For your HVAC system to stay in tip-top condition, it needs to receive regular maintenance service. When most people think of service, they think of calling for professional maintenance twice a year. However, you also need to change the filter on your HVAC system regularly.
What Does an HVAC Filter Do?
Your HVAC filter traps airborne contaminants like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites as air travels through your HVAC system. This trapping helps enhance the air quality inside your home and prevents these unwanted contaminants from entering the internal compartment of your HVAC system.
A filter only traps debris and does not get rid of it. Rather, you’ll need to dispose of the filter to fully remove the contaminants from your home. Various air filtration systems can disrupt the DNA of airborne contaminants. However, they’re not part of your traditional HVAC filter.
Why Are Filter Changes Important?
Knowing when to change your air filter makes a huge difference in the overall efficiency of your heating or cooling system. If you fail to replace the filter when it reaches the end of its lifespan, it will cause your HVAC system to work much harder to force air through the filter. When your HVAC system works harder, it means you’re going to be paying more for utility bills and you’re going to be prematurely wearing out your system’s components.
When Does Your Filter Need to Be Changed?
In general, most homeowners find that they need to change the filter on their HVAC system every two to three months. The frequency of filter changes for your home is going to be dependent on numerous factors. These include how much traffic your home gets, how many pets you have, and so forth.
To ensure that you’re changing filters when necessary, you should check your filter at least once a month. The easiest way to determine if it needs to be replaced is to hold it up to a light. When a filter is new or in good condition, you’ll be able to see through it. However, if your filter is spent, you’ll no longer be able to see through it.
Replacement Filters
It’s a good idea to have at least one additional filter on hand so that you can change a dirty filter when necessary. Use the same size filter in your HVAC system so that it works effectively. You can typically get the filter sizing off of the existing filter, or you may find it notated on the filter’s housing.
A filter will have three numbers specifying its size. For example, your filter may be 16x10x1. This means your filter is 16 inches long by 10 inches wide by 1 inch deep. All filters are given nominal numbers, meaning that they are rounded up. For example, the filter above may measure three-quarters of an inch. By rounding this number up, you’ll get a filter size of one inch deep.
A Note on Washable Filters
Nowadays, you might have the option of investing in a washable or reusable HVAC filter. As its name suggests, this filter can be cleaned and reused instead of having to be thrown out. While these filters are more expensive, they last anywhere between three and five years.
When you use these filters, shut your system off completely before removing them. You never want to run your HVAC system without a filter as debris can enter the internal components of your system. Additionally, with a washable filter, you’ll want to ensure it’s dry before you put it back in its housing. Using the filter wet can lead to unwanted mold and mildew growth.
MERV Ratings
All HVAC filters are given a MERV rating between 1 and 20. Filters with a rating of between 1 and 16 are used for residential HVAC systems. The higher the rating a filter has, the better it will be at trapping unwanted airborne particles. If you have asthma, severe allergies, or even a respiratory condition, you may want to consider investing in a filter with a higher MERV rating.
Reliable HVAC Maintenance Service
Smith & Willis Heating & Air Conditioning offers reliable HVAC maintenance service for Commerce City, CO and the surrounding cities. We can also help with all your air conditioning, heating, and indoor air quality needs. Simply speak with us today to schedule your next service appointment with one of our knowledgeable technicians.