Top 5 Reasons to Replace Your HVAC Air Filter

Have you noticed a thicker layer of dust around the house? The air is cooling down which means we are all spending more time inside. If you haven’t changed your HVAC air filter recently, it might be contributing to the time you are spending cleaning your home.

There are many reasons to change out the HVAC air filter systems every three to six months. How often you change the filter will depend on the number of people and pets in your home. Your HVAC filter system works throughout the year, with both the heater and the air conditioner, to trap particulates.

Air Quality

Your HVAC air filter protects your home’s air quality. The filter collects:

Dirt
Dust
Pet Dander
Feathers
Pollen
Smoke
Microorganisms that cause diseases and allergies

Filters may require frequent replacement during allergy season when invisible particles of pollen are in the air. A home with dogs and cats may also need an HVAC air filter replacement every three months.

Energy Savings

You save energy and have fewer emissions when the filters are free of debris. A clean HVAC air filter prevents excess dirt and debris from moving through the ducts, out through the exhaust and into the air. Energy efficiency helps reduce the environmental impact of your HVAC system.

Cost Savings

You use less power when your HVAC system works at maximum efficiency. Saving energy results in lower costs to run your HVAC system. An HVAC air filter is not expensive, especially compared to a higher than necessary utility bill.

Several types of filters are available for different size units. Fan filters are used with many systems since they provide more area for trapping particulates. An HVAC air filter is usually a neutral white or beige, depending on the material. It is easy to tell when they are full of dust and debris.

HVAC Operation

Clean filters will extend the life of the HVAC system. The system sucks air into the filter with the intake ducts. Filters clogged with debris may force the motor to work harder, which can cause them to overheat. In extreme situations a very full air filter can cause a the HVAC system to smoke. New air filters cost much less than repairs to a motor.

Better Health

Good indoor air quality means better health for your family. This is especially important during flu and allergy seasons when your family spends a good deal of time indoors. Less dusting is great, but a clean air filter will also keep germs attached to dirt and dust from entering your home.

Reynolds Air and Heat will check your HVAC air filter as part of a regular maintenance procedure. The filter system is one of the first items checked when a specialist is called to repair an air conditioner or heater.

What to Look for in a Replacement Air Filter

When considering which replacement filters to buy there are a few factors to consider. Disposable filters vary by brand and include a variety of materials. When choosing between filter types you’ll want to look first at energy efficiency. If you have pets look for a MERV rating that is 12 or higher. Check the size of your filter that your HVAC system requires. You need to purchase the correct size.

Pleated Air Filters vs. Non-Pleated Filters

Generally speaking, pleated furnace filters are more efficient and last longer than fiberglass non-pleated filters. Pleated filters contain much more surface area to catch pollutants/contaminants and have the ability to have smaller pores to capture smaller particles while still allowing full airflow.

Because of this, you will note that the more pleats and layers of fiberglass in the filter the more contaminants your HVAC filter will catch.

Reynolds Air and Heat serves Brevard County and neighboring communities with fast service. Give us a call today to schedule your routine HVAC maintenance or system repair, or visit our Appointments Page to make your appointment, and we will call you to confirm your request.