Air Filters | Air Filter Replacement
One of the easiest things to do in order to receive the most efficient, longest lasting service from your air conditioning or heating system is to regularly check and replace your air filter. Clogged and dirty filters can cause your air conditioner to work much harder than it should. This can lead to wasted energy and an eventual breakdown of your system.
In this article, we will provide some detailed information on air filters, and some different options you have to choose from.
Air Filter Basics
Air filters do exactly as you would expect; they filter the air that passes through your heating or cooling system. This air is eventually distributed through every portion of your home. If you live in an area with a lot of dust or sand, such as on the beach, near a construction site, or near a major roadway, having a properly functioning air filter is essential. The filter will trap harmful substances from entering into your home and your lungs.
A clean air filter can help if a member of your home suffers from allergies. As well as dust and harmful substances, a functioning air filter will effectively trap allergens before they pass through your HVAC system.
Microns
A micron is a unit of measure. It is another term for micrometer, or one millionth of a meter. Pollen, spores, and other air particles are only a few microns in size, making them difficult to filter. An air filter that could trap these substances would have holes so small that air would not easily pass through it. Luckily, there have been technological advancements that have helped solve this problem.
Electrostatic Filtration
Electrostatic filtration is a process that allows air particles to pass through an initial filter layer before it is trapped by a second layer. The first layer provides an electrical charge to the particles as it passes through. The second layer has an opposing charge that attracts and traps these substances. Only clean air passes through the filter.
There are two different types of electrostatic filters, depending on what type of electricity is used. They are called magnetic filters or static filters.
• Magnetic Filters – These filters use electricity to cause a magnetic field for the varying electrostatic layers. Magnetic filters are only removed for cleaning and are designed to be permanent fixtures for your heating or cooling system.
• Static Filters – These filters are made from a plastic-like substance called polyester. The surfaces of the filter layers are statically charged. With proper cleaning, these filters can last for several years.
Static filters are recommended for your HVAC system, as they are less expensive than magnetic filters. If you are not happy with your system’s filtration, you can convert your filter to the more permanent magnetic option.
Cleaning Schedules
Whether you are using a static or magnetic system, you should make sure to clean your filter on a quarterly basis. If you don’t follow a regular cleaning process, your filter could cause bigger, more expensive problems for your entire heating or cooling system. Clogged filters can cause your motor to work harder to process air, and can dramatically reduce its lifespan.
Air Filter Replacement
Cleaning and replacing air filters is an easy and expensive task that you should do on a regular basis. In this way, you will be sure that you are breathing clean air in your home and receiving the most efficient service possible.