CONCORD — Air filtration is a crucial HVAC feature that affects everything from system performance to indoor air quality (IAQ). Consider the following tips for improving your HVAC system’s filtration:

Check the MERV rating. Air filters are rated on a scale of 1-20 by the MERV rating chart, with 1 representing lowest quality and 20 representing highest quality. Low-rated filters (MERV 1-5) allow high amounts of airborne particulates to pass through into the HVAC system, which diminishes both system efficiency and IAQ. Over time, this can lead to increased utility costs and reduced system performance—a real lose-lose situation. A better choice is to invest in a high-rated filter that effectively captures airborne particulates and keeps them out of your home’s air stream. Depending on what type of HVAC system you have, opt for a filter with a rating of MERV 8 to MERV 16.

Consider a carbon filter. Carbon air filters are made from activated charcoal. When charcoal is activated, the surface area of each particle increases substantially, which makes it more effective at absorbing dust, pollen, germs and other airborne particulates. Carbon filters are especially effective at controlling strong odors like smoke, which makes them a great choice for those who suffer from asthma or particular allergies.

“Activate” your air filtration. Most HVAC systems operate via “passive” filtration, wherein airborne particulates are caught in the filter as air naturally flows through it. These days, many homeowners are upgrading to “active” filtration, an enhanced form that actively kills adverse particulates in order to deodorize and purify the air. Active filtration systems use a variety of means to do this—for example, some utilize a UV lightbulb to kill germs and bacteria as they pass through the filter. If you want to maximize your IAQ, ask your HVAC contractor about adding an active filtration system.

CONCORD — By increasing comfort, energy efficiency and security in the home, smart technology is improving the lives of modern-day homeowners. Here are a few examples of how this revolutionary technology is being applied:

Lighting control

Whether you want to turn off a light on the opposite side of your home or “set the scene” for a specific activity, smart home technology allows for convenient and dynamic lighting control.

HVAC

A “learning” thermostat is designed to minimize energy consumption by adapting to your preferences and routine, resulting in greater comfort and reduced power bills.

Window shades

Whether you want to let in or keep out natural light, smart technology allows you to adjust the window shades throughout your home with the touch of a button.

Home security

Smart technology improves home security with features like automated door locks and remote operation/monitoring via smartphone.

CONCORD — Whether in regard to your car, home or personal health, it’s always better to be proactive rather than reactive about maintenance. When it comes to your home’s heating and cooling system, a great way to exercise pro-activity is to test it for proper operation long before you need it.

It’s better to find out in spring that your home’s air conditioner needs servicing than on a hot summer day. For this reason, prior to summer, it’s a good idea to turn on your air conditioner and let it run so you can test your thermostat and make sure the air is coming out cold in all the vents. Likewise, you should perform a similar test of your heater prior to summer. Testing your heater during a warmer season offers the added benefit of ventilating that initial smell of singed dust without letting in cold winter air.

In any case, it’s far more advantageous to find out about an HVAC system problem during the off season than when it’s needed most, so make an effort to be proactive about testing yours.

CONCORD — A critical aspect of maintaining heating and air conditioning systems is proper filtration. Furnace and A/C units have air filters that help keep the systems clean by collecting dust, dirt, and airborne particulates. As a filter collects more and more particles over time, it will eventually become clogged. This can bring adverse effects by causing the system to work harder and decreasing its energy efficiency. That’s why air filters need to be changed at regular intervals.

If you’re unsure how often you should change your system’s air filter, consult a professional. In general, I recommend replacing air filters at least twice a year; however, depending on the type of filter you have and the specific environmental conditions in your home, you may need to do this more often.

To verify the condition of your air filter and your system in general, schedule an annual maintenance service with a trusted, local HVAC company. That way, you won’t have to guess about your system’s condition or maintenance needs.

CONCORD — If you’re looking for an economical way to save energy with your HVAC system, consider installing a programmable thermostat. Not only can a programmable thermostat reduce your heating and cooling bills, it can also simplify your daily routine and increase both comfort and convenience.

The main benefit of a programmable thermostat is it gives you more control of your HVAC system’s operation and allows you to create a customized heating and cooling schedule. You can set your system to turn on right before you get up in the morning, turn off after you leave for work and turn back on just before you return. That way, regardless of the time of day, your home’s temperature will already be at your desired setting when you need it. Plus, since everything is pre-programmed, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn off your system before you leave for the day.

In addition to these benefits, modern thermostat models like the Honeywell Wi-Fi 9000 further increase convenience by allowing you to control your HVAC system from your smartphone.