Thursday, July 1, 2010

What do you need to know about air filters?

Fiberglass, pleated, non-pleated, allergen reducing … with all of the choices, it’s easy to be confused about what type of air filter is best for your home.

Typically, we recommend that you use the plain, fiberglass filters. We have found that heavier pleated filters can often keep air from circulating through the vents properly. When air does not properly circulate through the return, it can prohibit the unit from running effectively.

If you or someone in your home has allergies, you may benefit from a thicker or allergen reducing filter, but you’ll want check with the manufacturer of your unit or a licensed HVAC contractor to make sure the thicker filter isn’t hindering your unit from running most efficiently.

Always make sure the filter is properly sized to the vent it’s housed in. You can measure it to be sure you’re purchasing the proper size. There should be no gaps around the edge that would prevent the filter from doing its job correctly.

Check your filter each month, especially during heavy heating and cooling seasons. If the filter looks dirty after a month it should be changed. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool – wasting energy. A clean filter can also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system; this can often lead to expensive maintenance.

One other thing to consider is that your HVAC system is designed to heat and cool your entire home. So, closing doors to certain rooms prohibits it from doing its job. Keeping doors open not only helps your unit run efficiently, it also helps keep your home cooler in the summer.

For more information and additional energy saving tips, please visit our web site.

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