4 Facts You Need To Know About Your Air Conditioning System’s Air Filters
The air filter is one of the most important aspects of your home’s air conditioning system, but there are a number of homeowners that tend to forget that they are even there. Despite being such an important part of your home’s AC system, there are a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings out there about them. With a little bit of air filter knowledge from our HVAC professionals, however, you can rest assured that you are getting the most out of your home’s air conditioning system. To help you get the most out of your home’s air conditioning system, we have put together a short list of four basic facts you should know as a homeowner about air filters.
Dirty Air Filters Are The #1 Cause Of AC System Failures
We aren’t exaggerating when we say that dirty air filters are the primary cause of a staggering amount of air conditioning system failures. Forgetting to change your air filters regularly, or just putting it off because you don’t feel like dealing with it can wind up costing you big time, especially if you wind up having to replace your entire air conditioning system as a result. When your air filters are dirty, the airflow to your system is restricted, placing additional strain on the fan motor. This additional strain can actually cause the motor to burn out, or cause the system to overheat and ultimately fail. Replacing your filter every couple months is an easy and inexpensive way to invest in the longevity of your AC system.
Air Filters Come In A Wide Variety Of Sizes & Types
Air filters are definitely not a one-size-fits-all type of thing. Air filters come in a wide variety of different sizes and types, and it is important to know which one is right for your home. Most homes will be able to use a standard air filter, which usually comes in 1, 2, 4, and 6 inch widths, but some air conditioning systems will need harder to find filters, or even custom filters. Apart from the size differences, there are also different types of filters as well. Ideally, you will want to use the type of air filter that offers you the highest level of efficiency without presenting a risk to your air conditioning system.
MERV Ratings Indicate How Well An Air Filter Captures Dirt
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Rating Value) is the industry standard rating system that makes it easier for homeowners to compare how different air filters stack up against each other. These ratings range from the lowest efficiency (1), all the way to the highest level of efficiency (16), and typically represent how effective the air filter is at capturing and holding dirt.
The Highest Rated Filter Might Actually Be Bad For Your System
While it might seem like a logical conclusion that you would want the highest rated air filter for your home, it could actually wind up being a bad decision for your home’s air conditioning system because it could actually wind up restricting its air flow. Not all air filters are made for every air conditioning system, and you should always take care to find an air filter that corresponds to the specific requirements of your air conditioning system.
