Facts About HVAC Air Filters

One of the most important things in your HVAC system is the air filter. It plays an important role in maintaining healthy indoor air quality by making sure that your HVAC system is performing at its best. However, many people often make the mistake of overlooking the air filter in their HVAC system. It is considered extremely important that a person should make sure to replace their air filter on a regular basis.

While some people are quite aware of air filter replacement they do not understand the importance of replacing the air filters. Using a clean air filter provides you with multiple benefits, it not only helps maintain the indoor air quality but also makes sure that the heating and cooling system is working perfectly fine. This also helps protect the ductwork and prevents your HVAC system from being damaged by dust, pollen, link, pet dander, and other kinds of contaminants.

If not taken care of properly then a clogged air filter will cause restriction in airflow, reduce the system efficiency, and can also result in expensive system malfunctions. So, in this blog we will discuss 5 important facts about HVAC systems like how they improve the air quality, help the user maintain your HVAC system efficiency, the importance of choosing the right air filter, why it is considered a smart option to buy a stock of air filters, and lastly, the reasons you should trust a professional HVAC technician for your HVAC needs and requirements.

5 Essential Facts About HVAC Air Filters

Even though an air filter might seem like a simple flat piece of equipment for your HVAC system. However, an air filter is much more complex than most people think. There are many different types of air filters and each one of them is made using different kinds of materials. Fiberglass filters are made by using fiberglass, whereas pleated air filters are made by using cotton, paper, or polyester. Because air filters are not visible, many people often make the mistake of forgetting about them. So, it is important for you to have regular air filter replacement to maintain indoor air quality and guarantee system efficiency. This will also help in keeping your heating and cooling system operating smoothly. Ignoring your air filters can impact your comfort levels and can cause HVAC system malfunctions. This will allow harmful contaminants like dust, pollen, lint, and pet dander to enter your home or office.

1. Improving Air Quality With Air Filters

Air filters play a vital role in enhancing indoor air quality by capturing the harmful particles that circulate in your home or office. These HVAC air filters are specifically designed to trap pollutants like dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, link, and even mold spores. Air filters make sure that these dangerous contaminants do not enter your home through ductwork. This amazing quality ensures that the air you breathe is clean and safe for you. When you have indoor air pollution in your home or office then it could be quite risky for your health and well-being.

Poor air quality can lead to respiratory health problems like asthma, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Other than that it can cause life-threatening diseases like lung cancer, breast cancer, and skin cancer. It also increases the chances of getting a heart attack or stroke. Apart from these big diseases, it can also cause headaches, and irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, making you feel dizzy, nauseous, and extremely tired. So, it is important that you use an appropriate air filter for your HVAC system.

2. Air Filters Maintain HVAC System Efficiency

HVAC air filters are not used in the HVAC system for improving indoor air quality and getting clean air. It also plays an important role in protecting your HVAC system and also makes sure that everything in your HVAC unit is working efficiently. By capturing contaminants like pollen, pet dander, lint, dust, and debris, the air filters block these particles from entering your home or office. Air filters are an essential component for protecting your heating and cooling system. However, it is important that you properly maintain your air filter because when your air filter gets dirty and clogged then it will put extra pressure on your HVAC system.

It will cause the HVAC system to work harder to maintain the airflow you desire. The extra workload on your HVAC system can cause your HVAC system to prematurely wear and tear. This will result in expensive repairs or even the replacement of your entire HVAC system. However, when the air flows freely from your air filter then it helps in maintaining your system efficiency and also requires less energy to work. You can use pleated air filters or fiberglass air filters with the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating that will be suitable according to your HVAC system.

3. The Important Role Of Choosing The Right Air Filter

It is extremely important that you choose the right air filter for your HVAC system. This will help maintain the efficiency of your air conditioning system while offering you with best performance and great indoor air quality. Air filters are rated by using the standardized method called the MERV rating system which helps in comparing the effectiveness of the air filter. According to the capability of trapping harmful airborne pollutants like dust, pollen, mold spores, and other contaminants, the air filter gets its MERV ratings. There are several MERV-rated air filters starting from 1 to 20.

The higher the numbers are the better the air filter will be able to offer filtration. However, it is also important to remember that you should use the right MERV-rating air filter for your HVAC system. If you require an air filter for your home HVAC system then it is recommended that you choose air filters that have MERV ratings between 7 to 12. These air filters are perfect for trapping pollutants without causing any kind of restrictions in the airflow or putting extra workload on your heating and cooling system.

4. It’s Smart To Stock Up On Air Filters

One of the most smart decisions that you can make for your HVAC system is to keep a stock of air filters. You can purchase an entire box of the type of air filters you want to have in your HVAC system. Air filters like pleated air filters, fiberglass air filters, and HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are considered some of the best options for your HVAC system. So, it is best that when you visit a hardware store make sure that you buy air filters in bulk.

This will make sure that you always have a replacement ready whenever you are required to replace your old air filter with a new one. It will also help you to be comfortable and stay consistent with air filter replacement which is essential for maintaining the system's efficiency and enhancing the air quality in your home or office. When you regularly remember to replace the air filters then it prevents your HVAC system from using clogged air filters which will eventually restrict the airflow and decrease your comfort levels. Other than that it will also increase the overall workload of your heating and cooling system.

5. Trust A Professional For Your HVAC Filter Needs

The last essential fact on our list that you should remember is to make sure to trust a professional for the needs and requirements of your HVAC system. Whenever you are not sure about anything that is related to your HVAC system like how to handle air filter replacement then it is best for you to seek an HVAC professional for assistance. It is especially important for people who are not familiar with heating and cooling systems. Also, it is vital that when you are looking for an HVAC technician then you make sure that individual should be certified and have lots of experience in handling HVAC systems.

An HVAC professional who possesses lots of experience and knowledge will help you provide valuable guidance and make sure that everything is working perfectly fine. If you don’t have the necessary knowledge about HVAC systems then it is recommended not to try replacing the air filter by yourself. Otherwise, it could lead to inserting the air filter incorrectly or choosing the wrong air filter which will eventually lead to system malfunctions. This will not only reduce the system's efficiency but can also cause damage to your HVAC system.

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Conclusion

Here, you have gained knowledge of how air filters are an important part of any kind of HVAC system. You also discovered some essential facts about HVAC air filters like how they help in improving air quality, maintaining the efficiency of your HVAC system, the importance of choosing the right air filter, the smart decision of keeping a stock of air filters, and lastly why you should always trust an HVAC professional for your HVAC system needs. All of this information will help in enhancing indoor air quality while keeping your heating and cooling system operating smoothly. By keeping these valuable facts in your mind you will be able to provide better protection to your HVAC system and avoid expensive repairs.

We at Custom Filters Direct are a trusted source for offering our customers high-quality HVAC air filters according to the type and design of your HVAC system. We have a wide selection of air filters which helps in improving indoor air quality and increase system efficiency. We have many different kinds of air filters like pleated air filters, fiberglass filters, HEPA filters, and many more. You will be able to find the perfect air filter for the needs of your HVAC system. Whether you are looking for an air filter for your home or business we offer trustworthy solutions with competitive prices. If you have any questions then you can contact us at info@customfiltersdirect.com or give us a call at 877-958-5612. Shop for your HVAC air filter at Custom Filters Direct and get superior air filtration and excellent customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Replace My HVAC Systems Air Filter?
There are many highly reputed companies that build HVAC systems and manufacture air filters. You recommend replacing the air filter of your HVAC system every 3 months or 90 days. However, the overall frequency of replacing your air filter depends on various other factors like the changing climate conditions, pets in your house, and the type of air filter you choose to use in your HVAC system. It is considered extremely important that you only use the air filter that is recommended in the user manual of the HVAC system. When you start to get the signs of reduced airflow, rapid increase in energy bills, and collection of dirt and dust then it is time for you to replace your air filters.
Can A Clogged Air Filter Cause My HVAC System To Break Down?
Yes, when your air filters get clogged because of the buildup of dirt and dust then it can cause your HVAC system to break down. Clogged air filters can cause restrictions in the airflow which eventually results in your system working harder. This will also damage your HVAC system and result in system failure. Other than that clogged air filter also puts an extra workload on your HVAC system leading to overheating of the essential parts like the blower motor and heat exchanger. Reduced airflow will also cause the evaporator coils to freeze because of excessive build-up of dirt and dust.
How Do I Know If My Air Filter Needs To Be Replaced?
You will start to notice some signs that will indicate that your air filter needs to be replaced. Some of the most common signs are when you start to get higher energy bills than usual. The reason for this is that when the air filters get clogged from dirt and dust then it increases the overall workload on your HVAC system to maintain the desired temperature in your home. This eventually causes the HVAC system to consume energy and increase your utility bills. You will also notice a decline in air quality because a dirty air filter will not be able to provide you with better air filtration leading to harmful contaminants entering your living space. The dirt will be the reason for you to hear strange and unusual sounds.
Can I Use A MERV Rating Higher Than Recommended For My Heating And Cooling System?
Even though you can use a higher MERV rating air filter for your heating and cooling system. But it is recommended that you should not do that. When you use a higher MERV rating air filter in your HVAC system then it will cause some problems. It will restrict the airflow which will eventually cause your HVAC system to work harder to maintain proper airflow. The extra workload will damage your HVAC system. This will also reduce the overall lifespan of your HVAC system. So, it is important that you check the compatibility of your system and consult a certified HVAC technician to make sure the HVAC system will be able to handle an air filter with higher MERV ratings.
Is It Possible To Clean And Reuse An Air Filter Instead Of Replacing It?
Yes, it is possible to clean and reuse an air filter instead of replacing it. However, it is not applicable to all types of air filters. If you have washable or reusable air filters only then you can wash and reuse the air filters. Whereas if you have disposable air filters then you cannot wash or reuse them so you will be required to replace them from time to time. There are some people who make the mistake of cleaning their disposable filters. However, in doing so they don’t realize that it will not only decrease the efficiency of their air filter but will also result in causing damage to their HVAC system. So, it is important that you check whether you have a disposable filter or a washable filter.
How Do Air Filters Affect The Comfort Levels In My Home?
Air filters play an essential role in affecting the comfort levels in your home. It helps in removing dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles that circulate in the air. This quality directly impacts your breathing as clean air helps you breathe easily while polluted air can cause coughing, and sneezing, and can also lead to multiple dangerous diseases like cancer, heart attack, or stroke. When you have a good air filter then it will effectively capture airborne particles like pollen, dust mites, debris, and pet dander. This is especially beneficial for people who suffer from the problem of allergies and asthma.
Are Air Filters Necessary For Every Type Of HVAC System?
Yes, air filters are necessary for all types of HVAC systems. It plays an extremely important role in protecting your HVAC system and keeping it safe from pollutants like dirt, dust, and debris. Other than that it also traps pollen, allergens, and pet dander which eventually results in improving the air quality. It is an essential component for all kinds of HVAC systems whether you are using a residential system or a commercial system. Air filters help trap particles before they reach the internal components, help maintain efficiency and can also extend the overall lifespan of your HVAC system.

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