Essential Information About Air Filters

Your HVAC system’s air filter helps keep it working at peak efficiency. It also keeps your home’s indoor air quality high and reduces unpleasant smells from biological growth or other contaminants. Dirty air filters cause many common HVAC issues, and they can even lead to system failures. That’s why information about air filters is essential for every homeowner in Grand Prairie, Texas.

What Air Filters Do

Air filters are usually made from spun fiberglass, pleated paper or cloth. They catch pollutants like dust, dirt, lint, pollen, biological growth and pet dander. As a result, they keep contaminants from dirtying ductwork, circulating your home or damaging your HVAC system.

Changing Your Filter

You should change your air filter every three months as part of regular HVAC maintenance. A dirty or clogged filter will force your heater or air conditioner to work harder and use more energy. It also increases wear, shortening your system’s life.

Look at the frame of your old filter to find the right size. Removing your old filter and installing the new one should only take a few minutes, and you don’t need any tools. When you throw the old one away, put it in a plastic bag to keep contaminants from spreading.

MERV Ratings

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value ratings measure the effectiveness of air filters. The most basic filters have ratings from 1 to 4, and most residential air filters range from MERV 6 to 8. MERV 9 to 12 filters can catch almost all contaminants. Choose MERV 13 to 20 if you want to capture bacteria and viruses as well. Filters with higher ratings are less efficient, but they can help you prevent asthma and allergy symptoms.

Performance Heat & Air has decades of heating, cooling and indoor air quality experience. We can help you select the best air filter for your home and replace it regularly. For more information about air filters from our experts, call us at 817-349-3567.

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