In the US, air conditioners use about 6% of the total electricity produced in the nation. Most people would like to lower their electricity bills. Keeping your HVAC system running efficiently is an easy way to do this.
Your HVAC air filter is a critical piece to maintaining the health and comfort of your home as well as your HVAC system. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about your air filter.
Why Is HVAC Maintenance Important?
The air filter in your HVAC system has the important job of capturing harmful airborne particles from the air. A well-maintained HVAC air filter and system means better air quality for you and your loved ones.
It is also a crucial part of keeping your home comfortable. If it doesn’t function properly, your system will need to work harder to warm or cool your house throughout the seasons. Just imagine the extra work an air conditioner in Texas might have to put in!
If your filter and HVAC system do become bogged down from lack of maintenance, your system will continue to work harder and harder over time. This can lead to higher energy bills, costly repairs, and early system replacement.
Regularly changing your air filter and scheduling an HVAC tune-up with your local HVAC professional will keep your system running smoothly.
Choosing an HVAC Air Filter
Before you change the filter, you will need to get a replacement. Your owner’s manual can help you find the specifications. If you need assistance choosing a specific filter, contact your local Longview, TX HVAC professional. They will be more than happy to help you choose.
In general, there are a few types of filters to consider. Disposable pleated filters are the most affordable option but should be changed more often. Disposable electrostatic filters are a bit more expensive because their self-charging fibers can trap very small harmful particles.
Permanent electrostatic filters are similar but don’t need to be replaced. Instead, you clean or wash them, saving money in the long run.
High-efficiency pleated filters are thicker than others, so they can not be used with all systems. Although they are the most expensive option, they trap the smallest particles.
Changing Your HVAC Air Filter
The process to change HVAC filter is quite simple and straightforward. Generally, you should change your filter every one to three months. Keeping a home maintenance checklist can help you stay on schedule.
Start by turning off your unit via the thermostat. Then, carefully remove the old filter. Next, line up the filter so that the arrows on the side point towards the furnace. You can then insert the new filter in the frame.
Afterward, make sure there are no gaps between the new filter and the frame. This could indicate damage or the incorrect size filter.
Turn your unit back on and make sure the filter stays in place. With a marker, you can note the date of the filter replacement. Or, you can add it to your calendar. The important thing is to stay on top of changing your filter.
About a month later, check if there is any dust or dirt building up in the filter. If it looks clean, you can wait another month to replace the filter again.
Keep Your Home’s Air Quality Healthy
Maintaining your HVAC system is critical to ensure your home’s air quality is high and the system runs efficiently. One of the easiest ways to do this is to regularly change your HVAC air filter.
Schedule your HVAC tune-up with Alco Air today.