Your HVAC system is a crucial part of your home air system. It heats and cools your home to keep it at a comfortable temperature. Around the world, HVAC systems have become an integral part of both business and home properties but it does more than climate control.
One of the jobs that the HVAC system performs is to clean air that is being pumped into your heating and cooling systems.
Clean air purification is accomplished through the air filters for HVAC units.
Each type of filter offers different levels of purification through different methods. The most common types are:
The type of air filter that you use depends on your HVAC system and your exact needs. You will have to determine how filtered you want the air to be in your home. For example, those who are looking for allergy relief will want to look at higher filtration air filters.
These inexpensive filters are made up of different types of fiberglass that work to catch large particles in the air. They have a low filtration rate but are cheap. If you have pets or allergies you might want to consider a higher level of filtration.
While cheap, it is important to note that fiberglass air filters almost always need to be changed more regularly.
Pleated filters come in a variety of different shapes but are also very inexpensive. Using a pleated style V-shape design, these filters are able to filter a higher level of particles. Pleated air filters have a medium lifespan.
An electrostatic air filter utilizes a small electric charge to catch particles that flow through the filter. These are slightly more expensive filters but they capture a larger amount of contaminants from the air.
Those that want to remove most contaminants from the air want to use a HEPA air filter. Any particles down to .3 microns will be removed from the air. While more expensive, these filters give you what you pay for.
A HEPA air filter will typically last the longest.
HVAC air filters don’t last forever. The more contaminants that they filter from the air, the less time that the air filter will be able to operate. Added to that, each type of air filter has a different lifespan based on the types of particles that are filtered.
On average, air filters can last anywhere from a few months to a year.
Some air filters have the benefit of being able to be cleaned. You take the filter out of the unit and wash it off in the sink. Following the instructions of the system is vital here as different filter types have different washing requirements. They also may require drying before being placed back in the unit.
Many HVAC systems are built differently, and that means that air filters can be located around the unit in different locations. With that in mind though, the air filter can be found in one of several common locations. Let’s take a look.
Horizontal HVAC units will often have the air filter somewhere on the side of the unit at the air intake portion of the unit. For vertical units, you can find the air filter either on the bottom or the top of the unit.
For other units, you can find the filter behind the air grill in the wall. Some will have an HVAC filter in each room.
If you can’t find your HVAC air filter after looking in these areas you might have to look up the manual online. The manual will list the location of the air filter in it, and most manufacturers feature PDF copies of their manuals online. Therefore; a lot of your heating, cooling, ventilation & filter questions can be answered with the manual.
With a good HVAC filter, you will have a much healthier home. For those with allergies and breathing conditions, you can even start to breath better in your own home. This can be a big relief that makes it once again comfortable to be at home.
Routine maintenance of your system by replacing your air filter with the proper type and size is the best way to avoid missing out on the clean air your system is supposed to be creating.
If you aren’t sure what type of filter, size or type you need, don’t hesitate to Contact Sig Cox to schedule a service call today.
Schedule A Service Call!
Learn more about Feel The Love and nominate a family in need by clicking the button below!
