HVAC systems are essential in keeping a healthy and comfortable environment in your commercial facility. While often underrated, the air filter is a crucial element of this system. A high-quality and efficient filter can trap and reduce the circulation of dirt, pollutants, and allergens, allowing for enhanced air quality within your facility.
Dependable HVAC commercial companies in Voorhees, NJ, can provide you with important information and a reliable air filter for your system. If you’d like to explore more about how a filter actually works, read on to learn all about it!
How does an HVAC filter work?
These filters trap airborne particles, including bacteria, dust, and pollen. While many believe their sole purpose is to remove harmful particles, they do more. They also protect the heating and cooling systems from rapid wear and tear and contribute to reduced energy costs. If a system operates without the air filter, it causes it to work harder and reduces its lifespan.
There are different types of filters catering to various requirements, from fiberglass options that trap large particles to HEPA and pleated filters designed to trap smaller particles. Let’s have a look at the most common types and how they work:
Mechanical filters
Mechanical filters, such as fiberglass or pleated, capture particles in a filter media when air passes through. While fiberglass models are cheaper, they are less effective in a commercial setting. Pleated models, on the other hand, provide better filtration at a somewhat higher cost.
Their effectiveness is normally expressed in minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) ratings. These ratings indicate the filter’s ability to capture particles from air. Lower ratings are sufficient for environments that are less sensitive, while higher values, such as 13 and above, work best for facilities like laboratories and hospitals.
Electrostatically-charged filters
This type uses electrostatic traction to trap airborne particles such as allergens, dust, and pollen. The particles become charged as air circulates through the filter. Collector plates that are oppositely charged attract them and efficiently remove them from the air. This is a highly efficient technology that is cost-effective for applications in large-scale systems.
However, it does require more maintenance than mechanical filters since the collector plates require frequent cleaning.
Biochemical filters
These specialized filters leverage chemical reactions to eliminate gaseous air pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They are not commonly used in most commercial systems, but they are suitable for environments with increased risk of exposure to hazardous gasses.
A typical example of a biochemical filter uses activated charcoal to trap contaminants through adsorption – physical interaction or chemical bonding to the carbon granules. However, these filters are not designed to trap particulates and are typically paired with another filter.
Photocatalytic oxidizer (PCO) is another type that oxidizes and captures airborne contaminants by utilizing a metal salt, typically titanium dioxide, activated by a UV light.
What are reliable HVAC commercial companies in Voorhees, NJ?
If you’re interested in discovering more about the latest trends in HVAC systems, you want to learn more about the downsides of last-minute repairs, or prevent sick building syndrome, reach out to Allied Experts. We’re a team of highly skilled and professional experts who work precisely and diligently to deliver results that keep our clients happy. We can provide tailored and durable solutions by applying cutting-edge technology and advanced methods. Whether you need us in Voorhees or across Camden County, you can consult our specialists for comprehensive assistance. Call us today and find out why we’re the best in our industry!