Tag: filters

All About Air Filters: What to Know

Close-up of a hand examining pleated gray fabric, showcasing detailed texture for HVAC material quality insights.

Answering Common Questions About Air Filters 

Air filters are a simple but vital component of the HVAC system. It prevents the AC and heater from overheating and promotes good indoor air quality. Still, many homeowners don’t know the first thing about air filters, including when to replace them. Here, homeowners can get answers to their most burning air filter questions. 

What Do Air Filters Do? 

At its core, an air filter removes impurities from the air, including pollen, dust, pet dander, and other particles that can affect homeowners’ health. It also protects the HVAC system from overheating, which can happen if it gets clogged with debris and can’t “breathe.” 

There are many different types of air filters, including: 

  • Flat air filters: A flat panel air filter is the most basic and cheapest option but is not as efficient. 
  • Pleated air filters: Because of their angled surface, these pleated filters can capture more debris than basic flat air filters. 
  • Electrostatic air filters: These air filters are electrostatically charged, attracting more debris and smaller pollutants. They can be reusable and washable or replaceable, per the Washington Post. 
  • Washable air filters: Some filters require buying a new filter whenever the old one gets dirty. With a washable filter, homeowners can hose it down, vacuum it, and reinsert it into the HVAC system. 

The most effective air filters are HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters. These filter over 99 percent of all debris from the air larger than 0.3 microns, promoting good air quality. However, some HVAC systems cannot use them because they are not designed for them.  

When Is Filter Replacement Needed? 

filterEnergyStar notes that homeowners should replace their air filters at least once every three months. However, air filters should be checked monthly to ensure they are clean enough. Homeowners should consider more frequent filter replacements if they have pets or people in the household have allergies. 

Homeowners can also run the white sheet test to see if they need to replace their air filters sooner. This involves hanging a white sheet near an air vent but several inches away, then waiting around an hour. If the sheet is gray, this means the air filter is dirty and needs replacing. 

What Are the Benefits of Replacing a Dirty Air Filter? 

saveSome benefits of replacing a dirty AC filter include: 

  • Saving money: An HVAC system shouldn’t have to work harder than it has to because of a dirty and clogged filter. If it does, homeowners will see this reflected in their system’s efficiency and energy bills. 
  • Good indoor air quality: With better indoor air quality due to a fresh filter capturing pollutants, homeowners can breathe easier and avoid respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath and allergy symptoms. 
  • Extended lifespan for the HVAC system: Nobody wants to worry about an HVAC problem ruining their day. By replacing the air filter on time, homeowners can help their system last longer. 

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. 

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has over two decades of experience serving Daytona Beach and the surrounding areas. They offer transparent pricing, financing options, and a membership plan. Call them today for HVAC filter replacement services in Daytona Beach, FL.

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Best Air Conditioning Filters for This Year's Allergy Season

Keep Allergies at Bay With These HVAC Filters

With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, this is prime time allergy season. Pollen is everywhere, and the sneezing seems to be endless. This is when properly functioning air conditioning filters are an absolute must for homeowners. Air conditioning filters function by removing airborne contaminants like dust, spores, and, most importantly, pollen! 

There are several different AC filters, each with unique ways to achieve the same outcome. Understanding the various options will allow homeowners to choose which is right for them.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass AC filters are disposable filters made of spun glass. These are designed for short-term use and typically available in stores for a few dollars each. Their low cost is probably their biggest advantage, but homeowners should also be aware of their limitations:fibreglass filters
  • Short lifespan – one must change these every month, which can be a huge hassle for homeowners to remember.
  • Efficiency considerations – if homeowners do not adequately replace fiberglass filters every month, they can get bad clogs, requiring AC systems to work much harder to cool the air.
  • Limited particle removal – the structure is such that it can only trap large particles, though some better versions can trap small particles.

The particle removal limitation is perhaps the most important to consider. This dramatically limits the ability of fiberglass filters to curtail allergy symptoms, so homeowners should be sure to find higher-quality fiberglass filters that can do this.

Washable / Reusable

These types of filters, unlike fiberglass filters, can be used multiple times. While the cost of washable filters is significantly higher ($60+ for a single one), this more than pays itself off because they can last 5-10 years. Similar to fiberglass filters, washable filters generally remove larger particles, so homeowners need to take this into account depending on the severity of their allergies.

Homeowners need to check these filters at the ~30-day mark, but unlike fiberglass filters requiring replacement, washable filters require washing. Homeowners should clean the filters under running water and allow them to dry thoroughly before returning them to the HVAC system.

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)

HEPA filtersHEPA filters are one of the best filters for removing allergens like dust mites, mold spores, and pollen. These are mechanical air filters that trap pollutants by forcing air through a fine mesh. While these tend to be expensive (a few hundred dollars at times), they can last for several months and potentially years, depending on AC use. Plus, the extent to which they can impact air quality has a great deal of value in itself.

These filters are often placed in air purifiers, so homeowners will benefit most by placing units in rooms where there are concentrated amounts of allergens and where they plan to spend the majority of their time in the house. One can also use these filters in vacuums, which can significantly help to control allergy symptoms.

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. of Daytona Beach, FL, believes in “delivering safe, healthy, efficient comfort.” Their team of skilled, friendly, and professional technicians prioritizes quality work, honest advice, and complete customer education for any job. Give them a call for HVAC service today!

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