There are so many benefits to changing your air filter regularly that it’s really a shame not to do it. Read on to learn how this simplest of HVAC components delivers benefits in big ways.
Benefits of Filter Changes
Air filters come in all different sizes, efficiency values and materials, such as common disposable fiberglass, pleated designs and thick pleated or box filters. Following are the benefits for changing your filter before it gets bogged down and clogged with debris:
- Regularly changing your air filter is the most basic form of HVAC maintenance, which reduces future malfunctions and keeps components clean.
- Filters help maintain peak cooling and heating performance, and extend the life of the systems.
- Changing the filter before it gets clogged with debris saves electricity – up to 15 percent according to the U.S. Department of Energy website, energy.gov.
- Filters capture a host of airborne contaminants to help keep healthful indoor air quality in your home. Higher-efficiency air filters even capture germs (flu virus) and auto emissions from attached garages.
Selecting the Right Filter
There is definitely no shortage of air filters at the home improvement store, and it can be perplexing trying to figure out which filter offers you the best value for your needs. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) ratings are helpful while making a decision. The first step is to determine your needs, and then select a filter that gets the job done.
- Low-efficiency filters rated MERV 1-4 are typically disposable fiberglass. These filters allow a substantial amount of particulates to freely flow through, avoiding capture, and do little to protect HVAC components.
- Mid-efficiency filters rated MERV 5-12 are suitable for most households. Filters in this range capture carpet and furniture fibers, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, Legionella, auto emissions and more, depending on the level of efficiency.
- High-efficiency filters (MERV 13-16) capture very fine particulates, such as most tobacco smoke, sneeze droplets, viruses and more. An HVAC technician should check your A/C and furnace systems for compatibility; they may impede system airflow and/or require system modifications.
For more information about changing your air filter, contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide exceptional service to the Twin Cities area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock