Your
AC air filters are the thin filters hidden just behind each intake
register. Filters can be see-through like cheesecloth or more
substantial and accordion-pleated. In either case, the filter is an
essential part of the AC system. Here are four things you need to
know about the filters your AC depends on.
1.
Accordion Filters Are Typically Higher Quality
Accordion
filters may look odd at first, but there's a reason they're not just
flat like other filters. Because of their denser structure, it's
harder for air to make its way through. Lowering the total airflow is
typically bad for your HVAC system; however, the pleating in the
filter gives more surface space and allows more air through.
The
deeper the accordion pleats are, the higher the surface area. A
filter with higher surface area comes with the benefits of a longer
lifespan and the capacity to hold more dust and debris.
2.
Some Air Filters Are Smart
Smart
homes are definitely a popular trend, and now you can get a smart AC
filter that will sync with an app on your phone. Imagine the benefits
of your phone reminding you when the filter's month is up and letting
you know if it senses that the filter is dirty before the scheduled
changing time.
3.
HEPA Isn't Always the Answer
Some
HVAC contractors may not universally recommend HEPA (high-efficiency
particulate air) filters. That's because HEPA requires very tiny
particle filtration, meaning that the holes for air to pass through
the filter are very tiny. Even with super-wide accordion pleating to
increase surface space, this could still restrict airflow to your
unit.
Increased
air restriction could mean that your system is likely to freeze up as
soon as dust builds up on the filter. It could also mean that your
unit runs less efficiently with the HEPA filter, even if it does seem
to be operating well.
However,
in some cases, a HEPA filter is the best option. If you have pets or
allergies (or both), a filter with the tiniest possible particle
filtration may be worth the possible side effects to your HVAC system
so that you can breathe easier.
An
alternative to HEPA AC filters is to choose a slightly freer airflow
option for your intake registers and purchase a separate HEPA
filtration system. You can choose a standalone one that you place in
the room you occupy the most (or buy one for each room), or choose a
filtration system that adds on to your current ductwork system.
4.
When in Doubt, Change the Filter
Different
companies, blogs, and contractors may give you different advice about
when to change your AC filters. This advice varies based on your
living situation and the type of filters you use and can be confusing
to navigate. If you aren't noticing any negative effects of lowered
air quality, you may wonder if the filter really needs changing yet.
However,
keep in mind that air quality isn't the only thing that suffers when
your filters are old or full. The AC system, which likely works
harder as the summer heats up, will suffer as well. That's because
the system is trying to cool enough air to keep your home at your
preferred temperature. But if it can't pull the air through fast
enough, it has to work harder to do this.
Any
dust buildup on the filter will act as an impediment to ideal AC
function. In some cases, it's not really enough to notice and just
adds a few dollars to your electricity bill. But in other cases, it
could cause, or at least contribute to, AC system issues that can
result in a system failure. So if you're unsure about filter
replacement, it's probably time to replace it.
Now
that you know more about AC filters, you know how important it is to
keep the filters in working order as well as the rest of the system.
For professional help on both these counts, get in touch with A-1
Finchum Heating & Cooling
today.
