A well-maintained HVAC system keeps your indoor air clean and safe to breathe. But for it to stay effective, the air filter must be cleaned or replaced regularly. Dirty air filters become ineffective at keeping out pollutants, and will also inhibit proper airflow. This leads to higher energy consumption because your unit has to work harder to pump air through the dirty filters. This is why regular cleaning or replacement is recommended!
A Quick Guide to Buying New Filters for Your HVAC System
Matthew Day
When it’s time to replace your HVAC filter, you should know what works best for your home. Here our air conditioning team explains what you need to consider.
The right size. Getting the right size of filter is crucial if you want your HVAC system to work properly. You can refer to the user manual for the correct-sized filter or check your current one to determine its size specifications. You can even use a tape measure to get the exact length, width and depth. This won’t always be necessary, of course, since most filters have the size prominently displayed on their surface in numerous places.
The right type. When looking for a replacement filter for your heating and air conditioning system, you should determine the minimum MERV rating required for your unit. Keep in mind that you should stick to filters that are meant for their respective systems. For instance, if you’re planning to replace the filter of your home’s HVAC unit, you should only use those rated for residential use instead of ones meant for commercial use. While you can check your manual for reference, it helps to understand the different MERV ratings for filters. Also known as the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, MERV ratings are scaled from one to 20. Higher numbers mean the filter is more effective at capturing particles but also restricts airflow, so take into account what your unit requires when replacing your filters.
Turn to J & M Air Conditioning & Heating for all your HVAC needs. If you want a top-notch heating and air conditioning service for your home, call us today at (951) 654 3464 if you’re in San Jacinto or (760) 253-9631 if you’re in Palm Desert. You can also fill out our convenient online request form! We serve customers from Hemet, CA, and the surrounding communities in the Inland Empire.