All homes that have conditioned air running through the home's HVAC duct work have air filters that need to be changed on a regular basis. They are not in plain sight, so they are often forgotten about. However, they play an important role of cleaning the air before it is circulated through your home. Dust and other airborne particulates are removed from the air as it is forced to/from the cooling or heating mechanism and out through the vents. If the air filter becomes clogged, it can cause costly and irreparable damage to your HVAC system as it must work harder to cool or heat your home. No matter your living situation, a clean air filter is the key to keeping your home comfortable and for the longevity of the components of your HVAC system.
Air filters have a relatively simple function, but they can't do their job effectively if they are not clean. Many different problems can arise from a dirty air filter, such as:
Air filters primary job is to screen out any particles, even microscopic ones, from going through the HVAC system. Home-air pollutants can be particulate matter or even gas. There are many things that affect your home's IAQ including:
Yes. The term HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning meaning it serves as a furnace and AC unit. The most common systems have hot and cold air that travels through the same ducts so they use the same filter, even though you may hear them called furnace filters or air conditioning filters. Filters can be found between the duct work and the mechanical components where the air travels in the air handler/exchange system.
The frequency in which an air filter should be changed depends upon your HVAC system and your preferences. The primary recommendation is to change the filter once a month when the system is being used regularly. It's a good idea to pick a date each month and set a calendar reminder for yourself to change the filter. You can also check to see if the air filter needs to be changed by holding it up to a light source. If you can't see through the filter, it's time for a clean replacement.
Selecting the right filter for your home and family takes a little self- assessment. Consider asking yourself the following questions to guide your decision. Any of the answers to them might affect which filter you decide to purchase - as well as how often you will change it.
It is just as important to correctly install your filter as it is to change it. It is easiest to change your filter if your unit isn't active, if it is, turn it off. After locating the air filter housing, look at how it is sitting in the slot and make note of the direction the arrow is pointing. You may even want to consider marking the arrow direction on the frame of the housing with a permanent marker to make sure you always put it in the correct air-flow direction. Then, pull the old filter out, match up the arrows on the frame and the clean filter and slide the new air filter into the housing. That's it!
In addition to the directional arrow on the air filter, you will also see numbers denoting the filters width, length, and thickness. This is the air filter size your HVAC unit takes and should be the size you always order. Using the correct-sized filter is also important so your filter can do its job properly and not allow dirt and debris to bypass the filter. It should fit in the slot snugly, with no major gaps on the size and you should never have to force it into the housing.
Yes, they do! The Department of Energy reports that replacing dirty filters with clean air filters can reduce your energy consumption up to 15%. When you combine that with the fact that your HVAC system is responsible for nearly half your energy usage, there is a potential savings of 7.5% each month. So, if your energy bill is $100/month, you could save $7.50 on each monthly bill just by changing your air filter! Is your energy bill in the $200, $300, $400 range? You’re looking at even more savings – upwards of $30 every month.
No matter which HVAC system you have, every unit needs a quality filter that fits properly in order to keep your indoor air quality clean and your heat running at its maximum efficiency this Fall and Winter. US Home Filter can supply you with the best and most efficient HVAC filter available! Changing the filter is as important as changing the oil in your car and US Home Filter makes filters that fit all AC/HVAC units. From standard to custom air filters, to whole-house filters, grille filters and humidifier filters, we have all of your filter needs covered!
Selecting the filters that are just right for your home can be difficult and confusing at times. At US Home Filter we understand this, which is why we offer an experienced staff to help answer any questions you may have. For personal assistance with your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237-1673 and we will do our very best to assist you in selecting the right filter for your individual needs. We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.
