Air Filters | Air Conditioning Repair Katy
Air Filters | Air Conditioning Repair Katy
Selecting an air filter for the home isn’t always a simple task. There are a large number of filters available on the market, and the best ones aren’t always an option for the system in your home. In the following we will discuss air filters, MERV rating and material, and assist you in finding a filter safe for your HVAC system, and capable of providing the filtration you need. You may be wondering why safety is a factor, and the answer is the ventilation factor of the HVAC system is varied among different brands and their capabilities. If you install the best filter, your HVAC system may not be able to draw adequate air through it, resulting in premature wear, and a reduced life span, along with increased costs of heating and air conditioning repair in Katy.
Size, MERV rating and material are the three primary factors used to pick the proper air filter for your home. The best source of finding the proper filter for the system is the manufacturer, or your Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning HVAC technician. This ensures the filter density isn’t too much for the system, and avoids damage and unnecessary heating and air conditioning repair in Katy.
1) Filter Size
Size is determined by looking at the label of the existing filter or measuring it yourself. Typically home air filters are 1″ thick, but there are a numerous standard width and height dimensions.
2) Material & MERV Rating
The efficiencies of filters are rated on a scale of 16, known as MERV ratings. MERV is the abbreviation for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This number identifies how well the filter is designed to hold contaminants preventing their entry into the system.
To help explain the scale of this system, the following are some common MERV ratings and how they correspond to efficiencies. This is only a brief summary, read the filter manufacturers’ information when shopping for specific filters for further information.
Rating Average Filtration Efficiency
MERV 1-4 – 60-80%
Fiberglass, Disposable Panel, Washable metal/synthetic, passive self-charging
MERV 5-8 – 80-95%
Pleated, Media panel, Cube
MERV 9-12 – 95%
Extended pleated
MERV 13-16 – 98%
Electronic
Use Caution with High MERV Ratings
While a higher MERV number may provide better filtration efficiency, as previously stated it’s essential to understand that installing a high MERV filter may cause premature wear and cost more to operate the heating and air conditioning system. The higher the MERV, the less air may flow through the system, and the harder the system may need to work. If you need a high efficiency filter, ensure the HVAC system is designed for it. Otherwise, select the proper balance between air flow, air filtration level and energy efficiency, and avoid unnecessary heating and air conditioning repair in Katy.
The average filter selection of typical systems would be a MERV 6-8. A higher MERV filter should only be used for those systems capable of handling them, or based upon the advice of your Cypress Heating & Air Conditioning technician. This will confirm your system has the capability of moving the suitable volume of air through higher efficiency filters. However, if you have a family member with asthma, allergies or other respiratory issues and needs a high MERV air filter, consider a whole-house air filtration system that will meet both your energy and filter efficiency needs. This will provide the clean air you need without overwhelming the HVAC system resulting in increased heating and air conditioning repair in Katy.
You need to keep in mind that filters were created to protect the system from damaging dirt. Over the past few decades, the consumer demand for cleaner air has led to a number of air filters providing improved filtration.
However, if filters aren’t routinely changed as recommended, they become a source of air pollution and cause the need for professional cleaning and air conditioning repair in Katy.
Once dust and debris accumulates in the filter it becomes ineffective, and can even block airflow. A dirty filter allows dust to enter into the HVAC system where it’s circulated through the system and throughout the home. As this dirt collects in the system it begins to wear down the components with friction and adversely affects performance, potentially resulting in the need for heating and air conditioning repair in Katy, and increased energy consumption.
As the system struggles to draw air through a dirty filter (or a filter with a high MERV rating exceeding the systems capability) components can overheat. Once overheated, the systems safety will shut it down, preventing it from running; or the system will continue to over heat until it shorts out or catches fire. The best way to ensure the system is protected from catastrophic failure or the need for heating and air conditioning repair in Katy caused from a dirty air filter, is to change the filter routinely.
The frequency of required filter changes will depend upon the amount of dust and debris that collects on it, and the type of filter it is. Cheap blue fiberglass filters require changing every month. Others may be good for up to 90 days depending upon environmental conditions. If any of the following affect a member of your family more frequent changes may be required:
- A family member with allergies, asthma, COPD, immune system disorders or other conditions
- Pets in the household
- The use of a fireplace or a wood heater
- A lot of dust and/or pollen
- A smoker in the home
Beside routine filter changes, the homeowner should ensure routine heating and air conditioning service from a qualified HVAC technician. The annual tune-up and inspection will provide peak performance and reduce the need for heating and air conditioning repair in Katy.
Contact a Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning representative for questions about air filters, or to schedule service for your HVAC system. Our certified technicians provide quality maintenance, heating and air conditioning installation, and heating and air conditioning repair in Katy. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.
