Everything You Need To Know About HVAC Filters And Air Conditioner Installation | Dallas, TX
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To keep your entire family healthy, it’s important that the air you breathe is clean. One of the best ways to have cleaner air in your home is to regularly clean or replace your HVAC filters. Ideally, you should replace it every 2 or 3 months. There are other types of filters though that only need to be replaced twice a year. Call a technician at an air conditioner installation company if you want to know how often you need to change or replace your HVAC filters.
What An HVAC Filter Does
Filters block or trap dirt and other airborne particles that will be detrimental to your health. These particles, when built up, may reduce the efficiency of your HVAC. As a result, you may constantly need repairs or an early replacement. To avoid this, ensure that your filters are regularly cleaned or replaced.
There is a need to replace the filters or it will block airflow. Your HVAC will work harder and eventually become damaged. To replace, either call a technician at an air conditioner installation company in Dallas, TX or do it yourself. Just make sure that you always follow manufacturer recommendations not just for re-installing filters but also on how to properly maintain them.
Types of HVAC Filters
There are different types of air filters for your HVAC. They vary depending on price, MERV rating and quality. Below are the most commonly used type of filters for HVAC.
HEPA Filters
HEPA or high-efficiency particulate air filters can remove almost 100% of airborne pollutants and allergens in your home. They are recommended by the U.S. Department of Health because of their high MERV rating of 16 which means that it can remove even the tiniest dust or spores. It’s the best option for your home — with HEPA filters, your home gets the highest protection. If you or a family member suffers from any respiratory illness, we would suggest that you hire an air conditioner installation company so they can assist you with the installation of these filters.
Homeowners who are concerned about having the cleanest indoor air should consider getting HEPA filters for their homes. This type is also cost-effective and ideal for homes with pets. The only disadvantage is it cannot remove fumes or mold spores. When these particles make their way into your filters, they will build up over time. That’s when you need to change the filters or hire an air conditioner installation company in Dallas, TX to assist you.
Spun Glass
They are made with fiberglass and one of the commonly used filters in homes. They are disposable as well as cost-effective. However, they are not recommended in homes with people suffering from respiratory illness. While they can trap allergens and dust, they are not very effective in trapping bacteria, viruses or other small airborne allergens.
Homeowners usually go for this type of filter because it’s affordable. But if you have asthma or allergies, we would recommend that you talk to your technician and ask which filters may be best for you. Also, do make sure that you work only with a licensed air conditioner company when installing your HVAC filters.
Electrostatic Filters
This type of filter is reusable and disposable at the same time. It creates static that serves as a magnet for airborne allergens, dust and other particles. They are quite effective at removing dirty particles in the air and you can even either reuse old filters or get brand new ones. Work only with a licensed air conditioner installation company in Dallas, TX when you need assistance with installation. If you want to have an effective filter and save money by not buying new replacements every few months, this can be one of the best solutions.
UV Filters
If you need filters that can remove mold spores then consider buying UV filters for your HVAC. Do make sure that you work only with a licensed air conditioner installation company if you do not know how to install filters.
UV filters use ultraviolet light for killing mold spores and other viruses or bacteria. Its germicidal radiation is quite effective in killing bacteria that may lead to serious health issues. One downside of this type of filter is it can transform oxygen into hazardous ozone. Also, they are not very effective in removing dust particles in the air.
Contact an air conditioner installation company if you need help installing this type of filter for your home. They can be a little costly to install though but it sure can help prevent respiratory illnesses.
Media Filters
While they do not have high MERV ratings, Media filters can effectively trap pollutants and other airborne allergens. Their effectiveness equals that of filters with a high MERV rating sans the negative consequences. They are also very low to maintain and you only need to change them once or twice a year. One downside though is it may not be effective in filtering odors.
This type of filter professional installation to make sure it’s installed correctly. Contact only a licensed technician at an air conditioner installation company in Dallas, TX.
Pleated Filters
One good thing about pleated filters is their ability to suppress HVAC noises. Although they provide low air filtration, this type of filter is effective at trapping mold spores and pet dander. Its major downside though is your HVAC may work harder because of the filter’s low resistance to airflow.
Pleated filters are both available in a disposable and reusable format. Some type of pleated filter has a MERV rating of 13 which is quite good. Talk to a licensed technician in Dallas, TX is you need help choosing the best type of pleated filters for your HVAC. Also, make sure that you work only with a licensed air conditioner installation company to help you with filter installation.
Washable Filters
The initial investment for washable filters may be higher than the rest but you get to save money in the long run. Why? So long as you know how to properly maintain air filters, there is no need to worry about the added cost of getting new replacement filters. Just do make sure that you work only with a licensed air conditioner installation company in Dallas, TX to ensure the proper installation of this filter.
Washable filters are environment-friendly as you can use them as many times as you want. Just do make sure that you clean them before using them. Also, when doing maintenance, make sure that you follow manufacturer recommendations. Better yet, hire a technician at an air conditioner installation company for assistance.
If your home doesn’t need specialty filters, this type should suffice. It has a low MERV rating so it’s important that you maintain this regularly to not reduce its effectiveness. When re-installing it, make sure that it has fully dried. Get assistance from an air conditioner installation company if you do not know how to install this type of filter.
Why You Need to Replace or Clean Air Filters
There is a need to regularly clean or replace your air filters. Over time, dust and other airborne allergens will build up in your air filters. As a result, your HVAC will work harder. And when you will start having problems with your HVAC system.
Below are some of the reasons why you need to properly maintain the air filters in your homes:
To Get Cleaner Air
Filters are there for a purpose. They trap or catch allergens, bacteria, viruses, dust and other airborne particles. Imagine when these things float around in your home – you will be at risk for respiratory illnesses and other diseases. Make it a point to always replace your filters every 2 or 3 months, and even frequently if you have a lot of pets at home. Also, work only with a licensed air conditioner installation company to assist you with re-installation especially if you do not know how to replace yours. Otherwise, always refer to the manufacturer manual for instructions and proper maintenance of your air filters.
Cost- Savings
When dust or pollen have built-up in your filters, your HVAC will work harder to give you the temperature you desired. When it keeps doing this, it will not only reduce the efficiency of your system but will also reduce its extended lifespan. Eventually, you either will have to hire an air conditioner installation company for repair or to install a new system. When you regularly clean your filters, you won’t have to experience this type of problem. You can save money in the long run.
Reduced Energy Consumption
When your filters are clogged with dirt and other allergens, your HVAC system will work harder. That means it will consume more energy. To save even more money, regularly clean your air filters and always follow manufacturer recommendations when it comes to proper maintenance.
For homeowners who do not know how to reinstall filters, contact an air conditioner installation company in Dallas, TX for assistance.
Not Doing So Will Increase Maintenance Cost
Imagine when dust builds up in the system and it clogs the ductwork. That means it will need regular cleaning and that’s another out of pocket cost. Clean your filters to avoid other HVAC problems. For ductwork cleaning, work only with a licensed technician.
Prevents Respiratory Illnesses and Other Health Problems
As dirt and debris build up in your filters, expect polluted indoor air. When they start to spread, that means that you and your family members will inhale dirty air. This will have a detrimental effect on your health. Prolonged exposure to these contaminants can lead to respiratory problems and other major illnesses. You can prevent this when you regularly clean or replace your air filters. Better yet, work only with a licensed air conditioner installation company in Dallas, TX to assist you in re-installing these filters. You can do this yourself, just make sure that you follow manufacturer guidelines for properly replacing filters.
As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to hire regular maintenance of your HVAC system. A licensed technician should be able to assist you with cleaning all the components of your system including your air filters.
Get the Right HVAC Filter Size
When it comes to HVAC filters, there is no one-size-fits-all. They come in 5 different filter sizes. While there are standard filter sizes, the correct and exact filter size will always depend on your HVAC. The best way to find out which filter size you need to purchase is to check the filter frame. Another way is to refer to the manufacturer manual. If you do not have experience in re-installing filters, make sure that you call an air conditioner installation company to help you. Working with a professional ensures that your HVAC will work efficiently and you won’t be having issues down the road.
Contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas, TX
A cleaner and healthier indoor air quality will be good for your health. This is why you need to choose the best filters for your HVAC. You may also need specialty filters especially when there are people at home suffering from respiratory illnesses or allergies. If you need help with air conditioner installation, get in touch with us. Our licensed technicians have experience in the installation of different types of filters. We can also assist you in choosing the best filters for your home.
We also assist not just with installation but also maintenance and repair. We are committed to helping all residents get better indoor air quality by ensuring that HVAC systems are properly installed. We are available at your earliest convenience and are ready to assist you anytime. Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas today for assistance.