Michigan's Air Filtration Specialists
Indoor air quality heavily relies on effective air filtration. This process involves air passing through a filter screen, where the filter media removes particulate matter. Common contaminants captured include pollen, dust, pet dander, dirt, and allergens. Advanced filters may also target and eliminate airborne bacteria and viruses.
Air Filtration Information Center
Air Filtration Facts
Residential air filtration employs two primary technologies. Media filtration, relying on a physical barrier to capture particulate matter, and electronic filtration, utilizing electrostatic attraction. Hybrid systems combine these methods, and some incorporate activated carbon for volatile organic compound (VOC) and odor removal. Implementation can be achieved through whole-house integration within the HVAC system or via standalone, portable units with integrated fans.
What Are The Core Components Of Air Filters?
Before we answer the question of “how air filters work,” it helps to go over the core components of an air filtration system, so you understand how the filters fit in. There are five core components to know:
- Intake Vent – This is where the AC unit pulls air from inside your home into the unit.
- Air Ducts – Ducts are insulated piping that runs through the ceiling and walls to distribute conditioned air around the home.
- Vents – The air ducts are connected to vents in the walls that allow conditioned air into living spaces.
- Portable Room Air Purifiers – These standalone devices purify a limited space by drawing air into the purifier, trapping contaminants in a filter, and expelling the purified air back out into the room.
- Air Filters – An air filter is a screen within the HVAC system. It’s strategically located so that all air coming into the HVAC system passes through the filter first so that contaminants can be trapped and removed from the air.
How Do Air Filters Work?
In the U.S. roughly 84% of homes have some sort of air conditioning or heating system. The vast majority use a central air and heat system known as an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system to regulate the temperature inside the home. An HVAC system is made up of large pieces of machinery as well as smaller components. They all work together to heat and cool the home by continuously circulating conditioned air throughout the house. Each part is important, including the air filter.
Home air filters not only protect the rest of the HVAC system, but they can also protect your family’s health by purifying the air of pathogens, allergens and a number of other contaminants. One of the most vital components of your air filtration system is the home air filter. Home air filters are amazingly simple for what they are able to do.
Home air filtration is needed because the air circulating in a home typically contains contaminants. If left unattended, these particles will continue to circulate unless they are physically removed from the air. Air filters are the center of a home air filtration system. They are the sole component that ensures the air circulating in your house is clean and safe.
Call Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule your appointment.
Why Choose Us?
At Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, we are dedicated to being the trusted heating, cooling, air quality and generator experts, and have been for over 40 years. We serve all of Jackson County and many surrounding areas and our team works hard to ensure our customers get exactly what they need. From using top-of-the-line equipment to making sure our team is well-trained, we strive to provide 5-star service each and every time. Call us today to schedule your service to find out why we have earned a reputation of integrity and quality work.
- In Business Since 1981
- Family Owned & Operated
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Air Filtration F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Air Filtration Important For My HVAC System & My Home?
Air filtration serves two critical purposes at the same time. First, it protects your HVAC system by preventing dust, dirt, and debris from building up on internal components like the blower motor and evaporator coil, which can cause the system to work harder, run less efficiently, and break down sooner.
Second, it protects the people in your home by removing airborne contaminants like pollen, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, and allergens before they recirculate through your living spaces. Without proper filtration, those particles just keep cycling through the air every time your system runs.
For homeowners in Jackson, Michigan and the surrounding areas dealing with seasonal allergies or anyone who wants a cleaner, healthier home environment, good air filtration is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make.
For more information on the importance of air filtration, check out our blog: How Air Filtration Improves Comfort and Health at Home.
How Often Should I Replace My HVAC Filter?
How often you need to replace your HVAC filter depends on the type of filter and your household conditions.
Standard 1-inch filters generally need to be changed every one to three months. Higher-efficiency media filters or HEPA-style filters can last six to twelve months before needing replacement. If you have pets, smokers in the home, or anyone with allergies or asthma, you’ll likely need to change filters more frequently since the filter captures more particles faster.
A good habit is to check the filter monthly and replace it as soon as it looks visibly dirty or clogged. Running on a dirty filter drives up energy bills, strains your system, and defeats the whole purpose of having filtration in the first place.
Do You Offer Whole-Home Air Filtration Services in the Jackson Area?
Yes, Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning provides air filtration services and upgrades for homeowners throughout Jackson County and the surrounding areas including Ingham, Eaton, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Lenawee, and Washtenaw counties.
Our team can evaluate your current filtration setup, recommend the right filter type and MERV rating for your home and HVAC system, and install whole-home filtration solutions that work alongside your existing heating and cooling equipment.
What are the Different Types of Air Filters, and Which One is Best For My Home?
The most common types of HVAC air filters are fiberglass filters, pleated filters, media filters, HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, and electrostatic filters.
- Fiberglass filters are inexpensive but offer very basic protection, mainly for the equipment rather than your air quality.
- Pleated filters are a solid everyday choice for most homes, capturing a much wider range of particles at an affordable price.
- Media filters offer deep filtration in a thick, accordion-style design and are a great whole-home upgrade.
- HEPA filters capture the finest particles including bacteria and viruses but may require system modifications due to their density.
- Activated carbon filters are ideal for odor control, especially in homes with pets or smokers.
- Electrostatic filters use static charge to attract particles and are washable and reusable.
The best filter for your home depends on your air quality goals, whether anyone in the household has allergies or respiratory conditions, and what your HVAC system can handle. Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning can help you find the right fit.
Do Air Filters Help With Allergies and Indoor Air Quality?
Yes, the right air filter can make a real difference for allergy sufferers and anyone dealing with respiratory issues.
High-efficiency filters rated MERV 11 or higher are effective at capturing common allergens like pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and dust mites, keeping them from recirculating through your home’s air supply. For households where allergies or asthma are a concern, pairing a high-quality HVAC filter with a whole-home air purifier or UV air sanitizer gives even better results.
It’s also worth noting that basic fiberglass filters do very little for air quality and are mainly designed to protect the equipment. If allergy relief is a priority, upgrading to a pleated or media filter is one of the most cost-effective first steps you can take.
What is the Difference Between Whole-Home Air Filtration & a Portable Air Purifier?
Whole-home air filtration is integrated directly into your HVAC system, meaning every cubic foot of air that circulates through your home passes through the filter before being redistributed to your living spaces. This gives you consistent, thorough filtration throughout the entire house with no gaps in coverage.
Portable air purifiers, on the other hand, only treat the air in the immediate room they are placed in and require you to move them around or buy multiple units for broader coverage.
For homeowners in Jackson County & the surrounding areas who want comprehensive air quality improvement, whole-home filtration integrated into the HVAC system is the more effective and convenient long-term solution. Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning can assess your current setup and recommend the best approach.
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Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
- 4131 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49202
- Phone: (517) 879-2049
- Fax: (517) 750-0900
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