Everything You Need to Know About HVAC Air Filters
All the air that flows through your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to heat or cool your Bexar County home passes through an air filter.
Why should you care?
Because a dirty, clogged, or low-quality filter can affect your indoor air quality (IAQ), your health, and HVAC system efficiency and performance.
HVAC Tune-Ups and Air Filters
At Beyer Air Conditioning and Heating, we recommend you get to know your HVAC air filter because it plays an essential role in your heating and cooling system. Knowing what your air filter does, how often you should replace it, and what type your equipment needs is crucial to maintaining comfort in your Corpus Christi, home.
During spring and fall HVAC tune-ups, our Beyer Air Conditioning and Heating technicians inspect and replace air filters. However, some filters may need replacement more frequently.
That is where you come in.
As an informed HVAC user, you should check your filter monthly, and if it appears dirty, replace it. Also, read your system operating instructions for guidance on filters.
Always operate your HVAC system with an air filter in place. Install one in your HVAC unit and keep another on hand as a replacement.
Why Your HVAC Needs an Air Filter
Air filters stop particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander from entering your heating and cooling system and circulating through your ductwork into your living space.
Clean filters trap the debris so your HVAC unit works efficiently without dust clogging components or restricting airflow. You breathe cleaner air because the filter snags contaminants that would otherwise lower indoor air quality.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent. The department also states that air can bypass a dirty filter that obstructs airflow. It may deposit dirt on the evaporator coil and compromise its ability to absorb heat.
Protect Your HVAC Equipment
A dirty filter, or the absence of a filter, guarantees lower air quality and potential harm to your HVAC system. Here are some of the ways it can affect your HVAC system:
Damage and Malfunction: Running an HVAC system without a filter or a dirty filter opens the door to dust and dirt that can build up on blower motors, fans, and other components. A dirty filter does not catch contaminants effectively. The debris that escapes capture can damage equipment and cause a malfunction.
Airflow: A dirty filter can restrict airflow, making your HVAC system work harder and possibly overheat or break down. It likely will cause your equipment to consume more energy, increasing your heating and cooling costs.
Ductwork: Particles can build up inside your ductwork.
Allergens: The particles, including pollen, pet dander, and dust, that can harm your HVAC system also endanger your health. Allergens that flow through your HVAC equipment and ductwork will enter your living space, where they can trigger allergies and respiratory issues.
One Size Filter Does Not Fit All
Trapping debris with an air filter extends the lifespan of your HVAC system and provides a cleaner, healthier living environment. However, air filters are not all the same. They come in different materials, thicknesses, and filtration levels.
Which should you install? At Beyer Air Conditioning and Heating, we service all heating and cooling equipment brands and can recommend filters compatible with the HVAC system in your Corpus Christi, home. Your owner’s manual likely includes information on filters, too.
Air Filter Types
Browsing any home improvement store yields several air filter choices:
Fiberglass: These basic filters are inexpensive and effective at screening out bigger particles but do little to enhance indoor air.
Pleated Filters: The pleated synthetic or cotton material offers better filtration than flat fiberglass filters.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA): These filters can capture nearly 100 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including viruses and bacteria. However, they are not suitable for all HVAC systems because they are dense and can restrict airflow to some units.
Electrostatic Filters: These filters, which use an electric charge to attract and snag particles, can be washed and reused.
The thicker the filter, the more particles it can capture and the longer it lasts. Filters range from 1 to 6 inches thick.
Filter Effectiveness Rating
Every filter has a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating that indicates how effective it is at screening out small particles. Filters with higher numbers are better at this.
Most residential HVAC units use filters with MERV ratings from 8 to 13. Filters with 14 to 20 MERV ratings typically screen the air in hospitals, laboratories, and other spaces requiring sterile conditions.
Let Beyer Air Conditioning and Heating assist you with filter selection. We can recommend a filter with the appropriate thickness, material, and MERV number for your HVAC system.
Where to Find Your Filter
If you own a furnace and air conditioner, you likely will find the filter compartment in the return air duct. Look for a compartment with a hinged or removable door. In some systems, the air filter may be in the blower compartment.
With a heat pump and indoor air handler, the filter will be inside the air handler or the return air duct.
Replace Filters Safely
Always turn off your HVAC system and thermostat before replacing an air filter. Remove the old filter and insert a new one. Be sure to install the new filter correctly. The arrows printed on the filter should point toward the blower in your HVAC system.
Get Professional HVAC Assistance Today!
Whether you need advice choosing the best air filter or an HVAC tune-up, our expert team at Beyer Air Conditioning and Heating is ready to assist with all your heating and cooling needs. Stay comfortable and enjoy improved air in your Corpus Christi, home with our help. Call us at 210-503-7161 or request service online.