Air filters in ventilation, how do they affect our health?

Air filters in ventilation are an essential element in a home or a space where the greatest benefit for health is sought, in addition to the necessary comfort. Even in rural areas, there are many air pollutants that can affect our body, as well as our personal performance and mood states.

In cities, the need to use air filters becomes even more necessary. The carbon dioxide from traffic and pollution in urban areas are problems that infiltrate our homes just by having the windows open.

What is the solution to avoid the entry of pollutants? A ventilation system with the necessary air filters. Contrary to what many think, mechanical ventilation systems are always working, renewing the air of the rooms. Their consumption is similar to that of a light bulb and to be efficient, the windows must be kept closed.

In this way, the air that enters the premises will do so through ducts, depending on the ventilation system, where the air filters will be installed. These active elements will stop the advance of pollutant particles and other harmful substances.

Depending on the type of filter used, the benefits will be as follows:

• External pollution and carbon dioxide will be trapped in the air filters, so clean air will be breathed.
• Mosquitoes, despite how small they are, do not pass through the air filter. In a home with a mechanical ventilation system and filters, it is possible to enjoy comfort without insects.
• The most advanced filters, classified as F7, are capable of stopping viruses, bacteria, fine particles, spores, mold, and pollen as well.

The installation of air filters must be carried out integrally with the mechanical ventilation system. A study of the project and the specific needs of the building will also be necessary.

From there, each filter needs optimal maintenance, as specified by each manufacturer. There are two main problems with filter maintenance:

1. A very dirty and uncleaned filter will still perform a very good filtration function; one could even say it will do its job even better. But that is because the air struggles to circulate through it. This will cause the ventilation system to work harder and use more power, resulting in higher energy consumption and wear and tear on the equipment.
2. A filter that, due to poor maintenance, has damaged the surface that should stop pollutant particles may allow the passage of harmful substances that it should obstruct.

Therefore, it is essential that air filters have good maintenance, as our health may depend on it.

Benefits provided by air filters

The benefits of clean air are many, and as we have already mentioned, air filters are capable of stopping the entry of pollutants and even viruses into our homes. The difference between breathing better or worse is noticeable in our body, not just in the possibility of contracting diseases.

In addition to the advantages of not having pollutants in the home, other long-term benefits that clean ventilation achieved through air filters provides us are:

• Resistance to diseases and discomfort. Clean air breathed indoors is equivalent to being in natural environments and not in polluted cities.
• Improvement in sleep quality. One of the basic functions when sleeping is breathing, and clean, filtered air helps us improve in one of the basic functions of being human to stay fit. We rest better with a mechanical ventilation system and air filters.
• Concentration and productivity increase. In companies, this is essential, as if workers enjoy good health, they will also be more animated and work better. At home, it is positive for greater concentration, and even helps avoid bad moods.
• Some filters can eliminate odors. F7 classified filters, despite being considered the best, do not stop odor, but there are specific filters for that.

It should be noted that the best air we can breathe in the home is provided by dual-flow mechanical ventilation systems. This air is cleaned by the air filters, but it also extracts and introduces only the necessary air, adjusted to the real-time conditions of each room. In large capitals, it is important to have an air renewal system that avoids problems with pollution. For example, Madrid continuously fails to comply with European pollution regulations as the street air is harmful to us.