Understanding Air Filters
Every home equipped with heating and cooling equipment has a powerful tool for cleaning the air. Air filters are standard in every central heating and cooling system, and even ductless heating and cooling systems have air filters. Too often, homeowners fail to properly understand the impact that clean air filters can have on the air quality in their homes. In this quick article, local HVAC technicians will answer common questions that homeowners may have to help them keep the air in their homes clean.
What Do Air Filters Do?
The air in the home is sequestered away from nature. In the natural state, refreshing breezes would keep the air clean with constant refreshment. In the home, the air can become stagnant and laden with dust, allergens, and particulates. Air filters are designed to remove the contaminants that are commonly found in the air of the home.
In most systems, air filters are located at the intake. This allows the air to be cleaned before it passes through the blowers and ductwork, ensuring that evaporator coils, blowers, and ductwork stay as clean as possible.
When dirty air filters are allowed to remain in service, dust, and grime can pass through them and deposit on the inside of the AC unit. This grime harbors mold and bacteria that can be constantly pumped around the home. By keeping clean air filters in place, this cycle is stopped, and the air in the home can stay free from these threats.
When Should Air Filters Be Replaced?
Air filters are rated by their ability to remove tiny particles from the air. The rating system is called the MERV rating, and owners only need to know that a higher MERV rating means cleaner air. Manufacturers recommend changing most household air filters every three months. Because higher-rated MERV filters catch more particles, they should be changed more often.
Forgetting to change the air filters is easy to do, and every homeowner is guilty of it. However, setting digital reminders or resolving to change air filters on the first day of each season are good ways to remember. For homes that need more frequent air filter replacement, in the case of allergies or respiratory problems, look for signs like accumulating dust or long AC cycles that indicate a fresh filter is needed.
Benefits of Replacing Air Filters Promptly
Changing the air filter on time is one of the most helpful things a homeowner can do for their families. A clean air filter offers several benefits:
- Lower heating and cooling bills resulting from unobstructed airflow
- Improved efficiency by keeping grime off of AC coils
- Fewer repairs are needed since the system stays clean
- A cleaner, dust-free home that requires less housekeeping
- Improved lung health and overall wellness
About Central Heating
Central Heating helps homeowners maintain high indoor air quality. Through a membership program, customers enjoy semi-annual HVAC maintenance, including air filter changes. Call today for HVAC service in Barrie, ON.
