The right air conditioning (AC) filter can help remove contaminants, particles, and dust from the air, ensuring better indoor air quality. This is especially important for people with respiratory problems, older people, and children. Air filters are a crucial part of a central HVAC system, but they are often overlooked. Not only do they filter out pollen and dust particles that would otherwise circulate around the house, reducing indoor air quality, but they also provide a first line of defense against larger objects such as pieces of loose insulation that could enter the system and cause damage or present a fire hazard. However, if you don't change your air filter regularly, it can turn against you.
Clogged air filters are the number one cause of HVAC system failures. They can lead to overheating, restricted airflow, and fouling of the entire HVAC system. This translates into more frequent repairs, parts, and services. To keep your HVAC system clean, reliable, and cost-effective, clean air filters are essential. Airflow is one of the most important factors affecting the efficiency of your system.
When the filter becomes dirty, it reduces airflow to the oven, forcing the air conditioning system to work harder to heat or cool the room. This will wear down your system and increase energy costs. The air in your AC is filtered through the system five to seven times a day. That's a lot of circulation carrying whatever is inside your AC. Pollen, mold, and germs will spread rapidly throughout any building.
All of these can make people sick. Change the AC filter and avoid sick building syndrome. Your employees will thank you for not causing them to suffer from allergies and illnesses. An important part of the AC is the filter. It prevents dirt from entering the system and causing significant damage to the unit.
Knowing more about the air cleaner will help you make the right choice regarding the unit. Here are some important facts to know about AC filters:
- Air filters live up to their name. Not only do they keep dust and pollen out but they are also tasked with keeping larger particles out of your HVAC system and preventing them from being damaged.
- Dirty, unchanged filters are a major cause of problems with your HVAC system.
- It's understandable that many homeowners in Dallas, TX and surrounding areas go for fiberglass panel filters because they cost less than other higher-quality filters.
- Air filters are generally inexpensive and changing the air filter is a simple task that does not require a professional hand.
- The only type of filters that trap allergens and spores are HEPA or high-energy particulate air filters.
Postponing replacing a dirty filter means that you will probably have to pay a lot more when your system eventually fails due to the dirty filter. The problem with these filters is that they are only capable of filtering larger dust particles and are therefore useless when it comes to truly improving air quality. When you change your AC filter every month during peak cooling season, you can save about 15% each month on utilities as well as avoid repair problems due to airflow restrictions. One of the easiest, most economical, and beneficial ways to keep your AC running during summer season is to change the AC filter and perform regular air filter maintenance. When the AC filter becomes clogged, dust and dirt begin to enter the AC itself causing wear on parts. If you've never changed your AC filter before, it's best to have an HVAC technician do it for you the first time. Air cleaner maintenance and AC filter changes are just one part of a complete HVAC system maintenance program that can help extend its life and ensure it operates efficiently.
