FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

Effective communication and understanding are crucial in a business environment. Good communication helps prevent misunderstandings and disagreements, builds relationships between all parties involved, and increases productivity. It is important to convey information effectively to achieve better results. Over at NHM we pride ourselves and our services through hard work, professionalism, honest transparency and friendliness.

General Questions

We require at least 3 feet of clearance
to perform our maintenance effectively

First it is suggested to change the batteries once a year unless directly powered by unit, in which case batteries are not required. Another possible reason could be that the fan coil/heat pump maybe equipped with an ‘OVERFLOW Sensor’, which means when the unit’s drain is clogged the sensors purpose is to prevent any further condensation/water accumulation which results into potential floods so it automatically shuts power off to the unit. Alternatively, it could be time for a new thermostat.

NHM is partnered with some of the top companies that can perform any repair required on any model of unit. We only work with the best in repairs, retrofitting, replacements and parts. All certified, friendly and professional. And don’t worry, during our maintenance we test/troubleshoot your unit to ensure it is working at its full potential and if there is any issues we identify it for you and provide you with all you need to move forward.

Each maintenance is carried out in the same manner. Your building will issue a security escort into your unit and in some cases it maybe your superintendent. They are there for your peace of mind, as well as our safety. And in times when the tenant is home, they may wait outside. So rest assure, your concerns are highly considered.

We ask all tenants to be mindful of the maintenance schedule. It’s important to us that during our service we do not cause stress to any pet(s) and also to keep our staff and all involved feeling safe. So please make the proper arrangements and ensure your pet(s) are safe and cared for.

Filter Info

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, which is a measurement scale designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to report the effectiveness of air filters in more detail than other ratings.

The FPR system, or Filter Performance Rating, is a proprietary rating system created by The Home Depot to rank filters by measuring their ability to capture particulate matter in the air. This system features a number scale from 4 to 10, and a colour-coding system is used to rate the filter’s quality and ability to trap certain particles. The FPR rating has no bearing on the overall efficacy of the air filter itself and is not as thorough as the MERV rating system. The industry standard is to use the MERV rating system, which reports a filter’s ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns.

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The Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR) is an air filter rating system that was developed by 3M to measure an air filter’s ability to filter out microparticles. The MPR rating system ranges from 100 to 2800, and higher-rated MPR filters are more efficient at filtering out small particles. The MPR system is different from the MERV rating system because it focuses on a filter’s ability to filter out microparticles. Most MPR-rated filters capture more microparticles than the equivalent MERV-rated filter. However, it is important to note that a higher-rated MPR filter does not necessarily mean that it is the best choice for your home’s HVAC system, as the more efficient a filter is, the more expensive it will be.

 
It is difficult to say which rating system of the three is the best, as they are all useful in their own ways. Here are some key points about each system:
 
MERV Rating System:
  • The MERV rating system is the primary rating system used for air filtration and was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
  • The MERV rating lets you know what air particle size an air filter will trap, and a higher rating means that the filter will trap smaller particles
  • The MERV scale ranges from 1 to 20, with higher values corresponding to a greater percentage of particles captured on each pass
  • Higher-rated MERV filters can remove more harmful contaminants from the air but can also restrict airflow and cause your HVAC system to work harder, leading to increased energy costs and potential equipment failure
  • For most homes, a MERV rating between 8 and 13 is ideal
FPR Rating System:
  • The FPR rating system is a proprietary rating system created by The Home Depot to rank filters by measuring their ability to capture particulate matter in the air
  • The FPR rating system features a number scale from 4 to 10, and a color-coding system is used to rate the filter’s quality and ability to trap certain particles
  • While the FPR rating has no bearing on the overall efficacy of the air filter itself, it can be helpful in comparing the performance of different filters
MPR Rating System:
  • The MPR rating system was developed by 3M to measure an air filter’s ability to filter out microparticles
  • The MPR rating system ranges from 100 to 2800, and higher-rated MPR filters are more efficient at filtering out small particles
  • Most MPR-rated filters capture more microparticles than the equivalent MERV-rated filter
  • A higher-rated MPR filter does not necessarily mean that it is the best choice for your home’s HVAC system, as the more efficient a filter is, the more expensive it will be
Ultimately, the best rating system for your home will depend on your HVAC system, air quality needs, and budget. For most homes, a MERV rating between 8 and 13 is ideal, but it is always best to consult with an HVAC professional to determine the best filter for your specific needs.
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters and MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) filters are both types of air filters that are used to remove particles from the air. However, there are some key differences between the two:
 
MERV Filters:
  • MERV filters capture particles that range in size from 0.3 to 10 microns
  • MERV filters are rated on a scale from MERV-0 to MERV-16, with higher values indicating better filtration efficiency
  • MERV filters are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings
  • MERV filters are less expensive than HEPA filters and can be used in a wider variety of settings
HEPA Filters:
  • HEPA filters are designed to capture very small particles, ranging in size from 0.06 to 0.12 microns
  • HEPA filters are not MERV-rated because they exceed the ASHRAE Standard rating system used to determine MERV ratings
  • HEPA filters are rated based on their ability to capture particles of various sizes, with a true HEPA filter having a rating of 17-20
  • HEPA filters are commonly used in hospitals, clean rooms, and other medical settings where high air quality is essential
 

In summary, HEPA filters are more efficient at capturing small particles than MERV filters, but they are more expensive and are typically used in specialized settings. MERV filters are less expensive and can be used in a wider variety of settings, but they are not as effective at capturing small particles as HEPA filter.

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Is your unit not working properly, making weird noises, not cooling/heating etc. HRV/ERV not operating as it should? Dryer not fully drying your clothes? Whatever questions you may have, we’re here for you!