Air Filter Tips

What is the Air Filter’s Purpose?

The air filter's primary role is to remove particles from the air stream and prevent them from accumulating inside your equipment. Without the air filter or if it's neglected, dirt and debris in the air stream will enter your equipment, impacting its ability to keep you comfortable. Furthermore, it increases wear and tear on your equipment, and this causes premature breakdowns. Additionally, a fouled filter can cause your utility bills to skyrocket and lead to costly repair bills.

How Do Air Filters Work?

Filters are rated by the size of particles that they can remove at a specific airflow and pressure drop. The pressure drop refers to the reduction in air pressure across the filter, which can affect the performance of your HVAC system. Some filters are one-time and disposable, while others can be cleaned and reused. Despite the style, we like to compare filters to changing the oil in your car — a routine but essential task. Changing your air filter is key to having a reliable and efficient heating and cooling system.

How Do I Decide Which Air Filter is Best for Me?

There is a ton of marketing for filters and their capabilities. Many advertise removing specific allergies or other Indoor Air Quality pollutants. Even though these products may provide enhanced filtration, their use may jeopardize your system. The primary purpose of your filter is to protect the equipment. When choosing a filter, consider factors such as the size of your HVAC system, the level of air pollution in your area, and your specific indoor air quality needs. A professional HVAC contractor can help you select the best filter for your system.

An HVAC system is usually designed to applicable codes and standards, most likely ACCA's (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) Manual D. Additionally, furnaces usually come with a rating of .5" wc. This is the rated air pressure that furnaces or air handlers are tested to operate within. At this nominal pressure, designers have to size ductwork and other items in their air distribution system. To fit modern-style construction techniques, duct sizes must be kept to a practical size to accommodate the construction members (i.e., walls and ceilings).

Oftentimes, for highly efficient filters to work correctly, ductwork modifications have to be performed to accommodate excessive pressure drop. If you select a restrictive filter for your equipment, it may exceed the airflow limits of your equipment and cause more harm than good. To illustrate, imagine trying to get water from your garden hose and then switching out the garden hose with a drinking straw. This illustration is not an exaggeration. Restrictive filters can wreak havoc on your HVAC system. The results of these filters without the proper duct modifications will include increased noise, higher energy bills, equipment short cycling, motor failure, and other costly repair bills.

Air Doctors Heating and Cooling, LLC Recommendations

Not changing your air filter regularly can lead to a variety of issues, including reduced indoor air quality, increased energy consumption, and potential damage to your HVAC system. To avoid these problems, Air Doctors Heating and Cooling, LLC recommends that the filter be sized by a professional HVAC contractor who will select the proper filter for your HVAC system. Filters should be changed regularly, dictated by your home or business. If you live in a home with a large family and many pets, you should change the filter more often. The filter should be checked every 30 - 90 days and replaced if the filter looks visibly dirty. A good habit is to set a reminder on your phone to remind you. Some thermostat models may also send a message or have a filter change button to help the end user remember.

How to Change Your Filter

Changing your air filter is a simple task that you can easily do yourself. To start, look at your equipment and how the existing filter is installed. There are a few different arrangements for most HVAC systems, but typically, there is a hole or an opening located near your equipment. Your filter gets installed in this location. You can install the filter by inserting it into the opening with the arrow facing the equipment. The arrow represents the downstream side of the filter. If your filters are reusable, they can be washed in a utility tub, dried, and reinstalled. With these simple steps, you can ensure the efficient operation of your HVAC system.

Need a filter? Check out our online store. You can order a filter; have it delivered; and even have it installed! Visit our online store for more information.

As a fully licensed and heating and air conditioning company with over 100 years of combined industry experience, Air Doctors Heating and Cooling, LLC is your trusted partner for all your HVAC needs. Our staff is fully certified and pre-screened to provide customers with a safe and satisfying experience. We take pride in solving your comfort needs and have been serving our neighbors in Southeast Michigan for over 40 years. Contact us today to experience our quality service and expertise.