Winter weather may be hanging around this spring, but the heat is starting to pick up. As we continue throughout the spring season, and prepare for summer, now more than ever it’s important to make sure your air conditioning system is up to par. The AC air filter is integral to that, so we’ve decided to create a FAQ guide this month to help you prepare.
Do you need an air filter for AC?
No, it’s not necessary for your heating and air conditioning system to have an air filter to run, however, it’s not the best idea in the world. Similar to riding a bike without a helmet, it’s possible, but very dangerous because you’re operating without protection. A filter is your protection against dust, debris, and other airborne particles that can harm your system.
Why are AC Air Filters Important?
Think about the world that you live in. You may not realize it but most of your time is occupied indoors. According to EPA.gov, Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time inside a building, whether that is at work, home, a grocery store, or a movie theatre.
Since so much of our time is spent indoors, it’s imperative that the air quality is superb, especially in a post-COVID world. Air filters are extremely important to maximize the efficiency of your HVAC system, allowing you to attain the highest air quality. Filters can screen out pollutants, dust particles, germs, and more, which will lead to improved indoor air quality. An AC air filter is an essential part of any air conditioning system.
What happens if the AC air filter is dirty?
When an AC filter gets dirty, it can no longer trap dust particles and other airborne pollutants, allowing these contaminants to enter your home. This can lead to a variety of health problems and decreased efficiency in your air conditioning system. Additionally, a dirty air filter can cause your HVAC system to work harder and use more energy than necessary.
To ensure that you are breathing clean air and that your HVAC system is running efficiently, it’s important to regularly check and replace the AC air filter when necessary.
What is the MERV rating system and how does that affect AC air filters?
The MERV rating system is an important tool used to measure the effectiveness of air filters in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. It stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is used to determine how well a filter can remove contaminants from the air.
The higher the MERV rating, the better an AC air filter can remove these particles from your home or office. Knowing your MERV rating can help you select the best filter for your home and ensure it always works effectively. Filters with a MERV rating from 8 to 13 are recommended for residential use.
Want to learn more about the MERV rating system? Click the button below!
Which MERV rating should I choose?
How long does an AC air filter last?
AC air filters vary in type and make. The quality and make will determine how long your AC air filters are going to last. The two main types are fiberglass filters and poly-pleated filters. Fiberglass filters are the low-budget option, meaning that they save you money upfront, but you get what you pay for! These filters last for approximately 30 days. They require frequent changes and will cause you to spend more money due to the frequency of needing to replace them.
Poly-pleated filters are the more expensive option; however, the quality is excellent. These filters typically last around 1 to 3 months. They require fewer changes and will save you money in several ways due to maximizing your HVAC efficiency and preventing damage to your system.
Changing your filters can be difficult with life happening at such a quick pace. That’s why we created the Home Filter Club subscription program, to make maintaining good HVAC habits a bit easier! Just sign up, choose your delivery option, and we’ll have your filters at your doorstep before you know it.
Sign Up For Home Filter Club Subscription Program
Ensuring Your AC Keeps You Cool for The Summer
AC air filters are important to make sure your system is ready to tackle the heat in the months ahead. Although you may not need them to run, having them protects your HVAC system and allows it to operate at maximum efficiency. Knowing what MERV level is right for your home and frequently replacing it will ensure your home has cool, high-quality clean air.
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