In Austin, the arrival of winter doesn’t carry a complete reprieve from seasonal allergy symptoms. As a substitute, it indicators the beginning of probably the most intense pollen occasion in Central Texas: Cedar Fever. From December by means of February, Ashe Juniper timber launch huge quantities of pollen into the air, coating every thing in a wonderful yellow mud and inflicting vital respiratory misery for 1000’s of residents. When you can not management the air high quality within the Texas Hill Nation, you may remodel your private home right into a sanctuary by selecting the best filtration on your HVAC system.
At McCullough Heating & Air Conditioning, we now have spent a long time serving to Austin households breathe simpler. We perceive that your air conditioner is the first protection mechanism on your indoor air high quality. Throughout a peak cedar occasion, a typical filter merely is just not sufficient to maintain these microscopic irritants at bay. On this information, we’ll discover the science of MERV rankings, the perfect filter varieties for allergy victims, and the way to preserve your system in the course of the peak of Cedar Fever.
Understanding MERV Scores: The Protection Scale
When looking for an air filter in Austin, crucial time period to know is MERV, which stands for Minimal Effectivity Reporting Worth. This score tells you ways successfully a filter can seize particles of various sizes. For Cedar Fever, the scale of the particle is the vital issue.
The Breakdown of MERV Ranges
MERV rankings vary from 1 to twenty, however most residential methods function throughout the 1 to 13 vary.
- MERV 1 to 4: These are fundamental fiberglass filters. They’re designed to guard the HVAC gear from giant mud bunnies and hair, however they do nothing to cease pollen or wonderful allergens.
- MERV 5 to eight: These pleated filters are a step up and may catch bigger mildew spores and a few mud, however they nonetheless permit a major proportion of wonderful cedar pollen to cross by means of.
- MERV 11 to 13: That is the “Candy Spot” for Austin householders throughout Cedar Fever. These high-efficiency filters are able to trapping microscopic particles, together with pollen, pet dander, and even some micro organism.
Why Greater Is Not All the time Higher
It’s tempting to purchase a MERV 16 filter to realize the cleanest air potential, however you have to be cautious. Greater MERV filters are denser, which implies they require extra drive to push air by means of. In case your HVAC system is just not designed to deal with a really excessive MERV score, it will possibly result in restricted airflow, elevated power payments, and even a frozen evaporator coil. At McCullough Heating & Air Conditioning, we advocate checking your system’s specs earlier than leaping to an extremely excessive MERV score.
The Greatest Filter Sorts for Austin Houses
Not all filters are created equal. Past the MERV score, the bodily building of the filter determines how effectively it would carry out when the cedar pollen is at its worst.
Electrostatic Pleated Filters
These are the most well-liked alternative for allergy victims in Central Texas. They use self charging fibers that act like a magnet for airborne particles.
- Enhanced Seize: As a result of the fibers are statically charged, they will entice and maintain tiny cedar pollen grains which may in any other case slip by means of a typical filter.
- Elevated Floor Space: The pleated design offers considerably extra floor space for air to cross by means of in comparison with a flat filter, which helps preserve airflow even because the filter begins to fill with mud.
Excessive-Effectivity Media Filters
If you would like the final word safety with out the airflow restrictions of a typical 1 inch filter, a 4 inch or 5 inch media filter is the best choice. These require a specialised cupboard put in close to your air handler.
- Longer Lifespan: As a result of they’re so thick, these filters can maintain a large quantity of pollen and solely have to be modified each six to 12 months.
- Deep Filtration: The depth of the media permits for superior particle seize with very low resistance to airflow, making it probably the most HVAC pleasant approach to fight Cedar Fever.
Upkeep Methods Throughout Peak Pollen Season
Even the perfect filter on the earth will fail if it isn’t managed appropriately in the course of the peak of the cedar run. In Austin, the sheer quantity of pollen can clog a filter a lot quicker than the producer’s “90 day” estimate.
The 30 Day Rule
Throughout December and January, we advocate Austin residents examine their filters each 30 days. If the filter seems to be grey or you may see a visual layer of yellow mud, it must be changed instantly. A clogged filter does extra than simply let allergens by means of; it forces your system to run longer cycles, which might result in untimely put on in your blower motor.
Conserving the System in “On” Mode
Usually, we recommend leaving your HVAC fan on “Auto” to avoid wasting power. Nevertheless, throughout a excessive pollen alert, switching your thermostat fan setting to “On” could be helpful.
- Fixed Filtration: When the fan is on, the air in your house is consistently being pulled by means of the filter, even when the heater is just not operating.
- Air Scrubbing: This ensures that any pollen that enters by means of an open door or in your clothes is captured shortly somewhat than settling in your furnishings or flooring.
Maximizing System Effectivity Throughout Cedar Season
When Cedar Fever is at its peak, your HVAC system is beneath further stress. Not solely is it working to maintain you heat throughout Central Texas chilly fronts, however it’s also battling a higher-than-normal “particulate load” as a result of heavy pollen.
- Skilled Duct Inspections: In case your ductwork has leaks within the attic or crawlspace, it will possibly “suck” unconditioned, pollen-heavy air instantly into your private home, bypassing your filter solely. At McCullough, we are able to examine your system to make sure that your ductwork is undamaged and that your system is shifting air successfully.
- Outside Unit Clearance: Whereas cedar pollen is an indoor concern, the yellow mud may also coat your out of doors condenser unit. A thick layer of pollen on the out of doors coils can cut back your system’s effectivity. A mild rinse with a backyard hose can maintain the coils clear and your system operating easily.
- Thermostat Calibration: Guarantee your thermostat is speaking appropriately together with your system. Correct cycle lengths are important for guaranteeing that air is moved by means of your high-efficiency filter sufficient instances to truly decrease the pollen rely in your residing areas.
Put together for Cedar Season with McCullough Heating & Air Conditioning
Is your HVAC system able to deal with the heavy pollen load this winter? The specialists at McCullough Heating & Air Conditioning are prepared that will help you guarantee your system is in high form for the months forward. From skilled tune-ups that guarantee correct airflow to professional recommendation on the perfect filter configurations on your particular unit, we offer the trustworthy service Austin households have trusted for years.
Contact us at this time to schedule your system upkeep and learn the way we may help you keep comfy all winter lengthy.
