Ross and Witmer If you have a central HVAC system, it won’t do you any good if the heated and cooled air can’t get to the various rooms in your house. The fan motor and ductwork are two of the most important parts of an air circulation system, but there’s another component that has a big effect on efficient heating and cooling: your air filter. Without an air filter, dust and debris can be drawn into your central unit and cause damage, obstruction or a fire hazard. But without changing the air filter regularly, clogs in the airflow can develop which cause the fan motor to burn out.
The Job of the Air Filter
The Job of the Air FilterAn air filter consists of a fine fiber mesh that acts like a sieve, cleaning air as it passes through. Air filters come in different efficiencies, with each rating catching different kinds of particulate matter. High-efficiency filters have a finer mesh that can catch smaller particles, but these filters will also create more drag that the fan motor will have to push past. When changing the air filter in your home’s HVAC system, it’s important not to choose a filter that your fan motor isn’t rated to handle.
Changing the Air Filter
In most systems, changing the air filter to maintain your HVAC system is easy: filters can be purchased online or at many hardware stores, and you simply need to slide out the old filter and slip in the new one. As a general rule, you should change the filter every month. However, some factors will also affect filter life. Filters will last longer when you use the HVAC system less, but a filter will clog up faster during periods of heavy HVAC use, high-pollen months, and in households with pets or in dusty areas.
Learn more about changing the air filter in your central HVAC system, as well as other indoor air quality solutions available from Ross & Witmer, or contact us today at 704-392-6188 to schedule an appointment for your home!