At South Nashville Heating and Cooling, we take pride in providing our valued customers with superior products and services along with the insight needed to keep their HVAC systems up and running properly. As a part of our exemplary services we like to offer important information and tips to our customers. In this article, learn more about choosing the right filters for your heating and air unit.
As homeowners, we have been led to believe that it is necessary to replace the filters in our furnaces and HVAC units every 2 or 3 months. Much like other products, not all HVAC filters are created equal. With today’s state of the art filters that are both effective and efficient it may very well be necessary to change them only once or twice per year. Based upon personal air quality and atmosphere preferences and the specifications and requirements of your individual HVAC system, there are a variety of filter options available today.
The Role of Your System Filter
The facts are simple. Changing a filter at least once every three months contributes to the life expectancy of your furnace or air conditioner. When filters are not changed out regularly your HVAC system is forced to work longer and harder which, over time, minimizes the lifespan of your system. Today there are filter options that afford you the opportunity to change your filters once per month, once every three months and even some higher end pleaded filters need not be changed but every six months. Recommendations made for changing your air filters are typically an estimate of the time span within which your filters will start to become clogged. The recommendation provided is based upon average furnace or AC use as well as the size and type of your system’s filter.
Your furnace or AC filter is a primary defense tool for your HVAC system and helps improve air quality in the home while protecting the various components of the system. The filter helps keep your unit clean, free from dirt and dust and helps to ensure that it is working properly. So if you are wondering how often you should change your filter, the answer will vary depending upon your system but clearly they should be changed when they are clogged and dirty.
With forced air systems, the air is actually pushed through the filter into your living space in order to heat or cool the atmosphere. Your system’s filter traps any pollen, dust or air pollutants so as to keep them from being transferred into your home. With that said, there are a variety of filters on the market today that are much better at performing these functions thereby allowing your system to work more efficiently, save you money and help lower your utility bills. Choosing the right air filter can be somewhat of a challenge, which is why we are offering these helpful tips to ensure that you invest in the right filter for your system.
MERV Ratings For Filters
When researching filters, you will find that each includes a MERV standard, which is an indication of how much dirt, dust and contaminants can actually pass through them. The higher the MERV rating the better the filter normally, unless you choose to use a filter with a greater MERV standard rating than that recommended by your system’s manufacturer. With this in mind, make certain when purchasing your filter that you give primary focus to the size of the filter in addition to its MERV rating. Do not purchase a filter with a MERV rating greater than manufacturer recommendations because you can risk causing severe damage to the blower and heat exchanger on your HVAC system unit. It is critical to choose a filter with an appropriate MERV rating and proper size suited to your HVAC system unit.
Choosing the Perfect Filter
Once you have determined the highest MERV rating you can have for your furnace filter, then it will be easier to choose the perfect filter. The options you will have are many. From washable filters constructed with a wire mesh to fiberglass filters that typically require changing out every month, the options are varied.
Further options include pleated filters made of cotton fibers which easily trap more contaminants and must be changed out monthly, electronic media filters that are typically purchased for new furnaces and can be quite costly, and there is even a filter with a much higher MERV rating (a 14-20 rating) that is suited for larger atmospheres like those within hospitals.
Be sure to pay close attention to your system’s requirements when choosing your filters. Spend a bit of time performing some simple research as to costs and appropriate functions and benefits afforded by individual filters. Though the options are many, depending upon the type and size of your system, there is more than likely one specific filter that will serve your system and your home best.
If you are in need of HVAC services of any type, whether repair, cleaning, or maintenance the folks here at South Nashville Heating and Cooling are the team for you. We will help repair or replace your failed HVAC systems and assist you with purchasing appropriate filters to help maximize the life expectancy of your system while providing top of the line air quality to your home and family.
Whatever your HVAC needs may be, rest assured we handle them all. Contact us today. We look forward to serving you and send along wishes for a safe, warm and happy holiday season!!
