Air Purifiers

An air purifier helps remove pollutants, allergens, and harmful particles from the air. This includes dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, smoke, and sometimes even viruses or bacteria, depending on the type of filter. The result is cleaner, healthier air for your home.

A MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating measures the effectiveness of an air filter at capturing airborne particles and pollutants. The rating system ranges from 1 to 20, with higher numbers indicating better filtration performance.

• Low MERV Ratings (1-8): These filters capture larger particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. They are commonly used in residential settings where basic filtration is sufficient.
• Medium MERV Ratings (9-12): These filters are more effective at capturing smaller particles like mold spores and fine dust, offering improved air quality for homes with allergies or asthma concerns.
• High MERV Ratings (13-16): These filters capture very fine particles, including bacteria and some viruses. They are often used in hospitals and environments requiring superior air quality.
• MERV Ratings 17-20: Found in specialized settings like cleanrooms, these filters capture the smallest particles, including smoke and microscopic contaminants.

For most residential homes in Oregon, a filter with a MERV rating between 8 and 12 is ideal for balancing air quality and HVAC system efficiency. While higher MERV ratings provide better filtration, they may restrict airflow if your HVAC system isn’t designed for them, potentially reducing system performance.

Choosing the right MERV rating ensures that your air filter effectively captures harmful particles while keeping your HVAC system running efficiently. Contact Aviator Heating & Cooling for guidance on selecting the best air filter for your home’s needs.

Yes, an air purifier with a high-efficiency filter can significantly reduce allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust, which can help minimize allergy symptoms.

The frequency of replacing the filter in your air purifier depends on the type of filter, the manufacturer’s recommendations, and how often you use the system. Here are some general guidelines:

• HEPA Filters: Typically need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage and air quality.
• Activated Carbon Filters: Should be replaced every 3 to 6 months to maintain effectiveness in removing odors and gases.
• Pre-Filters: Designed to capture larger particles like dust and pet hair, these may need to be cleaned or replaced every 1 to 3 months.
• Electrostatic Filters: If washable, they should be cleaned monthly; non-washable types should be replaced every 3 to 6 months.

For optimal performance, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and consider environmental factors like pet dander, smoke, or high pollen levels, which may require more frequent filter changes. Regular maintenance ensures your air purifier continues to improve indoor air quality effectively.

If you’re unsure about the right filter replacement schedule for your system, contact Aviator Heating & Cooling for expert guidance tailored to your Oregon home.

Yes, an air purifier can effectively reduce odors and smoke in your home, depending on the type of filtration technology it uses. Air purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters are particularly effective at trapping odor-causing molecules and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) commonly found in smoke and household odors.

For smoke, such as from wildfires or tobacco, a purifier with a combination of HEPA filtration and activated carbon is ideal. The HEPA filter captures fine smoke particles, while the activated carbon neutralizes the lingering smell. This dual-action approach helps improve indoor air quality and reduces the harmful effects of inhaling smoke particles and gases.

In Oregon, where wildfire smoke can be a concern during certain times of the year, an air purifier with these features is a valuable investment for protecting your home’s air quality. At Aviator Heating & Cooling, we can recommend and install a whole-home air purifier designed to address both odors and smoke, ensuring a cleaner, fresher indoor environment for you and your family. Contact us to learn more!

No, most modern air purifiers are designed to be energy-efficient and use relatively little electricity. On average, a standard air purifier consumes about 30 to 100 watts of power, depending on its size, features, and fan speed settings. For comparison, this is similar to the energy usage of a standard light bulb or a small household appliance.

Whole-home air purifiers, which integrate with your HVAC system, are also energy-efficient, as they operate only when your heating or cooling system is running. Many high-quality models are Energy Star certified, ensuring they meet strict energy efficiency standards to keep utility costs low while maintaining excellent performance.

In Oregon, where maintaining good indoor air quality is essential, an air purifier offers significant health benefits with minimal impact on your energy bills. If you’re considering a whole-home air purifier, contact Aviator Heating & Cooling for expert advice on energy-efficient options that suit your home and budget.

Yes, certain air purifiers can help remove viruses and bacteria from the air, but their effectiveness depends on the type of filtration technology used. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are designed to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, which includes many types of bacteria and some virus particles. Additionally, air purifiers equipped with UV-C light technology can neutralize viruses and bacteria by disrupting their DNA, rendering them inactive.

Whole-home air purifiers integrated into your HVAC system offer continuous filtration and disinfection, improving indoor air quality across your entire home. These systems are particularly beneficial in Oregon, where maintaining a healthy indoor environment during flu season or allergy-prone months is essential.

While no air purifier can guarantee 100% removal of viruses or bacteria, combining HEPA filtration and UV-C technology significantly reduces airborne contaminants, promoting a healthier home environment. Contact Aviator Heating & Cooling to learn more about how a whole-home air purifier can enhance your indoor air quality and safeguard your family's health.