In Western New York, winters are biting, and the summers can get muggy. Provide a safe haven for you and your family from the brutal weather by keeping your indoor environment comfortable.
Enter HVAC filters! They may look like humble pieces of paper, fiberglass, or foam to you, but they actually play a very important role in your HVAC system and air quality. Unfortunately, even though they help ensure your comfort and safety, HVAC filters often easily fly under people’s radar.
But never fear! With our expertise at Cellino Plumbing & HVAC, we’ll help you learn the significance and impact of HVAC filters on your indoor air quality, heating efficiency, and overall lifespan of your unit!
The Role of HVAC Filters and Why it Matters
Your HVAC air filters serve as both shields from harmful pollutants and support your system by boosting its cooling and heating efficiency. Now, you might be wondering, are HVAC filters necessary?
Yes! Absolutely! And here are the reasons why they matter:
Enhance Respiratory Health
Unseen by the naked eye, the air you breathe at home is filled with microscopic menace: dust, smoke, pet dander (for those who have pets at home), and more! The filters capture and trap these particles, preventing them from being circulated all over your home. HVAC filters improve respiratory health, which is perfect for those who suffer from allergies.
Improve Air Quality
Particles from carpets and furniture, paint, and asbestos can also harm your air quality, influencing your health and mood. Air filters help reduce and remove these harmful pollutants, making the air you breathe cleaner and healthier.
Boost Heating and Cooling Efficiency
Over time, dust and pet dander can accumulate in your air ducts, blocking airflow. This makes your HVAC unit work harder. The harder your system works, the more energy it uses, resulting in higher energy bills and uneven home temperatures. HVAC filters make it easier to collect the dust and pollutants in your home for cleaning and removal. Clean and clear air ducts boost the cooling and heating efficiency of your HVAC.
Prevent Major Damage
Installing filters can help prevent major damage to your HVAC by shielding your HVAC components from airborne particles. This helps prolong the life of your HVAC system. But remember to have your filters cleaned regularly to keep them from accumulating dust and debris.
Reduce Maintenance Cost
HVAC air filters not only keep your air clean and energy bills low, but they also help you save money on maintenance costs. By preventing major damage to your HVAC system, filters reduce the need for part replacements or repairs. Instead, you’ll only have to keep your filters cleaned and changed, which is much cheaper than repairs, replacements, or buying a new unit.
Which HVAC Filter is Best for Me?
Keep in mind that HVAC air filters come in various types, shapes, and sizes, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, your choice of filter will depend on your indoor air quality needs and the HVAC unit requirements.
Keeping Your HVAC Filter Well-Maintained
Improve Airflow
While HVAC filters do their jobs, you can also help out by making sure the airflow of your HVAC is not blocked. Check your air vents and make sure there are no furniture blocking them.
Change HVAC Filters Often
A clean and well-maintained filter performs better than a dirty and damaged one. Therefore, it’s important to change your filters, especially if the one you have has damage. If you’re wondering when to change your filters, it’s recommended to change them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, it’s best to change them every two months. But for fiberglass filters, you might have to change them every month.
Set a Regular Maintenance Schedule
Nothing beats the service and peace of mind of giving the reins to a professional. Schedule regular maintenance checks for your HVAC at Cellino Plumbing & HVAC. We inspect and maintain not only your HVAC unit but also your filters and can offer replacements if needed.
HVAC Air Filters Vs. Air Purifiers
Despite sharing a similar goal of trapping and neutralizing pollutants in your air, air filters are different from air purifiers. Here are the key differences between an air filter and an air purifier:
- Some HVAC systems have filters built into them, while air purifiers are appliances on their own
- Air purifiers can be used as a supplement
- Air filters clean your air by sifting the dirt and debris; air purifiers sanitize the air from pollutants
HVAC air filters can be made of one of the following types:
- Activated carbon
- Fiberglass
- HEPA filter
- Washable filter
Air purifiers can be:
- Ionic
- UV light
- Adsorbent
Cleaner, Healthier Air with Cellino Plumbing & HVAC
Your indoor air quality is more important than you might think. If your home has poor air quality, it can lead to health and wellness problems for you and your family. Keep your air quality clean and healthy by utilizing the many perks of having an air filter for your HVAC.
Experience cleaner and healthier air at home with the help of Cellino Plumbing & HVAC! Call us now, and let us help you improve your indoor air quality and more.
