Through this program, our team is trained to perform key services with precision and expertise, in areas such as:

• Duct Cleaning
• Filter Service
• Air Handler Unit & Coil Cleaning
• Fire Dampers Inspections
• Coil Flow Max^® (CFM) Coil Cleaning – a service that is one of a kind in the industry!

Our program covers everything from essential safety procedures to product applications, with a mix of classroom learning and real-world practice. It's not just about technical skills – it’s about fostering growth, developing leadership, and empowering our team members to succeed both personally and professionally.

We are proud of the commitment we make to continuously train and develop our technicians, ensuring they have the tools to deliver outstanding service to our clients every single day.

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The presence of excess water in unintended areas creates an ideal environment for mold and other contaminants to thrive. Mold can proliferate on various surfaces, including insulation, ductwork, air filters, and other components near the evaporator coil. These areas are not typically exposed to moisture and may lack the necessary protection against water damage and mold growth.

To mitigate these IAQ issues, it is vital to prioritize regular cleaning of the evaporator coil. By preventing fouling, proper airflow is maintained, reducing the likelihood of water accumulation in non-water-resistant areas. This, in turn, helps prevent mold growth and the associated IAQ problems that can arise.

By emphasizing the importance of clean evaporator coils and addressing the risks of water accumulation in non-designated areas, homeowners and HVAC professionals can proactively maintain IAQ, minimize mold growth, and ensure a healthier living environment. Reach out to our team to learn how Carolina IAQ can support the health of your HVAC system.

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Air Filters and their Impacts

Air filters work to trap particles such as dust, pollen, and bacteria, ensuring that the air circulating throughout the building is both clean and healthy. However, many factors can impact when an air filter needs to be changed, such as:

• the type of building
• the number of occupants
• the usage of the HVAC system

Indicators for Replacement

At Carolina IAQ, one of the key indicators that an air filter needs to be changed is pressure drop. As a filter becomes clogged, it becomes more difficult for air to pass through it, leading to an increase in pressure drop across the filter. Monitoring pressure drops can help identify when a filter needs to be changed, as it will reach a point where the pressure drop is too high and the filter is no longer functioning effectively.

Carolina IAQ’s High-Efficiency Air Filters

In healthcare settings, it's important to use high-efficiency air filters that are designed to trap even the smallest particles, such as bacteria and viruses. Filters with a high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating are recommended for healthcare settings, as they are designed to trap even the tiniest particles.

About Carolina IAQ

Carolina IAQ is a leader in indoor air quality solutions. With over 50 years of experience in this field, our team can evaluate your existing HVAC system and recommend the best air filter options, taking into consideration all of the factors that can impact when a filter needs to be changed. We also provide regular maintenance services to ensure that the air filters are always clean and functioning at their best. Our expertise provides peace of mind for building owners and managers, in knowing that their HVAC system is being taken care of by experts.

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The following questions should help direct you towards choosing the best filter for your application:

• What type of area is the air being supplied to?
• What type of filter is in the unit now?
• How is it performing?
• What type of filter rack does the existing unit have to secure the filters?
• How many and what size filters are in the existing unit?
• What is the total airflow in CFMs of the existing unit?
• Is there a particular size of particle that your application requires being removed?

The filters that came in the unit may not be suitable for your application. The first question to ask is if there is a code that dictates which filter efficiency is required for the application. Several governing bodies specify specific filter efficiencies needed for a given application. It is always a good idea to find out if there is a specific code that applies to the application you are working on.

In addition to considering the above factors, take note of the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), a rating system that indicates the efficiency of an air filter at trapping airborne particles. MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, with higher numbers indicating better filtration. It is essential to select a suitable MERV rating for your specific HVAC system and application. Using the wrong filter type can lead to reduced efficiency and potential damage to the system.

Remember that seeking expert advice, such as from Carolina IAQ, can ensure that you make the best decision for your specific needs. Once you have selected the right air filter for your HVAC system, replace it regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations or when it appears dirty. Regular filter replacement will help maintain your system's efficiency and improve the air quality in your commercial, healthcare, or industrial space.

There are several legal codes and standards that specify the requirements for HVAC and industrial air filters. These codes and standards are often set by national and international organizations to ensure air quality, energy efficiency, and the overall health and safety of occupants in various types of buildings. Here's a chart summarizing some of the key organizations and their relevant standards:

Please note that this chart provides an overview of some key organizations and their relevant standards related to HVAC and industrial air filters. Depending on your location and specific application, you may need to consult with local and regional regulations, building codes, or industry-specific guidelines to ensure compliance.

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Carolina IAQ has over 50 years of experience in the air filtration industry. Our team of scientists and engineers understand the importance of maintaining high air quality standards in commercial and residential spaces. We use the latest testing methods and technologies to evaluate air filters and ensure they are working at peak efficiency.

Airflow resistance is an important factor to consider when it comes to air filter maintenance. A filter with a high MERV rating means it is capturing more particles, which results in greater airflow resistance. Our team can help you select the right filter with the appropriate MERV rating for your HVAC system to ensure it is working at optimal efficiency.

Dust collecting efficiency is another key factor to consider. The efficiency of the filter depends on its ability to capture particles of various sizes. Our team understands the impact of particle size on dust collecting efficiency and can help you select the right filter to maximize the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Dust holding capacity is the final factor to consider. A filter with a high dust holding capacity can collect more particles without sacrificing efficiency. Our team can help you select a filter with the right dust holding capacity to ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently and maintaining good air quality.

Carolina IAQ is a reliable and experienced company that can help you maintain your HVAC system and ensure good air quality. We offer a range of air filter maintenance services to meet your needs, from filter selection to installation and replacement. With our expertise and experience, you can trust that your HVAC system is in good hands.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you maintain healthy and efficient indoor air quality.

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Construction Issues

Before construction begins, make sure all new ductwork is sealed on both ends until it is installed. Unsealed ductwork on a jobsite will collect particulates that will contaminate your new HVAC system.

Never run the new HVAC system without air filters properly installed and all by-pass air around air filters eliminated. Construction debris, particularly sheetrock dust and saw dust, will be distributed throughout the new facility ductwork if the filters are not managed during construction. Many architects are now requiring that the air handling units and ductwork be clean before turning over the building.

Additionally, you’ll want to inspect the entire HVAC system for leaks. By-pass air around your air filters will immediately create indoor air quality issues. We ran a controlled experiment that showed a ¼ inch gap around a 95% high performance ASHRAE (MERV 14) worth about $100.00, will reduce the filter’s effectiveness to the performance level of a 30% ASHRAE (MERV 7) filter worth about $5.00. These leaks cause the HVAC system to be contaminated, which is very expensive to clean.

Perform commissioning to set standards that can be measured for future performance of HVAC equipment. Commissioning should also make sure HVAC equipment is performing properly and to make sure there is no bypass air around air filters and to make sure entire HVAC system is clean before occupation of building.

Filtration System Design

The design of the air filtration system is also important. For any construction project, you’ll want to ensure that the following factors are considered in terms of placement, safety, efficiency and code guidelines: Design all filter housings to be front loading, not side loading. Front loading housings are much easier to secure the air filters to prevent by-pass air, and they provide easier access for changing the filters.

Design the air filters for your air handling units to have at least 38 inches of clearance behind the filters which will accommodate most common air filters. Additionally, you’ll want to leave approximately 24-36 inches of clearance on either side of coils so they can be cleaned later. Also, make sure there are access doors in the air handling units to get to coils for cleaning.

We have found that staggered thin coils are better than one thick coil, as thick coils are very difficult to clean.

Use standard sized filter racks with standard sized filters everywhere possible. This will allow you to reduce air filter inventories and will allow you to easily change filter types in the future. Standard size filters are generally cheaper and easier to purchase.

When it comes to specific filters, we recommend using 95% ASHRAE (MERV 14) final filters where ever possible. Otherwise, you will be calling us for duct cleaning in a few years.

Now for drain pans. We suggest using stainless steel. It’s also important to make sure that the pans drain properly. Commonly used drain tablets erode galvanized drain pans. (Note: we do not recommend using chemical tablets for your drain pans. When they dry out, they send dry chemicals into your critical air streams).

You’ll want to also specify external insulation on your ductwork, wherever possible. Internal insulation collects contaminant and is difficult to clean. The insulation deteriorates over time, releasing into the air stream, causing indoor air quality problems. Internally lined ductwork is much more likely to harbor fungal and bacterial growth in the event of moisture problems.

In terms of ductwork, we suggest only using flex type ductwork where you have to. One foot of flex duct equals about ten feet of hard duct in terms of resistance to air flow. Flex duct runs over five feet long waste energy and are likely to be collapsed, kinked or blown out, greatly reducing air flow.

Fans and motors need to be located upstream of filtration. Fans and motors create particulate contamination that need to be filtered out of air stream. This is particularly important for areas in facilities that need high levels of cleanliness.

Installation

Proper installation will ensure maximum functionality for your air filtration system.

Install enough access doors in the mechanical room HVAC ductwork to be able to inspect and to enter the ductwork. Additionally, install an access door at each fire damper and make sure piping and other obstructions are not installed in front of the access doors.

Additionally, stagger air filters frames in a W type arrangement instead of having them in one plane. This gives you much more filter service area.

Put pre-filters in a separate frame than the final filters, leaving a space between the frames. This allows you to install a separate differential pressure gage for each filter bank.

Lastly, we suggest installing differential pressure gages across each filter bank and change filters on differential pressure instead of visual appearance or a given time frequency.

By considering these three factors, you are ensuring the best indoor air quality possible for your healthcare facility. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Carolina IAQ for evaluation and guidance as you plan construction for your facility.

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As the researchers note, “any economic analysis seeking to optimize the cost effectiveness of filtration must either include costs for minimizing bypass or account for reduced efficiency caused by bypass.”

The results also show that respirable particles are not appreciably removed in the gap, which means that bypass is significantly detrimental to indoor air quality. An HVAC design that employs high efficiency filters to prevent health problems associated with indoor fine particles may fail to perform as intended due to bypass. The results presented in this paper can provide a basis to quantify the effect of bypass on indoor air quality.

For more information on the effects of gaps and bypass on filter performance, contact Arthur Dwight, Carolina IAQ’s principal and engineering director.

Read the full text of the research article here.

Filters are used in air conditioning systems primarily to protect the evaporator coils, the most expensive part of the air handler. These coils are designed to remove heat from the air, thus cooling the air being fed to the occupied area. Coils are made from metals, which have a high propensity for transferring heat and are usually made from aluminum and copper. As these coils start to get dirt buildup on them, their performance suffers greatly. Dirty coils drive electrical costs up and will cause them to eventually have to be replaced. Coils are expensive to buy and install, and replacement requires unit downtime.

Most coil manufacturers recommend cleaning coils annually to extend their life. Unfortunately, this annual cleaning is often cut from the budget and does not get performed. And even if cleaning does get performed, it is often not done satisfactorily, as the work is time-consuming and tedious. This makes the air filter’s performance that much more important in extending the life of the coil.

Over the years, coil manufacturers have reduced the spacing between the coil fins as well as made the coils deeper to increase their efficiency rating. However, these same performance improvements have also made the coils more likely to foul, and much harder to clean effectively.

That is why choosing the right air filter has become financially more important today than ever before. Buyers need to be aware that the life of the coil is dependent on how clean it stays, and its cleanliness is directly dependent on the efficiency of the air filters and how they are managed.

A good air filter maintenance program can easily pay for itself by extending the life of the coils. It also saves energy, prolongs duct-cleaning costs, and improves the quality of the air.

So yes, you need to change those air filters, and no, you shouldn’t get the least expensive ones. Extend the life of your coils and your entire air conditioning system by investing in high-quality air filters.

Ready to shop for filters, or need advice for your unit? Contact us today.

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Carolina Filters has prepared a professional guide to fire damper inspections and NFPA regulations. Use this guide to learn more about the maintenance, regulation and terminology of fire dampers.

Review the CFI Fire Damper Ebook

Review the Bypass Air Paper PDF