Air Conditioning filters help keep your indoor air quality up to par and are a vital part of the system’s operation. A filter is used to remove contaminants and pollutants from the air and help prevent dust and dirt from building up on the heating coil and fan. An excessive buildup of grime can affect the air conditioner’s ability to work properly and cause the unit to work harder, which can shorten its life span.
Most manufacturers generally include a fiberglass filter with the initial system. You can upgrade the furnace filter to a more efficient model that will trap more airborne particles than the a fiberglass filter. When choosing the right air filter for your needs, consider the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which measures the air filter’s ability to trap air pollutants. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter is.
Regularly replacing the air conditioner filter is vital to your indoor air quality as well as your HVAC unit. A dirty or clogged filter cannot properly remove airborne particles and can shorten the life span of your system.. Each type of air filter has its own recommended replacement times which will vary based on whether you have any pets or allergy sufferers in the home. However, a general rule of thumb is replacing electrostatic panel or disposable fiberglass panel filters every month to three months.
The owner’s manual included with your air conditioner will provide you with all the information you need about the manufacturer’s recommended air filter for that specific system.
For more information about the appropriate filter for your HVAC unit, contact the experts at Cox Air, serving Pinellas County and the surrounding area since 1958.
