Many homeowners don’t realize how important air filters are for their HVAC equipment. In fact, the air filter is the first line of defense against high energy bills and premature system problems. While any clean filter is better than a dirty one, it’s worthwhile to choose a high-efficiency filter that will capture the wide range of airborne particulates that could harm your system.
Air filters carry efficiency ratings known as MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value). The scale runs from 1 to 16 for residential purposes, and higher-rated filters trap smaller (and thus, more) particles. Fiberglass filters carry MERV ratings from 1 to 4, while pleated air filters generally carry ratings from 5 to 8. These filters use increased surface area and denser media to trap smaller particles, including mold spores, pollen, pet dander and some bacteria.
Most HVAC systems can use filters with MERV 8, but you should check the owner’s manual or an HVAC contractor before you install a higher-rated (and denser) filter, which could slow system airflow, stressing your system.
When dust covers the parts inside the HVAC system, it slows down the heating or cooling process, which makes your equipment run longer to reach the thermostat setting. It can damage internal components, including the harder-working blower motor. Excessive dust and dirt that doesn’t get stopped by the air filter may even damage the heat exchanger in a gas furnace. The dirt coats the exchanger, making the metal hotter than it’s designed to tolerate. Metal fatigue sets in faster, eventually cracking it.
Should these cracks go all the way through the heat exchanger, your furnace can emit carbon monoxide. A furnace with a cracked heat exchanger must be disabled until it’s repaired or replaced. If you have central air conditioning, dust covering the evaporator coil impedes its performance as well, and can cause the coil to freeze. A frozen coil may cause water damage and burn out the compressor, another expensive repair. Better filters may also prevent mold from forming on the coil or inside the ductwork.
To learn more about using high-efficiency air filters, contact the pros at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve provided quality HVAC services for homeowners in Lorain, Elyria and Oberlin for more than 30 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air filters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area