Please contact our office at 724-766-8105 if you need assistance choosing the right air filter for your system.
Air Filter Frequently Asked Questions
Air filters play an important role in your HVAC system by pulling and trapping particles and contaminants from the air. Employing both mechanical and electrostatic filtration techniques, efficiently capture dust, pollen, pet dander, and various other pollutants. A clean air filter ensures these impurities are kept at bay, safeguarding your system from potential mechanical issues caused by debris buildup. Maintaining clean filters is important since dirty or missing filters can lead to the recirculation of contaminants into the air you breathe, posing a risk to your air quality and health.
Next to the directional arrow on the air filter, you’ll notice numbers representing the filter's width, length, and thickness. These dimensions correspond to the size required by your HVAC unit. A properly sized filter should snugly fit into the slot, without significant gaps, and should never need to be forced into its housing.
Choosing the appropriate filter for your home and family requires a bit of self-assessment. Reflecting on the following questions can help steer your decision-making process.
- What system do you have and what’s the size of your existing filter?How many people live in the house?
- Is the house regularly clean (especially dusting and vacuuming)?
- Are you in an area with open fields, roads, or other dusty areas?
- Are there fur babies in the house?
- Does anyone smoke?
- Are you or other family members allergy sufferers?
- How do you feel about the air quality in your home in general?
Your responses to these questions will influence the type of filter you opt for and the frequency with which you replace it. If you need further guidance on which filter would best suit your needs, Spurk HVAC would be happy to help guide you through your air filter options.
Most manufacturers recommend that basic filters be changed every 30-60 days, but other circumstances could affect that schedule. Consider changing your filter if you can't remember when it was last changed or if your:
- Vents are full of dust and dirt.
- Air filter looks clogged or dirty.
- HVAC system is taking longer to cool or heat your home.
- Air quality seems poor.
Failing to change your air filter could result in several issues, including decreased efficiency, health concerns, and expensive repairs such as:
- HVAC components overheating or freezing
- Increased energy bills due to reduced efficiency
- Inadequate temperature regulation
- Health problems arising from poor air quality
- Higher repair costs and decreased efficiency
- Risk of voiding warranties
- The shortened lifespan of the HVAC system
Replacing your air filter is easy to do (less than 3 steps), important to learn, and can cost less than $40.00!
1. Locate the filter
Typically near the return air duct or the blower compartment of your HVAC system.
2. Remove the old filter
Turn off your HVAC system, open the housing, and carefully slide out the old filter. Note the filter’s size, which is usually printed on the frame.
3. Insert new filter
Insert the new filter with the airflow arrow pointing in the same direction as the old filter, secure the housing, and turn your HVAC system back on.
Absolutely! According to the Department of Energy, swapping out dirty filters for clean ones can slash your energy consumption by up to 15%. Considering that HVAC systems typically account for almost half of your energy usage, this translates to potential monthly savings of 7.5%.
For instance, if your energy bill totals $100 per month, simply changing your air filter could save you $7.50 with each billing cycle! And if your energy expenses reach higher brackets like $200, $300, or $400, you stand to pocket even greater savings – potentially up to $30 every month.
