An air filter’s main purpose is to protect all the main components housed inside your HVAC system. It traps dust, dirt, and other debris that may cause problems with your HVAC system. Air filters also help to improve the air quality throughout your home. Without a filter, not only do you risk costly repairs to your HVAC system, but you would be inhaling all that nasty debris floating in the air — yuck!
All about HVAC air filters
How Often Should An Air Filter Be Replaced?
The key thing to remember is that the average air filter should be replaced at least once a month. Some factors to take into consideration in regards to which filter you choose are the furnace system type, number of people and pets in the home, and the manufacturer’s guidelines. Depending on the type of system, there are a few different options to choose from when selecting your air filter. Check out these quick tips and what to look for!
Choosing A Filter: MERV Ratings
When you’re looking for a higher quality air filter for your HVAC system, one thing you’ll want to consider is the MERV rating. The MERV rating is an indicator of how well the filter performs at filtering particulates. The higher the rating, the more particulates are filtered, but beware, as this also increases the density of the filter, which can affect the efficiency and restrict the airflow of your HVAC system.
Different Types Of Furnace Filters
While looking for your next air filters, it’s easy to get a bit confused with all the various types available. Being able to determine the difference between all the different kinds of filters can help you determine what will be best for your HVAC system, family, and comfort level.
Fortunately, there are a few well known kinds of filters. A few of these are pleated filters, electrostatic filters, and HEPA filters. We often recommend a basic pleated filter, which can be adequate for the average system. These types of air filters are affordable and causes less airflow restriction. It is important to swap out a pleated filter at least once a month.
The more expensive filters may restrict airflow throughout your HVAC system causing your system to work harder than it needs to. This may lead to more breakdowns and repairs. However, depending on your circumstances, you may see benefits from an upgraded filter. (Our technicians are more than willing to help advise you when they perform your HVAC.)
Remembering To Change Your Furnace Filter
A few ways to help remind you to change your filter is to write the date of when it was last changed on the label of the filter, by adding a reminder set monthly on your smart phone, or by writing the due date on a calendar. If you want to learn more or schedule an appointment for routine maintenance — call us today!
We have a long history in Barrington, having begun as a family-owned business back in 1967. To this day, we remain family-owned and operated. Call us at 847-381-6853 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.