Using akcp wireless tunnel air quality sensor to monitor hvac system
Photo Credit: contentgrid.homedepot-static.com

Does turning on the air conditioner makes you sneeze and experience allergies? Does turning on the AC make you sick? Perhaps you need to change the HVAC air filter. But when was the last time you replaced the air filter? You might not even remember. 

Do you need to buy an air filter monitor? How are you going to select the best HVAC Air Filter Monitor? These are only some of the common questions of a novice when it comes HVAC system.

Benefits of HVAC Air Filter

HVAC Air Filters benefit the HVAC system and the occupants. It plays a role in preventing damage to the HVAC system by filtering out the dust, mites, pollen, hair, and other air particles. It improves the indoor air quality by filtering out these pollutants. It can neutralize the smoke and even remove unpleasant odors emanating from kitchens and restrooms. It can trap airborne bacteria and viruses that can cause infectious and communicable diseases such as Coronaviruses. With a new air filter, people with respiratory illness can expect relief from symptoms. 

HVAC Air Filter trap airborne bacteria and viruses that can cause infectious and communicable diseases such as Coronavirus
Photo Credit: pixabay.com

How Often Should you Replace HVAC Air Filter?

So how often should HVAC air filter be cleaned or replaced? Should it be monthly, quarterly, or annually? 

As a general rule, replacing the HVAC air filter should be every 90 days. The 3-month rule is enough for the HVAC air filter to work efficiently. On the other hand, the longer it is, the filter will become clogged and dirty. A clogged filter will not perform effectively and puts added stress on the HVAC system fans. Worse, it could be the source of airborne infectious diseases because of the trapped air particles, bacteria, and viruses.

Some situations take into consideration the replacement of the filter more often. The 90-days rule is not applicable anymore because the air filter requires maintenance sooner. 

Suppose people in the house have respiratory illnesses such as allergies and asthma. In that case, the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA) recommends a six-week air filter replacement period.

If pets, especially cats and dogs, the replacement period of air filters is every two months. Suppose there are lots of shedding; replacement is every month. If there are babies and younger children, the replacement must be a 3-month regular interval to keep the indoor air quality at its best. 

Having children at home is also a factor in replacing your filters
Photo Credit: pixabay.com

What If you Run AC without an Air Filter?

The HVAC Air filter works as a barrier between air particles and the air conditioner’s vent. If there is no filter, the HVAC system will suck in all the dirt and debris in the air. It will also get trapped and accumulated inside the ductwork. Eventually, it can cause damage to the HVAC system, resulting in costly repair and even replacement of the whole HVAC system. Not only that, a damaged HVAC system can cause increased energy bills, damaged compressor, frozen evaporator coils, more dust, and bad indoor air quality.

The HVAC Air Filter Monitor: How it works?

Regular replacement of HVAC Air Filter can be tiring. First, homeowners will need to identify the real-time status of its efficiency. But monitoring an air filter cannot be done by the naked eye of non-HVAC professional homeowners. There are now HVAC Air Filter monitoring systems that will do the work.

HVAC Air Filter monitoring works by identifying the efficiency of the system. It provides information about the status of the filter. They can gauge the time since filter changes, but also monitor for the airflow or differential air pressure across the filter. That way, it will gauge when is the best point to replace the filter.

Buildings and homes with filter monitors can leverage indoor air readings. It determines when it is necessary to run the outdoor air through the filtration system. It can improve the HVAC system’s energy-saving and prolong the air filter’s life, thereby saving costs, money, and resources. 

Different HVAC Air Filter Monitor

HVAC Air Filter Monitor may have the same purposes, but each product works differently from the other. Today, with many air filter monitors out in the market, how to select the best one? Before deciding on buying a particular product, it is essential to know the different HVAC Air filter monitors available in the market. Let us discuss more the features and how these products work to monitor HVAC air filters.

The Filter Change

A filter change is a feature of a filter monitor that measures the length of time the air filter is in use. It has a reminder that the filter has been in place for a month or so. The problem with this is it can not tell whether the air filter is still efficient for use or in need of maintenance. 

The Run time 

This kind of air filter monitor gauges how long the HVAC system has been running. If it reaches a certain period of run time, it reminds that the filter needs maintenance. When the AC comes with a specific set of running times, then it alerts the homeowner.

The Mechanical Airflow

There are air filter monitors that work on measuring mechanical airflow. When there is clogging in the air filter, the airflow is blocked and increases the air pressure. The difference in the air pressure shows that there is a difference in the air filter’s performance. It may seem accurate, but today’s HVAC system has multiple blowers that can also increase the air pressure. So, this monitor’s low down cannot identify the cause of the air pressure, whether it comes from a clogged filter or other parts.

The Advanced filter monitors

Advanced filter monitors are a lot more sophisticated than the other previous monitor. It uses a patented differential pressure technology that can identify the status of the air filter. It can measure the change in internal air pressure. It can determine whether the air filter is clean or dirty. Most importantly, it alerts the homeowner on the day when a new filter is needed – no more guessing work.

Selecting the Best HVAC Air Filter Monitor

HVAC Air Filter Monitor may have the same purposes, but each product works differently from the other. It is essential to know the different features of an HVAC air filter monitor. Similarly, it should get the most out of money’s worth. 

The best thing to consider in selecting an HVAC Air filter monitor is its accuracy in identifying clean or clogged air filters. It must be accurate enough by combining the technology of using the air pressure and airflow in determining the real-time status of the air filter. It must also monitor the amount of particulate matter. Nonetheless, it must determine the exact period when the air filter needs a replacement. Replacing too soon or too late can be taxing, and both situations can lead to more costs incurred. 

With today’s technology, a reminder to the homeowner is vital when the air filter gets clogged. There are filter monitors now powered by WIFI technology that can send messages to the homeowner’s phone through email or text alert. This kind of filter monitor is one of the best because it is more convenient for homeowners and removes any guesswork while optimizing indoor air quality.

The Best HVAC Air Filter Monitor

The AKCP Company has an Air Handling Unit Monitoring with Wireless Tunnelâ„¢ sensors. It has the most professional low-power wireless system. The sensor is wireless and allows for private networks. Also, the battery has a 10-year life. It uses a Wireless Differential Air Pressure sensor to measure the real-time air filter status when dirty and requires maintenance. It can also control the HVAC system to maintain indoor air quality. It can improve efficiency and lower operating costs. While it helps extend the HVAC system’s life, it can reduce the maintenance period, which can only mean shelling out money.

Another product of AKCP is the Wireless Air Quality Sensor that can measure the indoor air composition. The sensor assesses the indoor air quality of rooms, households, and workplaces. It can also identify the number of airborne particles present. Wireless Air Quality Sensor is beneficial in keeping the household safe from pandemic and other epidemics. 

Why choose the AKCP?

With over 30 years in monitoring solutions, the AKCP is an excellent choice for the HVAC monitoring system. The industry’s extensive year only proves their dedication to providing only the best product and services to its client.

For more information on their products, you may visit their website and request a quotation. 

References:

https://www.cleanalert.com/blog/how-to-select-the-best-hvac-air-filter-monitor

https://aristair.com/blog/what-does-an-hvac-air-purifier-do/

https://ushomefilter.com/how-often-change-hvac-filter/#:~:text=As%20a%20general%20rule%2C%20you,filter%20and%20decreasing%20their%20efficiency.

https://georgebrazilhvac.com/blog/is-it-safe-to-run-your-ac-without-a-filter-a-phoenix-tech-answers#:~:text=When%20you%20run%20your%20AC%20system%20without%20a%20filter%2C%20dust,heat%20from%20your%20home’s%20air.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *