High-quality mini splits come with advanced filtration systems that protect the health of your indoor air. Wondering how the filters work? Then contact us at N.E.T.R., Inc. to talk about the best filter for your new ductless HVAC system. Or, keep reading for an overview of the essentials.
Multi-Stage Filtration
The best ductless mini splits offer multi-stage filtration. That means that the air moves through two different filters. The first filter removes odors and fine particulates. Then, the second filter takes out even more allergens, pollutants, and particulates.
Types of Filters
Heat pumps come with various types of filters. Generally, the model you buy determines the filter you end up with, but in some cases, you can choose between different options. The highest-end mini splits tend to offer multi-filtration with the following types of filters:
- Hybrid filters: Hybrid pre-filters are infused with catechin, a bioflavinoid found in green tea, and charged with static electricity. They absorb odors like tobacco smoke. They also capture dust and catch and deactivate microscopic bacteria and viruses.
- Platinum deodorizing filters: These pre-filters use a platinum catalyst to absorb cooking odors, smoke, and other smells in your home. They feature a nanometer-scale mesh platinum catalyst that can capture tiny little nanoparticles.
- Anti-allergy enzyme filter: Focused on removing allergens from your home’s air, this pre-filter captures bacteria, viruses, dust, pollen, and germs. Then, its enzymes break down the proteins in the allergens.
When you work with a comfort consultant, they will talk with you about different options and help you identify the best filter for your situation. In some cases, people decide to add a whole home filtration system to their heat pump for extra protection.
No Dirty Ductwork
When it comes to the health of your indoor air, ductless systems have an inherent advantage over ducted systems. When you have forced air heating and cooling, the air travels from your furnace/AC through your ductwork and into your living spaces. That means that after the air is filtered, it goes through dirty ducts where it can pick up all kinds of dust and allergens.
In contrast, with a ductless heat pump, the air moves through the filter and then into your room. It doesn’t travel through dirty ductwork. Regardless of the filter you choose, this feature safeguards the integrity of your home’s air even more than the filter on its own.
Continual Air Circulation
Traditional HVAC systems work by cycling on and off. Once the equipment reaches the target temperature on the thermostat, the system turns off until the temp changes. Then, it turns back on, and the cycle repeats interminably through the heating or cooling season. When the equipment is off, air isn’t circulating, which allows stale air and moisture to fester in the system.
Electric heat pumps work a bit differently. Once they reach the target temperature on the thermostat, they don’t turn off. Instead, they run consistently, and they gently change the speed of their fans to keep the temperature at the same level. By extension, you don’t have to worry about breathing in stale air or the effects of moisture building up in the system.
The Importance of Filter Maintenance
Your filters need to be clean to work. Most heat pump filters last 10 years, and you can easily clean them yourself. Others may need to be replaced annually rather than cleaned. When you invest in a new heat pump, the installer will show you how to maintain yours.
Proper maintenance helps to ensure that your filters keep your air as clean as possible. With most heat pumps, you can easily remove the filters yourself from the front of the indoor air handling unit. If preferred, you can schedule annual maintenance, and the HVAC pro will do this for you. Not only will this step protect your air, but it will also help your equipment last longer.
Contact Us at N.E.T.R., Inc
Ready to enjoy cleaner, healthier indoor air? Want to be more comfortable in your home? Curious about reducing energy bills and shrinking your carbon footprint? Then, it may be time to consider a ductless mini-split. To learn more, contact us at N.E.T.R., Inc.
