All About Air Filters- Change is Good
Nowadays, your standard hvac system installation is highly efficient and requires very little attention and maintenance from homeowners. They do a great job of keeping us comfortably cool in summer and toasty warm in winter with very little effort from us. However, other than scheduling regular maintenance visits, there is one task that falls on the homeowner: changing those air filters on a regular basis. There are usually two camps on this one: those who note the date they installed them and change them regularly, and those for whom the phrase “out of sight, out of mind” rings true. If you’re in that second camp, or somewhere in between, consider giving some thought to your air filters to help keep your heating and cooling system in top working order all year long.
Changing your filters is one of the easiest but most impactful maintenance tasks you can do in your home. These filters, which fit into the space directly behind “return” air grills, are designed to reduce the accumulation of dust and particles drawn into your air conditioning and heating system. By doing so, they protect the heating and cooling coils as well as other internal components of your system, so it’s important to keep them clean. If you will be turning on your ac unit for the first time in a long while and discover that it isn’t functioning properly, you may contact an air conditioning repair company and ask them to send someone to service or repair your ac unit.
What size filter do I need?
The correct replacement size is generally printed on the old filter. If you cannot locate the size or are still unsure, simply open the return grill and measure the length and width of the filter you are replacing. If you need air filter 17x20x1 click here. It’s helpful to make note of the sizes you need (you may have different sizes in different locations of your home), and write these measurements down on a small piece of paper to keep in your wallet. This way, you’ll always have that information handy, and are more likely to purchase the filters in a timely manner and stay on top of this maintenance task.
There’s nothing more frustrating than standing in front of the air filter display at the hardware store and second-guessing what size(s) you need at home.
How often should I change the filter?
According to David Moseley of Terrell E. Moseley, Inc., how often you change the filter varies from house to house. He says that “some factors to consider are the environment of the home, the presence of pets, and whether any occupants of the home have allergies.” A good rule of thumb is to check the filter regularly for excessive build-up of dust, dirt, fibers and more, and replace as necessary.
What is the benefit of purchasing a more costly filter compared to a less expensive one?
Filter prices vary widely, adding to consumers’ confusion. Know this much: A regular, general-use filter provides only basic protection. It will capture the largest particles of dust and is the most inexpensive option. You should consider replacing this type of filter every 30 days. For better protection and cleaner air in your home, experts at the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers recommend that you upgrade to a better filter. There are many types from which to choose, and prices range from $5 to $20 and more. Each step up in quality represents a higher, more efficient level of filtration. Air Duct Cleaning Downey makes sure to help achieve the best indoor air quality for your home after their cleaning service.
How do I decide which filter is best for me?
Not sure what you should be spending on air filters? Consider a few things. First, determine the level and type of possible air contaminants in your home by doing an hvac air balancing procedure. Then determine which filter will eliminate those contaminants by reading the packaging. Also, take into consideration whether you or anyone in your home suffers from allergies, asthma, hay fever or other breathing difficulties. You can visit this website and get a professional advise from expert HVAC contractors.
The basic, throw-away filter captures large dust particles. An upgraded filter captures dust particles, mold spores and pollen. The next level upgrade filter captures all of the above as well as smoke, pet dander and smog particles. An “advanced allergen” filter captures everything listed above plus dust mites. Once you have determined which filter suits the needs of your home and family, a quick trip to your local home center or hardware store should offer a varied selection of filters. Some department stores also carry a select line of filters.
What do the filter ratings mean?
Air filters are rated based upon their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV. MERV represents the filtering efficiency of a particular filter. Moseley expresses it this way: “the higher the MERV number, the better the filter.”
Do I have options other than disposable filters?
Some manufacturers make a filter which is designed to last up to 12 months. It has a high MERV rating (12–14), and is wider, thicker and larger than the normal 1-inch household filter. Your system may require some modification in order to use this particular filter. Consider talking to heating and cooling system professionals at Costello Climate Control about this option.
Electrostatic filters may also replace disposable filters. Moseley explains that these are washable—usually requiring three to four washings per year—and considered “permanent”. Other advantages of this filter for home use are its non-rusting aluminum frame and lifetime warranty. This filter attracts dust particles and other contaminants by using an electronically-charged field on metal plates. Again, your heating and cooling system professionals can tell you more about this type of filter. You can also call them for an expert advice on what you should do when your ac unit is not cooling house.
Choosing an air filter may not be one of the most glamorous or exciting decisions you have to make, but it can be one of the most important ones when it comes to protecting your home’s heating and cooling system. Put your family’s health and safety first and avoid unnecessary repair costs later by making the right choice now—and changing your filter if you haven’t lately. Just like choosing an air filter for your hvac system, you can also consider installing insulation in your home. Insulation in walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs forms a barrier to heat absorption and loss. It is a sensible and affordable solution to keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. You can visit First Defense Insulation for your insulation needs. First Defense Insulation is known for our quality installations which offer better insulation. For households, we provide dependable attic insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, and duct cleaning services.
