Changing your HVAC filter will extend furnace life, reduce energy bills and improve indoor air quality.
Allergy Season is here! Most people don't realize that indoor air pollution levels are actually much higher than those outdoors. Dust mites, mold and pollen are a few of the most common allergens. When these particles become airborne, you can breathe them in and experience an allergic reaction.
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home can both harbor and spread mold and other allergens.
Optimize Your HVAC System
Using the correct filter can help minimize the allergens in your home.
The effectiveness of filters is "measured in something called MERVs [minimum efficiency recording value]. MERVs range from 1 to 20, with 20 providing the highest level of particle filtration.
Types of HVAC Filters
Other things to know about HVAC filters include the following:
- Poly filters. These filters, generally have a rating of one to four MERVs, and are designed to protect the furnace, not improve indoor air quality. Poly filters are made of fiberglass and are most effective against larger particles such as dust, lint, and small insects. Fiddelke Heating and Air Conditioning Inc.
- Pleated filters. These pleated furnace filters have a higher surface area and, therefore, filter more particles out of the air. Their MERV rating ranges from five to 13.
- High efficiency filters. These filters have MERV ratings of 14 to 16, and remove even smaller particles than pleated filters.
- HEPA filters. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters have MERV ratings of 17 to 20, and are not typically recommended for centralized home HVAC systems. HEPA filters can be so efficient that your HVAC system ends up requiring more energy to power the fan that gets air circulating.
Since higher efficiency and HEPA filters tend to put so much stress on your HVAC system. Fiddelke Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. recommends medium efficiency filters for most people. They are reasonably effective at removing small to large particles.
Controlling Indoor Allergens: Regular HVAC Maintenance
Fiddelke Heating and Air Conditioning Inc recommends that you change your filters.
- Poly filters – Monthly
- Pleated filters – Every 3 months
- High Efficiency filters – Every 6 months
Changing your HVAC filter will extend furnace life, reduce energy bills and improve indoor air quality.
- Extending the life of your HVAC unit. The most common reason a heating and air conditioning system breaks down is because of a dirty filter. As dirt accumulates, air can't pass, or worse, the system overheats. The motor then has to work harder. Replacing the filter is an easy way to lengthen the life of your heating system.
- Keeping energy costs down. When the HVAC air filter is working harder, more energy is being used. And when it requires more energy to make your heating and air conditioning to work, it causes your energy bill to increase. The Department of Energy says the average household spends about $2,200 a year on its energy bill. When you consistently change your air filter, you can save from 5 to 15 percent on your utility costs.
- Maintaining healthy air quality. This is particularly important if anyone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma. Dirty air filters worsen the air quality and can exacerbate symptoms. If you have pets, it's even more important because pet dander will accumulate in the system and then spread allergens throughout the household. Using the correct and air filter and replacing it regularly can help reduce allergens and improve the air quality in your home.
- Keeping your heating and cooling system clean. Besides cleaning the air filter your hvac system requires other cleaning also. Regularly cleaning or your condensate drain is also crucial in maintaining your system. Outdoor units require cleaning also so that they can breathe and perform well. Call Fiddelke Heating and Air Conditioning Inc to schedule your Spring cleaning on your HVAC system.
- A clean peace of mind. Replacing your filter is an easy, inexpensive step to take to save money, extend the life of your system and improve your indoor air quality. It also decreases the amount of energy your family uses.