Never Underestimate the Value of Your Furnace and AC Filter

If your home has central heating and/or air conditioning, the system likely contains a filter somewhere on the first floor. A typical filter is housed in a cardboard frame. You remove the filter cover, pull the old filter out, place the new one in and return the cover to its position. Pretty simple.

For most of us, changing a filter is no big deal. But regular filter changes are easy to forget. We get so busy that changing the filtering never enters our minds. Here is the thing: never underestimate the value of the furnace-AC filter to extend the life of your furnace. Schedule its replacement so that you remember to do it on a regular schedule.

What does the filter do?

The primary purpose behind a furnace air filter is to trap airborne dust, hair, dander, and debris. Keeping that stuff away from the furnace blower fan protects the internal components of the unit. This reduces damage and mitigates the risk of clogging.

Remember, the furnace air filter isn’t designed as an air purification tool. A good filter may help with allergens and other particles, but its main purpose is to protect the furnace and AC – not you. It keeps dirt and debris away so that your furnace and AC work more efficiently and last longer.

How does the filter work?

A furnace air filter allows air to pass through while it captures dirt particles in the air. It is mounted in front of the primary intake through which air returns to the furnace through ductwork. In most homes, the filter is located in a tray behind a cover located somewhere near the air handler or blower compartment.

Filters are measured in terms of effectiveness according to what is known as Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). The higher the value, the more effective a filter is at removing dirt and debris from the air. Filters for residential units tend to be rated somewhere between MERV 4 and 12.

How frequently should the filter be changed?

This is a tough question to answer because circumstances can vary widely from one home to the next. As a general rule, filter changes should be done every 90 days at a bare minimum. Conditions in your home might warrant a change every 30-60 days.

Several things contribute to determining how frequently filters are changed:

• Thickness – Thicker filters can be utilized longer. Thinner filters should be changed more frequently. For example, a 1-2″ should be changed every 30-90 days. But a 4″ filter could be fine for up to 9 months.

• Usage – In a home with both central heat and air, the HVAC unit gets used more frequently. Heavy usage suggests more frequent filter changes.

• Air Quality – More frequent filter changes are recommended in homes with lower air quality. If you have pets or you smoke, for example, more frequent changes are in order.

For some allergy sufferers, more frequent replacement of their air filters may significantly reduce allergy symptoms. Although air filters aren’t designed to be air purification devices, they are somewhat effective at filtering out large pollen particles.

Superior W&A is more than happy to make a service call when your HVAC system is in need of repair. Our services also include routine maintenance programs, a proactive approach that significantly reduces the frequency and severity of necessary repairs. For your part, you can help minimize the need for repair services by changing your air filter on a regular basis. Regular changes will make your system more efficient and help it last longer.