All About Your HVAC Filter: A Comprehensive Guide

The HVAC system in your Forest Acres, South Carolina, home relies on an HVAC filter to remove contaminants and allow for an efficient operation. Without a clean, functional filter, your system will struggle to produce and move heated or cooled air, making it more difficult to maintain a comfortable indoor atmosphere. Additionally, your HVAC filter impacts the efficiency, which means you could have higher bills if you’re not changing it regularly.

Importance of an HVAC Filter

When air moves through the ducts of a heating and cooling system, it often contains small particles of dust, pet hair, dander, pollen, dirt and other potential allergens. Before it can move from the ducts to the furnace, the air will move through a filter, which restricts these particles from entering the unit.

However, when this filter is clogged with dirt and debris, it can no longer trap allergens, resulting in several issues. Your indoor air quality may decrease, which can exacerbate allergy symptoms if you or your family suffer from them. Another potential issue is decreased efficiency, which occurs when your system has to work harder to produce and move air.

Ratings and Sizes

HVAC filters come in various sizes, so it’s important to use the size that fits your unit. A filter that is too small may slip out of place, and an oversized filter won’t fit into the available space.

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value indicates the efficiency of an HVAC filter and its ability to trap small particles. A higher MERV rating is more efficient at removing contaminants. Therefore, it may be a better option if anyone in your home suffers from allergies or respiratory conditions.

Changing Your Filter

Your filter should be changed according to the schedule recommended by your unit’s manufacturer. However, certain factors can impact how often it should be replaced. These factors include the presence of pets in your home and the type of filter used in your system. Most filters should be swapped out every 30-60 days.

If you have questions about your HVAC filter or other important maintenance tasks, contact Krantz Kooling and Heating at (803) 672-3224.

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