Choosing the Right Type of Air Filtration for Your Forced Air System

With the fall and winter seasons quickly approaching the Washington DC region, Virginia and Maryland families alike are concerned about the cost of heating their homes. Homeowners look to create a comfortable environment without breaking the bank. Home heating costs account for more than half of home utility expenses during the fall and winter months. Here at Magnolia Plumbing we are committed to providing you with the tools and services to keep these costs down as well maximizing your comfort in your home.

Forced air systems have increasingly become the most energy efficient home heating method in the last decade. Ask yourself, "did my system heat better days and night's years ago?" If your answer is yes then it may be time to considering having your system completely replaced. Magnolia Plumbing can help you analyze your current system to determine is compatibility with the new forced air energy efficient systems.

Whether you live in the immediate Washington D.C. area or northern outliers of northern Virginia, air quality is important to you and your family's well-being. To maximize your health and comfort during the fall and winter months your air cleaner systems must be in check. There exist three types of filtration systems: mechanical, electronic, or a combination of the two. Heating and air conditioning, Mechanical filters catch the dust and dirt from the air as it passes from the filter membrane. Electronic HVAC air filters are responsible for charging the filter membrane or particles in the air to create a magnetic attraction which forces the particles to be collected by the filter.

Though electronic air cleaners attracted thirty times as much dust as a mechanical filter it is important to point out that they do cost more. While this may be discouraging to many, keep in mind that they offer significant breathing quality and relief to all members in your household.

As a homeowner you have two choices when it comes to air filters. Either high efficiency particulate accumulation (HEPA) or "HEPA type" filters. Traditionally, HEPA filters have been used in military, industrial, and scientific application but have now been adapted for personal home use. HVAC, HEPA filters virtually eliminate all hazardous particles from the air allowing you and your family to breath easy. It is important to note that these filters can cost anywhere from $75-$135 and require more suction thus inflating your home heating costs by 10 cents per day. "HEPA-type" filters are responsible for removing anywhere from 25-95 percent of the hazardous particles from the air. Unlike regular HEPA filters, "HEPA-type" must be replaced multiple times a year.

Whether you are a young professional constantly on the move in Washington D.C. or self-employed individual who works from the comfort of your Reston, Virginia home, it is imperative that you have a thermostat that is versatile and easy to operate. Units that automatically turn your systems on/off and can be set according to your lifestyle or work schedule offer opportunities for you to save during the fall/winter months. Contact Magnolia Plumbers today to find out more ways to maximize your comfort during the upcoming fall/winter season.

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