every 1-3 months. The pre-filter, if present, also needs regular cleaning or replacement.

Integrating air filtration maintenance into your regular HVAC Maintenance schedule is a smart approach. During routine system checks, our technicians can inspect your air cleaner, advise on filter replacement or cleaning, and ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Why Choose Us for Air Filtration in Oakdale, PA

Sureway Heating Cooling Plumbing is dedicated to providing dependable HVAC services and plumbing solutions to residents in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, including Oakdale, PA. Our team understands the importance of clean, healthy indoor air.

When you choose us for your whole house air filtration needs, you benefit from our experience and commitment to quality service. We help you select the right system for your home, perform professional installation, and provide ongoing support through maintenance services. Our goal is to ensure you breathe easier and enjoy a more comfortable living environment.

Investing in a whole house air filtration system is an investment in your family's health and comfort. By partnering with us, you gain access to expertise that ensures the system is properly installed and maintained, delivering optimal performance for years to come. We are proud to serve the Oakdale community and help homeowners achieve superior indoor air quality.