Have you noticed a thicker layer of dust around the house? The air is getting cooler, which means we're all spending more time indoors. If you haven't changed your HVAC air filter recently, it could be adding to the time you spend cleaning your home.

There are many reasons to change HVAC air filter systems every three to six months. How often you change the filter will depend on the number of people and pets in your home. Your HVAC filter system works year-round, with both your heater and air conditioner, to trap particulates.

Air Quality

Your HVAC air filter protects your home’s air quality. The filter collects:

  • Dirt
  • Dust
  • Pet Dander
  • Feathers
  • Pollen
  • Smoke
  • Microorganisms that cause diseases and allergies

Filters may require frequent replacement during allergy season when invisible pollen particles are in the air. A home with cats and dogs may also need an HVAC air filter replacement every three months.

Energy savings

You save energy and have fewer emissions when filters are free of debris. A clean HVAC air filter prevents excess dirt and debris from moving through the ductwork, out the exhaust, and into the air. Energy efficiency helps reduce the environmental impact of your HVAC professionals filter system.

Cost savings

You use less energy when your HVAC system is running at peak efficiency. Energy savings result in lower costs to operate your HVAC system. An HVAC air filter is not expensive, especially when compared to a higher-than-necessary utility bill.

Various types of filters are available for units of different sizes. Fan filters are used with many systems as they provide more area to trap particles. An HVAC air filter is usually neutral white or beige, depending on the material. It's easy to tell when they're full of dust and debris.

HVAC operation

Clean filters will prolong the life of the HVAC system. The system sucks air into the filter with the intake ducts. Filters clogged with debris can force the engine to work harder, which can cause them to overheat. In extreme situations, a very full air filter can cause the HVAC system to emit smoke. New air filters cost much less than engine repairs.

Better Health

Good indoor air quality means better health for your family. This is especially important during flu and allergy seasons when your family spends a lot of time indoors. Less dust is great, but a clean air filter will also prevent germs stuck in dirt and dust from entering your home.

Reynolds Air and Heat will check your HVAC air filter as part of a regular maintenance procedure. The filter system is one of the first items checked when a specialist is called in to repair an air conditioner or heater.

What to look for in a replacement air filter

When considering which replacement filters to purchase, there are a few factors to consider. Disposable filters vary by brand and include a variety of materials. When choosing between filter types, you'll want to look at energy efficiency first. If you have pets, look for a MERV rating of 12 or higher. Check the size of the filter that your HVAC system requires. You need to buy the correct size.

Pleated Air Filters vs Non-Pleated Filters

Generally speaking, pleated furnace filters are more efficient and last longer than non-pleated fiberglass filters. Pleated filters contain much more surface area to trap contaminants/contaminants and have the ability to have smaller pores to capture smaller particles while still allowing full airflow.

Because of this, you will notice that the more pleats and layers of fiberglass in the filter, the more contaminants your HVAC filter will trap.

Reynolds Air and Heat serves Brevard County and surrounding communities with prompt service. Call us today to schedule your routine HVAC maintenance or system repair, or visit our appointment page to make your appointment, and we'll call you to confirm your request.