Changing Air Filters Preserves Your HVAC, Lowers Energy Bills
[ad_1]
Inspecting and changing out or cleaning your HVAC air filter is any easy home maintenance task that can save you on monthly electric and gas bills and HVAC repairs. Air filters are located at the point where air is pulled into your system. This can be on a wall-mounted return grille, or in the furnace’s filter case or blower compartment. If your air filter is difficult to access, you should contact your heating and air conditioning specialist to relocate it so you will have no problems changing the filters regularly.
How Do Filters Affect HVAC?
HVAC systems-short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning-keep building interiors comfortable by regulating air temperature and quality. Filters catch dirty particles from the air-dust, dirt, pet dander-before they enter the system. HVAC systems need to be kept as clean as possible so that the air they blow out is cleaner than the air taken in. Filtration only works when the HVAC unit fan is in operation.
A dirty air filter has done its job and should be changed or cleaned. Otherwise, it can become so clogged that air cannot easily pass through the grille, forcing the entire system to work harder and use more electricity or gas. The majority of heating and cooling failures are caused by a lack of maintaining the filtration system. Dirt and dust can also escape the filter and enter the air ducts that run through your home or business.
Dirty air filters alto affect your HVAC system’s performance because they make it difficult for the systems to achieve and maintain stable temperatures. This increased pressure on the system will, in turn, overheat your furnace which results in your furnace turning off due to its “running high limit” being reached.
Types of HVAC Filters
There are four basic types of filters:
1. Electrostatic filters attract dust particles and can be reused by vacuuming or washing with water every 30 to 60 days.
2. Pleated filters provide more filter surface area. They should be changed monthly, and more often following dust storms or windy weather. Many pleated filters are inexpensive and disposable; they are also available as electrostatic filters.
3. HEPA filters were developed to relieve allergies and asthma and are used in air cleaners.
4. Activated carbon filters absorb chemical, fumes, and odors as well as particles.
Filters come in different sizes so be sure to note the size you need for your particular unit.
MERV Rates Filter Efficiency
The HVAC industry created the MERV-Maximum Energy Reporting Value-system to help consumers understand how well a filter cleans the air passing through it. MERV ranges from 1 to 20, with higher numbers representing better cleaning efficiency and ability to trap smaller particles.
People with severe allergies are usually affected by very small particles and can benefit from higher MERV units and filters. However, there is a tradeoff between efficiency and cost. This higher-efficiency equipment consumes more energy since the HVAC unit has to work harder to pull in the air. Most reputable HVAC professionals recommend air filters with a MERV of 13 or higher.
The following information, adapted from an EPA report, indicates the capabilities of HVAC and air cleaning systems according to MERV size with some examples.
MERV size 1 to 4 catches pollen, dust mites, roach parts and droppings, textile and carpet fibers.
MERV size 5 to 8 catches the above plus mold, spores, pen dander, hair spray, and dusting aids.
MERV size 9 to 12 catches the above plus legionella, humidifier and lead dust, flour, auto emission particles, nebulizer drops.
MERV size 13 to 16 catches the above plus bacteria, sneeze droplets, most smoke, and face powder.
MERV size 17 to 20 catches the above plus unattached viruses, all smoke, and carbon dust.
[ad_2]
Source by Albert Westbrook