Why Are Filters Important In HVAC Systems?

Air filters are an essential component of your home's heating and cooling systems, something you are presumably aware of on some level. You may be startled to find how important they really are. In your HVAC system, they perform several important functions.

Not only that, but heating and cooling systems already have them integrated. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system works tirelessly year-round to ensure your comfort.

The day will come when filter maintenance is required. Also, there will come a time when you have to swap them out totally. Consider the following information to understand HVAC filters and the general maintenance required.

How Does Your Filter Work?

One of the most important parts of your home comfort system, the filter, is often disregarded despite its significance. The filter purifies the air drawn into your system and distributed throughout it.

Your system is being protected by this measure, which prevents dust and debris from accumulating and causing blockages. One of the most typical reasons a system breaks down is dirty air filters that have become clogged.

Types Of HVAC Filters

Before instructing you on how to pick an HVAC filter that will work for your home, a few points need to be made clear. First, changing the air filters in your heating and cooling system is among the most laborious among household chores. There is no need for heavy machinery, and the finished product will not be noticeable. 

This means there will be no sense of accomplishment upon completing a lengthy home improvement task. Although it's not the most fun task, maintaining your home's air clean is crucial. But as we are all well aware, even a seemingly insignificant shift can have far-reaching consequences. For HVAC filters, the same rule applies.

If you can find the perfect one, you can save a lot of cash. However, it will have to make your house run more efficiently and enhance the indoor air quality. There are a variety of quality HVAC filters available, and learning how to select the best one for your home is an important task.

Let's look at the many varieties of filters out there and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (Hepa)

HEPA filters, which stand for high-efficiency particulate air, are becoming popular because they can remove up to 99.7 per cent of airborne particles. 

Due to the fact that most models were created with commercial HVAC systems in mind, they are relatively easy to find. The MERV rating of these filters is between 16 and 20. And they're typically installed in healthcare facilities and other places that require pristine air.

Disposable Fiberglass

Filters might not be the priciest part of your HVAC system. The high-end HVAC filters often have a MERV rating of 16 or higher, but this may seem pricey to some. You're interested in learning how to select the optimal HVAC filter for your dwelling. If so, you can save money using disposable fibreglass filters in your HVAC system. 

They're inexpensive, but not recommended for homes with people who suffer from asthma or allergies. Furthermore, the air quality in your home will not be significantly better after installing these filters. However, these may be a smart choice if HVAC upkeep is your main concern.

In addition, they will be effective at preventing dirt, dust, and other particles from entering the house. Therefore, disposable fibreglass filters could be a good option if you're trying to figure out how to select the best HVAC filter for your home.

Reusable Electrostatic

Electrostatic HVAC filters that may be reused are comparable to their disposable counterparts. Allergens are captured by the self-charging cotton or paper used in their construction.

However, some manufacturers also provide reusable options in addition to single-use electrostatic HVAC filters. You may remove these filters from your HVAC system, clean them with water and soap, and put them back in.

The reusable kind typically has a MERV 8 rating and a 6-8-year lifespan. They have a smaller carbon footprint than disposable filters and save you money in the long run because of your HVAC system. The reusable electrostatic filter may be best if your HVAC unit uses a standard-sized filter.

Disposable Electrostatic

Next up in our series on finding the best HVAC filter for your home is an explanation of disposable electrostatic filters. They are typically constructed of electrostatic cotton or paper and have a MERV rating 10. 

These HVAC filters are built to last. They can be purchased for a low price and in the home's most common HVAC filter sizes. If you need help locating it in your size, you can always have one created to order, but it will be more expensive. Disposable electrostatic HVAC filters are recommended for homes with smokers, pets, and small children. 

High-Efficiency Pleated

When the market for HVAC filters initially opened, a high-efficiency pleated filter was one of the first varieties to appear. Leaks are prevented with a metal grid that is bonded to pleated synthetic cotton. These models are extremely thick because of their intended use in enormous HVAC systems. 

Instead, they are designed for clinical settings like hospitals. Consequently, using one of them will heavily load your domestic infrastructure. And it could lead to the HVAC system failing due to overheating. Therefore, using a high-efficiency pleated HVAC filter in a residential HVAC system is not recommended.

Disposable Pleated

Pleated HVAC filters are typically comprised of cotton or polyester and are disposable. And they are highly efficient at capturing microscopic contaminants like mites and spores. They are superior at maintaining a healthy indoor environment as well. 

To keep your HVAC system from being clogged and overworked, you should change the filter at least once every two months. While more expensive than standard fibreglass HVAC filters, their MERV ratings go as high as 6. 

Disposable pleated HVAC filters are created with eco-friendly materials, a major plus. A better filter means more work for the HVAC system to circulate the air through it. A more efficient filter may cause more work for the system and more power to run it.

The Advantages Of Changing Your Air Filter Regularly

The following advantages are yours to reap if you remember to check your air filter every 30 days and replace it no later than 60 days after first noticing a problem:

Less Repairs

When air filters become clogged, the HVAC unit can overheat, airflow is restricted, and the air becomes dirty. Because of this, maintenance and servicing must be performed more frequently. Keeping your HVAC system reliable, clean, and cost-effective all start with clean air filters.

Improve Home Air Quality

The air filter's major responsibility is to maintain clean air throughout the HVAC system and the house. Air filters, often made of fibreglass strands, strain the air and collect particles that would otherwise be released into the environment. Particles such as dust, dirt, mould, pollen, bacteria, animal fur, and more are sucked into the filter. Bacteria and other contaminants will eventually jam the filter. Regularly replacing it can keep your home's air cleaner, protecting your family's health.

People spend over 90% of their time indoors, so it's crucial that the air inside be as clean as the air outside. Regular expert HVAC maintenance and consistent filter changes are musts. Your HVAC specialist will replace your air filters, clean your system, and inform you about other indoor air quality services such as air cleaners, air purifiers, air filtration, and duct cleaning.

Extended System Lifespan

If you don't get your air conditioner serviced regularly, you might expect to halve its lifespan. If you want your air conditioner to survive even longer than the manufacturer promises, you should have expert maintenance performed on it once a year, preferably before the cooling season begins.

Reduced Repair Frequency

Changing the air filter regularly will help avoid harm to your home. Preventative maintenance is almost always less expensive than emergency repairs. It never fails that when the temperature outside soars or plummets, your air conditioner decides to stop working. Constellation Home provides HVAC protection plans in select areas, and you can purchase them either as part of your energy plan or as a separate add-on. Properly maintaining your system might help it run longer and save you money.

Enhance Energy Efficiency

If your air filters are unclean or clogged, your HVAC system will have to work harder to move the air necessary to maintain a pleasant temperature throughout your home, increasing your energy bills. When your HVAC system is overworked, it loses efficiency and costs more to run.

Services For Professional Air Filtration

Although air filters are standard in HVAC systems, not all filters are created equal. The minimal efficiency reporting value (MERV) scale rates the effectiveness of air filters from 1 to 16. A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter has a rating of 16 or higher.

Dirty Air Filters Cause Problems

Your HVAC system's air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the air handler and ducts. When the air filter becomes clogged, it reduces the amount of air that can pass through it.

Filters that are unclean or clogged can cause a variety of issues, including the ones listed below.

Energy Bills

When your air conditioner has to work overtime to maintain a comfortable inside temperature, it consumes more power than usual. Increases in your home's energy bill without an equivalent increase in use may result from a clogged air filter.

Fan Motor

The motor of the fan is what actually spins the blades and circulates the air about your house. If the air filter is dirty, the fan motor will have to work harder to bring air into your home. The motor may not be able to handle the added stress and eventually fail.

Reduced Comfort

If the air filter in your system is clogged, this indicates less air circulating through the system overall. When there is less conditioned air entering through your vents, it leads to increased discomfort as well as wait times.

How To Choose The Best HVAC Filter For Your Home

There are important considerations when choosing which HVAC filter to buy for your home. Before you go out and buy a new filter for your HVAC system, make sure you consult the manual. An HVAC filter's high MERV rating doesn't guarantee it will work well in your unit.

Climate

The climate in your area is also a consideration when deciding which HVAC filter is best for your home. You may be concerned about mould because you live in a damp location. A six or higher MERV value is recommended for your HVAC system's filter. In this manner, mould spores are less likely to become trapped in the filter. Which, therefore, stops them from floating inside your house on the breeze. The HVAC filter should be changed every two to three weeks in areas with high humidity.

HVAC Filter Size

Filters for HVAC systems come in various shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. The greater the thickness of the filter, the better it will be at preventing allergens from passing through. But before you run out to the store, check the handbook to see if your machine needs new filters. Take the filter out and use it as a guide if you have no handbook and have never replaced it. 

Even though thicker filters are generally more efficient, they can still function in your device. Also, the fan's job of keeping the house at a comfortable temperature becomes more difficult as filters become thicker.

Merv Rating

The filter's thickness and its ability to filter particles are taken into account when establishing these ratings. If the number is larger, then the filter is more effective. Also, efficiency levels are ranked from 1 (200% inefficient) to 20 (100% efficient). For instance, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) filters often have a MERV value of 10–12.

Thicker filters, however, might collect more dust and dirt. They should be changed out more often as well. Consequently, filters used in home HVAC systems should have a MERV value of between 6 and 16. Your HVAC system can easily handle any filter in that price range. You should always follow the advice of the manufacturer with regard to MERV ratings.

Reusable Or Disposable HVAC Filters

When researching home HVAC systems, it is important to understand the distinction between a reusable and disposable filter. You can keep the dust out of the coils and the fan by changing the filter in your HVAC system every three months. 

Most disposable filters are created from lightweight, biodegradable materials that are also quite inexpensive. You may toss the old one once you've replaced it with a new one. Electrostatic fibres on an aluminium frame make reusable filters effective at capturing even the smallest airborne particles. But they're reusable with a quick wash.

However, there is a specific process for cleaning reusable filters, so keep those directions handy. The filter must be completely dry before being reinstalled into the machine after being washed. Mould can grow on the filter if it's still damp when you swap it out.

Cleaning reusable HVAC filters is simple once you know how. The lifespan of reusable HVAC filters varies widely from one brand to the next. Therefore, you could use reusable filters while selecting the best HVAC filter for your home.

How Frequently Should I Replace My House Air Filter?

Knowing how often you should change the air filter in your home is just as important as knowing why you should change it. Generally speaking, switch it up once every four months or as the seasons change. This recommendation is subject to change based on other circumstances.

If you have a pet, you may need to replace the filter more frequently. If you only have one dog or cat, we recommend switching it out every two months. If you have a lot of animals, increase that to once every 20 days.

The importance of keeping an air filter clean increases if anyone in your household suffers from allergies. Changing the filter at least once a month, and preferably once every 20 days, is recommended. You may only need to change your air filter once or twice a year if you live in a vacation home or have no pets. If your filter gets clogged quickly, you should check on it more often.

Conclusion 

Air filters are crucial components of your home's heating and cooling systems, performing several important functions to ensure comfort. They are often overlooked, but they play a significant role in maintaining the air quality and efficiency of your HVAC system. There are various types of HVAC filters available, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

HEPA filters, which remove up to 99.7% of airborne particles, are popular due to their ease of use and MERV rating between 16 and 20. Disposable fiberglass filters are an affordable option for those looking to save money on HVAC maintenance.

However, they may not be suitable for homes with asthma or allergies, and the air quality may not significantly improve after installation. Reusable electrostatic filters, made from electrostatic cotton or paper, have a MERV 8 rating and a 6-8-year lifespan, saving you money in the long run.

Disposable electrostatic filters, typically made of electrostatic cotton or paper, are built to last and can be purchased at a low price and in most common HVAC filter sizes. They are recommended for homes with smokers, pets, and small children.

High-efficiency pleated filters, designed for clinical settings like hospitals, are not recommended for residential HVAC systems as they heavily load domestic infrastructure and could lead to system failure due to overheating.

Pleated HVAC filters, typically made of cotton or polyester, are highly efficient at capturing microscopic contaminants like mites and spores and maintaining a healthy indoor environment. To prevent clogging and overwork, change the filter at least once every two months. These filters are more expensive than standard fibreglass filters but have MERV ratings up to 6.

Disposable pleated HVAC filters are made with eco-friendly materials, making them a more efficient choice for your home. By choosing the right HVAC filter, you can save money, improve indoor air quality, and save money on your energy bills.

Regularly changing your air filter can lead to several advantages, including less repairs, improved home air quality, extended system lifespan, reduced repair frequency, enhanced energy efficiency, and reduced comfort.

Air filters, often made of fiberglass strands, strain the air and collect particles like dust, dirt, mold, pollen, bacteria, and animal fur. Regular maintenance and consistent filter changes are essential for maintaining a clean home environment.

Another advantage is that people spend over 90% of their time indoors, so it's crucial to maintain a clean indoor environment. Regular expert HVAC maintenance and consistent filter changes are essential for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

Reduced repair frequency is another benefit of regular maintenance. Preventative maintenance is usually less expensive than emergency repairs, and proper maintenance can help your air conditioner run longer and save you money.

Dirty air filters can cause problems such as increased energy bills, increased fan motor stress, and reduced comfort. If the air filter is dirty, the fan motor may struggle to handle the added stress and eventually fail.

In summary, regular maintenance and regular air filter changes are essential for maintaining a clean and efficient HVAC system. By ensuring that your air filter is clean and functioning properly, you can enjoy a healthier home and reduce the need for costly repairs.

When choosing the best HVAC filter for your home, consider factors such as climate, size, and MERV rating. A high MERV rating doesn't guarantee it will work well in your unit. Climate is another important factor to consider, as a damp location may cause mold to become trapped in the filter. A six or higher MERV value is recommended for your HVAC system's filter to prevent mold from floating inside your house.

HVAC filters come in various shapes, sizes, and thicknesses, with thicker filters being more efficient but still collecting more dust and dirt. The MERV rating is based on the filter's thickness and ability to filter particles. For example, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) filters often have a MERV value of 10-12.

Reusable or disposable filters are essential when researching home HVAC systems. Disposable filters are made from lightweight, biodegradable materials and are inexpensive.

Reusable filters, made from electrostatic fibers on an aluminum frame, are effective at capturing even the smallest airborne particles. However, they require a specific cleaning process, as they must be completely dry before being reinstalled into the machine.

The frequency of filter replacement depends on the household's circumstances. Generally, it should be changed once every four months or as the seasons change. If you have pets, it may need to be replaced more frequently.

If you have a lot of animals, it should be replaced once every 20 days. If anyone in your household suffers from allergies, it's recommended to change the filter at least once a month, preferably once every 20 days. If you live in a vacation home or have no pets, you may only need to change your air filter once or twice a year.

Content Summary: 

• Air filters are an essential component of your home's heating and cooling systems, something you are presumably aware of on some level.
• In your HVAC system, they perform several important functions.
• The day will come when filter maintenance is required.
• Consider the following information to understand HVAC filters and the general maintenance required.
• One of the most important parts of your home comfort system, the filter, is often disregarded despite its significance.
• Types Of HVAC Filters Before instructing you on how to pick an HVAC filter that will work for your home, a few points need to be made clear.
• First, changing the air filters in your heating and cooling system is among the most laborious among household chores.
• There are a variety of quality HVAC filters available, and learning how to select the best one for your home is an important task.
• Let's look at the many varieties of filters out there and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
• Filters might not be the priciest part of your HVAC system.
• You're interested in learning how to select the optimal HVAC filter for your dwelling.
• If so, you can save money using disposable fibreglass filters in your HVAC system.
• Furthermore, the air quality in your home will not be significantly better after installing these filters.
• Therefore, disposable fibreglass filters could be a good option if you're trying to figure out how to select the best HVAC filter for your home.
• Electrostatic HVAC filters that may be reused are comparable to their disposable counterparts.
• However, some manufacturers also provide reusable options in addition to single-use electrostatic HVAC filters.
• The reusable electrostatic filter may be best if your HVAC unit uses a standard-sized filter.
• Disposable Electrostatic Next up in our series on finding the best HVAC filter for your home is an explanation of disposable electrostatic filters.
• These HVAC filters are built to last.
• They can be purchased for a low price and in the home's most common HVAC filter sizes.
• Disposable electrostatic HVAC filters are recommended for homes with smokers, pets, and small children.
• When the market for HVAC filters initially opened, a high-efficiency pleated filter was one of the first varieties to appear.
• Consequently, using one of them will heavily load your domestic infrastructure.
• And it could lead to the HVAC system failing due to overheating.
• Therefore, using a high-efficiency pleated HVAC filter in a residential HVAC system is not recommended.
• Disposable Pleated Pleated HVAC filters are typically comprised of cotton or polyester and are disposable.
• To keep your HVAC system from being clogged and overworked, you should change the filter at least once every two months.
• Disposable pleated HVAC filters are created with eco-friendly materials, a major plus.
• A better filter means more work for the HVAC system to circulate the air through it.
• A more efficient filter may cause more work for the system and more power to run it.
• The Advantages Of Changing Your Air Filter Regularly The following advantages are yours to reap if you remember to check your air filter every 30 days and replace it no later than 60 days after first noticing a problem: Less Repairs When air filters become clogged, the HVAC unit can overheat, airflow is restricted, and the air becomes dirty.
• Because of this, maintenance and servicing must be performed more frequently.
• Keeping your HVAC system reliable, clean, and cost-effective all start with clean air filters.
• The air filter's major responsibility is to maintain clean air throughout the HVAC system and the house.
• Regularly replacing it can keep your home's air cleaner, protecting your family's health.
• Regular expert HVAC maintenance and consistent filter changes are musts.
• Your HVAC specialist will replace your air filters, clean your system, and inform you about other indoor air quality services such as air cleaners, air purifiers, air filtration, and duct cleaning.
• If you don't get your air conditioner serviced regularly, you might expect to halve its lifespan.
• If you want your air conditioner to survive even longer than the manufacturer promises, you should have expert maintenance performed on it once a year, preferably before the cooling season begins.
• Changing the air filter regularly will help avoid harm to your home.
• Preventative maintenance is almost always less expensive than emergency repairs.
• Constellation Home provides HVAC protection plans in select areas, and you can purchase them either as part of your energy plan or as a separate add-on.
• Properly maintaining your system might help it run longer and save you money.
• If your air filters are unclean or clogged, your HVAC system will have to work harder to move the air necessary to maintain a pleasant temperature throughout your home, increasing your energy bills.
• When your HVAC system is overworked, it loses efficiency and costs more to run.