With the arrival of spring and the allergens and pollutants that come with it , it鈥檚 the perfect time to inspect your HVAC system 鈥� both for safety and for indoor air-quality .
鈥淵ou can clean or change the filters on your HVAC system anytime, but right now is probably the best time to do it,鈥� says Vern Milani, President of . 鈥淲ith the hotter weather and the arrival of allergens and smoke from forest fires, you want to ensure your filters are clean before you start needing the system more.鈥�
The most common types of HVAC filters are designed to reduce the concentration of dust, dirt, smoke and mists originating from within the building, or from air drawn from outside.
鈥淎ny air-based system will have accumulated dust and particles from the previous season,鈥� Milani says. 鈥淵ou should clean or change your filters before the next season, so these materials aren鈥檛 being blown throughout your house.鈥�
READ MORE: Thinking of converting to a heat pump system? Okanagan HVAC experts share why you should
Where do I find my system鈥檚 filters?
Depending on the type of system, you may have one or more filters, found in different places for different systems.
鈥淎 decentralized, ductless system like a mini-split heat pump will have a filter for each head in the house, so you need to check each one,鈥� Milani says. 鈥淎 central system like a furnace or outdoor heat pump usually just has one filter in the central unit.鈥�
What kind of filters do I need?
HVAC filters are rated using the system, a way of indicating how efficiently an air filter captures particles of various sizes. MERV ratings are represented by a number ranging from 1 to 16, with MERV-16 providing the most protection and MERV-1 providing the least.
鈥淧articles are measured in microns, allowing you to choose the right level for your needs,鈥� Milani says. 鈥淵ou can also use HEPA filters, with different levels of filtration, from an average type for dust and mites, to a more more granular filter that can take care of bacteria and antigens. You can also install an air purifier attachment with the standard filter, for a more robust filter capable of trapping some viruses.
鈥淭hey also come in different types and sizes, depending on the manufacturer, so be sure to check your system specifications.鈥�
Milani points out that beyond checking filters, all HVAC systems also require regular safety checks.
鈥淲hether it鈥檚 a gas-fired system or an air conditioner, you should call a professional regularly to check for gas and coolant leaks, or other issues.鈥�
Follow Milani on , and call 250-800-0000 or email customerservice@milani.ca for service.