Cleaner air for your entire home
Broadly, air cleaners work by mechanical filtration, electrical attraction or a combination of the two techniques. Mechanical or “media” filters strain dust from the air as a fan (air handler) propels the air through the filter membrane. Electrical-attraction cleaners’ use a principle similar to “static cling” they charge particles in the air or a collection device in the filter (or both) to create a magnetic attraction between particles and filter. Electronic air cleaners, which work infinitely better than ordinary filters, cost a lot more. In fact, a professionally installed whole-house air cleaner costs around $1,200, including installation. While this is a substantial amount of money, it’s worth every penny if it offers significant breathing relief and health improvement to one or more people in your household. But if the price is too steep for you, disposable filters can be purchased for far less. Of course, the disposable filters are less effective and can last up to 6 months before need they to be replaced. Electronic air cleaners only need to be cleaned / maintained once a year or so. Your heating and air contractor can help with deciding what is best for your family. Today’s heating and air contractors are more than just a guy and a truck. You should have your heating and air system serviced a minimum of once a year, while twice per year (spring – before the heat of summer and fall – before the chill of winter) is the best maintenance schedule to follow. A good heat and air contractor will offer a maintenance contract and keep good records of your system and its mechanical history.