HVAC Air Filters: What You Need to Know

Any Season HVAC • March 22, 2021

Air filters are among the most important parts of an HVAC system. Fortunately, air filters are also the easiest things to maintain yourself. Air filters need regular cleaning or replacement. For some homeowners, air filter maintenance can be intimidating. The following are some things you need to know if you are not familiar with HVAC air filters.

The Importance of Air Filters Air filters help prevent contaminants from getting inside your home through your HVAC system. Contamination in the system can decrease the air conditioner's efficiency and can lessen the life of your HVAC. Air filters prevent dust and debris from building up on the different components of the HVAC system.
Air filters also clean the air in your home and can benefit the health of those who live with you. A clean and properly maintained air filter is especially important to anyone in your home who suffers from allergies or other respiratory problems.
When your air filters are clean, you also will usually save money on your energy bills each month. When an air conditioner runs efficiently, the system uses less power to cool your home to your desired temperature.

The Frequency of Air Filter Maintenance You have different factors to consider for the maintenance frequency of your air filters. Consult the manufacturer's instruction manual for your specific system to learn the exact frequency of air filter cleaning or replacement. Ideally, you should maintain air filters on a quarterly basis.
Some additional factors can also impact how often you maintain the air filters. If you are not sure how often you should change your filters, check them once a month. If the filter appears especially dirty or clogged, you should change or clean it at that time. You should also consider the air quality in your area. If you live in a dusty or dry climate, you may need to monitor your air filters more regularly.

The Signs of a Dirty Air Filter One way to tell if your air filter is dirty is to look at it directly. However, you should look out for some additional things. The grate that covers the interior components of the HVAC system will often be dusty when the filter is dirty.
Also, look around your home. If you begin to notice more dust on your furniture or on the ceilings than normal, the air filter may be the cause. Another sign is more frequent cycling of the air conditioner. When the temperatures are consistent, but your air continues to cycle on and off, check the air filters.

The Lack of an Air Filter If for some reason your air conditioner does not have an air filter, install one as soon as possible. Your air conditioner will function without a filter — but not without causing multiple issues with the HVAC system. In addition to bad air quality and dust buildup, you risk major damage if you do not have an air filter.
For example, an air filter has an impact on the condensation in the system. Normally, the condensation in an air conditioner system accumulates into a drip pan before it drains outside. The air filter prevents any solid material from getting into the condensation. Without an air filter, the condensation and the solid debris will combine and clog the system with a mud-like substance.
If you do not have an air filter, you also risk damaging the air ducts. When the filter doesn’t collect the debris, it can move into the ducts. The debris will accumulate in the ducts and draw moisture. Over time, the moisture will cause mold buildup, which can eventually make its way inside your house.
If you have any questions about air filters for your HVAC system, please contact Any Season Heating & Air Conditioning .

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