Filtration is the separation of solids from liquids or gases. In our industry, we could be talking about removing dust, pollen, bacteria, etc. from the air that passes through the HVAC equipment and the building spaces, the air you breathe. Or we could be talking about removing solids from water that pass repeatedly through mechanical equipment. Or we could be talking about the filtering the water that you use for drinking or cooking. Hyde-Stone Mechanical would appreciate an opportunity to work with you to maintain or design your system filtration. Filtration is never complete. The amount of dust and contaminants removed is defined by the efficiency of the filtration system. Higher efficiency filtration is not without its costs and benefits. Originally the primary purpose of air filters was only to keep system components (blower and evaporator coil) clean. Today, more than ever more attention is given to cleaning the air we breathe. Effective air filtration can also help improve overall Indoor Air Quality, (IAQ) and worker health and productivity. Higher efficiency filters typically have a higher initial cost than commonly used low to medium efficiency products that are specified in most HVAC systems. Higher efficiency filters may have a higher resistance to airflow called pressure drop, and fans may have to be changed to handle this increased pressure drop. Although these systems improvements will normally come at a higher initial cost, the benefits achieved by this change can offset many of the operating costs just by delivering cleaner air throughout the building and keeping the system components operating at peak energy efficiency. The higher resistance created by high efficiency filters can be overcome by increasing the surface area of the filters. There are several air filtration products that are manufactured that provide higher efficiencies with little or negligible increase in pressure drop. Installation is only a small part of an operating filtration system. Dirty air filters will cause your heating or cooling equipment to work harder and consume more energy. Inefficient system operation caused by dirty air filters can increase energy bills, result in frequent equipment repairs and shorten equipment service life. The single most important thing you can do to keep your air conditioning and heating system working efficiently is to make sure the air filter is matched to the unit and is clean. A 10 millimeter gap (less than 1/2 inch) between filters can lower a filter's efficiency, thereby taking a high efficiency filter and moving it to a medium efficiency filter. Only adequately trained personnel should perform filter maintenance. Hyde-Stone Mechanical technician are professionals that will not only be able to correctly change filters but also be sure that the equipment is proper maintained.