An air filter is one of the most important components of an HVAC. It plays a critical role in ensuring high indoor air quality by filtering dust, dirt, pollen, dander, and other pollutants present in the indoor air. The air filter also prevents unwanted particles from entering your HVAC system, thereby protecting it from potential damage. That, however, is just the tip of the iceberg. Let us delve deeper to discover the other benefits of an HVAC air filter, the type of HVAC air filters, and their maintenance.
Benefits of a Clean HVAC Filter
It Ensures High Indoor Air Quality
As mentioned earlier, HVAC filters the contaminants present in the air and prevents them from being recirculated in the air inside your home. High indoor air quality, in turn, helps ensure that you, along with your family, stay healthy
It Offers Higher Energy Efficiency
means your system must work harder to cater to your heating and cooling needs. This will also lead to an increase in your energy bills. The Department of Energy estimates that replacing a dirty, clogged filter can reduce your energy bills by anywhere between five to fifteen percent.
It Ensures Adequate Heating and Cooling
A neglected, dirty air filter can cause your HVAC to struggle to provide adequate heating and cooling. This, in turn, would affect your and your family’s comfort. On the other hand, a clean air filter will ensure your HVAC delivers optimal performance and provides the required level of heating and cooling without having to overwork. if you are looking HVAC repair bakersfield Please contact our expert
It Helps Enhance the Lifespan of the HVAC
A clogged or dirty HVAC filter can make your HVAC components work harder. This means a higher degree of wear and tear, which in turn can impact the life of your HVAC. A clean HVAC filter helps avoid these problems and ensures a longer lifespan of an HVAC.
Types of HVAC Air Filters
Fiberglass Air Filters
Fiberglass air filters are the least expensive type of filters available on the market. They help keep large particles out of the HVAC, thus preventing any damage. But fiberglass air filters do not perform as well as other types of filters when it comes to removing dust and other small particles from entering an HVAC. So, if anyone in your family has respiratory problems or is allergic to dust and other airborne contaminants, then you should consider installing some other type of HVAC air filter.
Note: Fiberglass air filters are disposable and usually have a MERV 4 rating
Pleated Air Filters
Pleated air filters are somewhat costly as compared to fiberglass filters, but the good thing is that they can filter other small particles such as pollen, mold spores, and pet dander from entering an HVAC. Pleated air filters are made of polyester or cotton folds, and buying one with more pleats is recommended as they allow better filtering. They are also more effective in preventing dust and other particulates from being recirculated in the air. The MERV rating for pleated air filters is around 5 to 8.
HEPA Filters
HEPA filters are highly recommended for homes where one or more family members have allergies or respiratory problems. HEPA filters can filter 99.97% of dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, mold, and other pollutants and prevent them from recirculating in the air. This is why most air conditioning companies in Bakersfield, CA, recommend HEPA filters with MERV 11 or higher. However, the only downside is that the higher the MERV, the more difficult it is for an HVAC to pull in air. Also, HEPA filters are pretty expensive as compared to fiberglass and pleated filters.
UV Filters
If your HVAC has an air filter, then it will also have UV filters that help kill germs, viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms when the air passes through the air handler system. And it is because of this reason that HVACs with UV filters have become increasingly popular after the breakout of the coronavirus. The UV filters are, however, not as efficient as the HEPA filters when it comes to removing dust, dirt, and other pollutants.
How Often Should I Change My HVAC Air Filter?
As an air conditioning company in Bakersfield, customers often ask us this question. And, as always, we answer that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to changing air filters. For example, while some filters might need to be replaced every one to two months, others need to be replaced only once or twice in an entire year. Also, the frequency of replacing an HVAC air depends on various factors, such as the ones mentioned below:
- Air quality
- Respiratory issues or
- allergies among family members
- Pets in the house
- Size of the house
- How often is the HVAC used
If you are unsure of the type of HVAC filter that you should use for your HVAC, then speak to one of our HVAC experts at Holders Air Conditioning & Heating. We are among the most trusted names for AC repair in Bakersfield, CA, and surrounding areas. You can contact us at 661-864-1925 or send us an email at support@holdersac.com.
