Why Your Air Conditioner Needs an Air Filter

The air filter plays a larger role in home comfort and HVAC than most homeowners realize.

Air filters are responsible for:

• Indoor air quality
• Energy efficiency
• Preventing expensive HVAC repairs
• Preventing permanent damages
• Accurate heating and air conditioning
• Home and air safety
• Protecting the air conditioner and furnace

In fact, just by practicing a few good habits with the air filter, homeowners can avoid a multitude of expensive issues, enjoy better heating and air conditioning and spend less for it.

Air Filters Keep Your Home Air Clean

The primary function of air filters is to capture and collect particles in the airflow. By removing particles, air filters protect indoor air quality, keeping the air clean and safe to breathe and enjoy.

Not all air filters are created equal. There are different grades of air filters that provide different levels of filtration. What kind of air filters best work for your home? It all depends on your lifestyle goals, preferences and needs.

Air filters are measured by a metric known as MERV. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The MERV rating reflects how efficient the air filter is at separating particles from airflow.

A MERV-8 air filter removes:

• Pollen
• Dust, mites
• Debris
• Pet dander

A MERV-11 air filter additionally removes:

• Vapors, gasses
• Microbiological growth

A MERV-13 air filter additionally removes:

• Microscopic allergens and particles
• Smoke particles
• Bacteria, viruses

The average home does well with a MERV-8 air filter. The most efficient air filters available for residential buildings are the MERV-16 rated air filters.

The higher the MERV rating is on an air filter, the finer the filtration. This means that fewer particles pass through the air filter. However, this isn’t always a good point. Because the air filter captures more particles, airflow is often resistant. The air filter also needs to be changed more frequently.

If the furnace continually runs on a dirty or full air filter, the entire system is prone to overheating, freezing and other damaging conditions. Homeowners should keep in mind how often they’re willing to care for the air filter when thinking of an upgrade.

Who are the homeowners who should think about changing their air filters? Everyone. Every home can benefit tremendously from changing the air filter. This is doubly true for homes that have:

• Elderly persons
• Children
• Family members with sensitivities like respiratory issues or allergies
• Pets and animals

Homeowners are encouraged to speak to their HVAC contractors about upgrading and caring for air filters to improve home comfort and indoor air quality.

Air Filters Improve Energy Efficiency for Maximum Savings

Air filters are also important in improving energy efficiency. Homeowners who regularly change their air filters experience lower utility bills.

Just how much can homeowners save with proper air filter care?

Because the air filter keeps particles and buildup from accumulating inside the furnace and air conditioner, parts last longer and work better. This results in better energy efficiency.

When the furnace works on an overused air filter, the entire system works harder. It spends more energy and time on the same amount of air conditioning and heating. So, in order to keep the furnace and air conditioner healthy and strong, homeowners should change the air filter every few months. The exact frequency depends on the home and lifestyle conditions.

Homeowners can run a simple cost-benefit analysis over the course of a few months.

• Take note of the current utility bill.
• Assess the current state of the air filter.
• Replace the old air filter with a new air filter.
• Reassess the new utility bill against the cost of the new air filter.
• Calculate the difference in savings.

Or, you can work with your HVAC contractor to get professional advice on what air filter best serves your home.

Air Filters Help the Furnace Last Longer

Air filters help the furnace and air conditioner last longer and work better. Because they keep the interior of the central air system clean, parts work well past normal wear and tear. Replacing the air filter is the most affordable way to care for the central air system without a technician.

By using a clean air filter, homeowners avoid:

• High energy spending
• Spotty HVAC performance
• Low indoor air quality
• Frozen evaporator coils
• Overheating furnace
• Broken or burnt motors
• Sticky fans
• Clogged condensate lines
• Microbiological growth
• Stubborn buildup

Homeowners who couple regular air filter care with HVAC maintenance reap double the rewards.

Elevate Your Home with Air Filters from Service Champions

Service Champions Heating & Air Conditioning is the top HVAC contractor in Southern California. We are the only Diamond Certified HVAC provider for Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

Our expert technicians lead in air filter care, heating repairs, AC installations and advanced air care solutions. To make the most of your home comfort through heating and air conditioning, rely on our superior technicians.

Homeowners of Southern California choose Service Champions because they get genuine customer service and expert technical care. Your satisfaction is always guaranteed. Complete the form below. You can also speak to a friendly representative in our call center.