Keeping Filters Clean and Their ImportanceBY: Eric LotheAs many of you have noticed by now, we are definitely in summer mode here in Texas. With that being said, your air conditioning unit is running more frequently and perhaps for some of you; Well I’m going to shed some light on the topic of filters and how they can save you money and increase the life of your unit at the same time.Let’s start off with the basics. You might be asking yourself “but Eric, where are my filters? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Most filters are actually relatively easy to access. Some may require a ladder while others may not; it just depends on your house. Below is a picture of what some of the return air grilles that do not require a ladder will look like.  If you are not comfortable or unsure about what size or type of filter to purchase then contact Champion Forest AC & Heating and we will not only your air filters but do a through ac unit checkup.Most of your return air grilles will be located on the bottom part of your walls which makes it very convenient for homeowners to change the filters themselves.

Now that we have located where our filters are, let’s talk about how changing your filters can save you money.Much like changing the oil on your car so it last longer, your filters need to be changed every 3-4 months, although it does depend on how long your air conditioning unit has been running. By changing your filters, you are allowing your ac unit to breathe much easier and when your air conditioner is breathing easier it allows your house to be cooled much faster since it doesn’t have to work as hard, thus decreasing your air conditioning units time of operation; Changing your filters is not only good for the life of your ac unit, but it can increase your lifespan as well! Filters help clear the air of all the harmful particles in the air that you may not see such as dust. Below is a recent picture (8/23/2013) of an evaporator coil that saw very few filter changes. The result is cat hair and other particles that build up over time. Very nasty considering this is what you are breathing in everyday. 

Let’s review some highlights.Helps solve air flow problems within your houseWill improve the lifespan of your air conditioning unitWill improve the lifespan of you and your householdSaves you moneyHelps save energy and the environmentMost filters are easy to slide or swap out, and it’s one of the few things you can do to maintain your filter without the help of a TraneHowever, it’s important to check your owner’s manual before performing any maintenance on your Trane or any air filter. HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO CLEAN/CHANGE MY FILTER? You should always double-check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations, but generally speaking it’s best to clean or change your filters once every 3 to 9 months. cleaning/changing of your filter will ensure the best filtration, increase the life of your machine, and give you peace of mind that HOW DO I CLEAN MY CLEANEFFECTS™? To clean your CleanEffects™, simply remove your filter and then rinse or vacuum it.

the collection cells, allow them to dry thoroughly before replacing them. HOW DO I CLEAN MY FRESHEFFECTS™?window air conditioner filter FreshEffects™ has a filter that’s easy to slide out and clean.free ac window unitsIf you have allergies or asthma, indoor air pollution can trigger your symptoms. how air handling unit workMost people don't realize that indoor air pollution levels are actually much higher than those outdoors — two to five times higher, says Julie McNairn, MD, an allergist and immunologist in private practice in Middletown, Ohio. "The sources of the pollution can be any number of things, one of which is allergens," such as dust mites, mold, and pollen, explains Dr. McNairn. Common indoor allergens include:

When these particles become airborne, you can breathe them in and experience an allergic reaction. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home can both harbor and spread mold and other allergens. Optimize Your HVAC System Filters can help minimize exposure to allergens from your HVAC system, notes McNairn. Filters can be built into the air ducts in your home, but keep in mind, not all filters are created equally. The effectiveness of filters is "measured in something called MERVs [minimum efficiency recording value]," says McNairn. MERVs range from 1 to 20, with 20 providing the highest level of particle filtration. Types of HVAC Filters Other things to know about HVAC filters include the following: Since higher efficiency and HEPA filters tend to put so much stress on your HVAC system, McNairn recommends medium efficiency filters for most people. "They are reasonably effective at removing small to large particles," she says.

Controlling Indoor Allergens: Regular HVAC Maintenance It is important to change filters regularly — as recommended, or every two months during use — and follow any maintenance instructions recommended by the air conditioner system's manufacturer. If you suspect mold may be growing inside your air conditioning system, you may want to consider having the air ducts cleaned. If you see mold particles growing near the ducts or on other components of the system or if you smell a musty or moldy odor coming from your vents, consult a duct cleaning professional to check for an accumulation of mold. Another thing you may want to consider when building a new home or replacing your existing HVAC system is a unit that replaces indoor air with filtered outdoor air. "Some HVAC systems actually draw in air from the outside to the inside to help with the ventilation," explains McNairn. Increased ventilation in your home can help reduce mold growth and other sources of indoor pollution.