Upgrading your HVAC

[maarass]

What's worth spending some extra money on in terms of air pollution, general health, etc...,
1. Hepa filter system for the HVAC
2. Electronic air cleaners
3. EVR/HVR
4. UV

My state was ranked among the top ten in poor air quality so, I'm most concerned about outside pollution and air quality.

thanks

[bkrahmer]

You'd kinda have to look at what the actual pollutants are, before you can mitigate them. Hepa would just be for fine dust, pollen, particulates, UV for virii, etc.

If you have mercury vapor and volatile organic chemicals in your air, you better buy some plastic and duct tape! (Tom Ridge joke)

[rabadger]

Over the last three or for years I hae changed my position on air cleaning.
I found a common complaint with the HVAC service people that when a electronic air cleaner is on the system in use they still find the blower wheels dirty when performing the clean and checks.

You could use a ERV or HRV with a HEPA filter then a good pleated 5" filter at the furnace. UV has to be applied correctly for it to be effective.

Save the UV for last after you figure out what equipment you would like.

[maarass]

Were in northern Delaware. Ranked in the worst top 10 places for air quality. So I'm more concerned about volitle gases. Our climate is moderate and more on ther dry side so a ventilator would be a low priority. I suppose the electronic air cleaner is better at filtering those gases than a Hepa system. Wish I was made out of money, I'd buy them all. LOL

[rabadger]

Volitle gases? What type?

[maarass]

Well what I mean by volitle gases (toxic)is pollution from factories. I live near Delaware City and Motiva puts out tons of pollution. Also Dupont Chamberworks as well. Then there's Ciba. So looking for the something to help keep air quility better at home.

[rabadger]

Look at the ERVs Broan has they are user friendly and easy to install. I think the middle of the road model has the HEPA filter for fresh air intake.

Then put a Honeywell or Trion Air Bear on the furnace. run the furnace blower on constant and continue to filter the air. If you are looking at new equipment check out the DC drive variable speed blowers. they hardly cost anything to operate. If the home is older and considered average or loose construction I don't think you would want to exchange the air. Just introduce fresh air, filter it, and keep the home under a slight positive pressure. This will help cut down on uncontrolled infiltration.

[maarass]

Great info, thanks. I think I'm going to concentrate on the electonic air cleaners. I hope I have enough room for some horiz. distance to put them in.

[danh]

What benefit is there to using an HRV or ERV in a moderate climate? What percentage of the year will you actually see heat transfer or dehumidification?

Just curious.

[rabadger]

Did you know that honeywells and Trions electronic air cleaner is the same one for the pleated filter? You can actually switch parts from electrolnic to pleated filter just by removing the cells and sliding in the filter.

[maarass]

Really, eBay has some Trions but not sure if they are the pleated filter kind. I probably can get a decient one for around $400. Our HVAC guy was there today. He showed me where they go (I already knew). I will have to change some sheetmetal near the bottom though. Might make for an interesting project. Thanks Richard for your info, much appriciated.

[rabadger]

QUESTION :?:

If you purchase it from e-bay and install it yourself how are you going to handle the warranty if needed :?:

Read the factory warranty info first.

[maarass]

QUESTION :?:

If you purchase it from e-bay and install it yourself how are you going to handle the warranty if needed :?:

Read the factory warranty info first.

Good advice. I know Honeywell's got a five year warrenty, Ill see about the other.