Ah filters, the small but mighty protector of your home’s air! Air filters have an important job even though it might not seem like it. We’ll help answer some of the basic questions about air filters and help you determine which filter is best for your system.
Read on to learn more and be sure to reach out to our expert Schaumburg HVAC contractors with any questions you have!
The short answer is all the above! Depending on where you live, an air filter may be referred to as a furnace filter vs an AC filter. In the Midwest, a filter is commonly called a furnace filter. In the South, a filter is referred to as an AC filter. Either is acceptable, however you can’t go wrong with simply calling it an air filter.
The purpose of an air filter (or “furnace filter” for our fellow Chicagoans) is to capture dust, dirt, bacteria, and any other airborne pollutants from your home’s air. Air filters not only protect your HVAC system but they provide clean air for your home and prevent you from breathing in harmful pollutants.
“Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.”
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The two most common furnace filter types are fiberglass and pleated. Each filter has a MERV rating and the higher the rating, the better the filter will be at trapping specific types of air pollutants. Check out this video from Air Filters Delivered to learn more about the different ratings.
Fiberglass vs Pleated filters
Fiberglass filters are an inexpensive choice and catch large particles such as lint and dust.
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Pleated filters are made up of pliable material (think cotton, paper and polyester) and shaped like an accordion. The pleats or folds in the filter allow it to capture a variety of airborne particles.
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How often you need to change your air filter depends on many factors. Typically you’ll need to change your filter every 1-3 months. Yes, even in the Summer! Here are some things to consider:
You’ve learned why you need a filter and what type of filter to buy. Now it’s time to replace it!
We know remembering to change your air filter isn’t typically top of mind, however it is very important to your health, efficiency of your HVAC system and energy savings. Here are some ideas to help you remember to change your filter.
If you have any questions about air filters or would like to schedule a clean and check for your furnace or air conditioner, which is an important part of heating maintenance and AC maintenance, give us a call today or book online!
Check out more of our blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips & more!
Ductless AC units are installed right inside of a room unlike traditional heating systems. There are several reasons why homeowners are ditching their ducts – if you’re looking to cut energy costs or want better indoor air quality, a ductless system may be right for you.
Interested in bringing Ductless AC into your home? Our HVAC professionals can install, repair or maintain any ductless HVAC system. Call us today for details!
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