What IS an air filter anyway? An air filter is a vital part of your home’s forced air HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. Most homes have at least two filters that stand guard over your home’s air; their specific job is to remove bacteria and harmful particles, regularly cleansing the air. Why are filters important? 100% of the air in your home passes through a filter, typically twice every hour. Since clean, quality air filters keep the air in your home fresh, the people inside stay healthier. A quality filter captures the harmful bacteria typically found in sneezes, coughs, viruses and molds, as well as pollutants like dust and car fumes. Clean filters also keep your HVAC system healthy—they enable it to run more efficiently, keep repair costs to a minimum, and reduce monthly energy bills. About half of your monthly energy bill is attributed to HVAC, and keeping clean air filters is the single most effective way to improve HVAC efficiency.

Clogged filters make the HVAC work harder as it conditions your home, which raises your energy bill. (And if there are no filters, the coils will clog, which is even worse for your system.) How often should I change filters? We recommend changing filters at least every 3 months, but every 1 to 2 months will usually serve you better (especially if you have a busy lifestyle, family with allergies, pets in the home, etc.). If you want help choosing the delivery schedule that fits your individual needs, just call or email. We’re here for you. Regular filter changes cut 5% - 10% off your energy bill every month according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Where are air filters located? Air filters can be found inside the return vents in your home. These returns might be on the ceiling, wall, or in the system itself. Most homes have 2 or 3 returns inside the house, or alternatively, two 5” filters that go within the HVAC system itself. Typically the inside returns are more accessible, which makes filter changes easier in these locations.

What about different sizes? Filters for returns come in all sorts of sizes—one size rarely fits all, even within one house. Dimensions range from 10” x 10” to 30” x 36.” Most (but not all) filters are 1” thick but occasionally, homes will have 2”–5” thick filters. How do I determine filter size? Sizing filters is easy. If there is an old filter in the return, the size should be listed on the side of the filter. Remember that each home typically has different sizes throughout, so you’ll want to check sizes at every return. If there’s no filter within the return, simply measure the length and width of the space. You’ll want to get the exact dimensions to ensure a snug fit for maximum filtration. How do I install an air filter? Changing an air filter is easy. Just open the return, pop out the old filter and securely put the new one in its place (following the directional arrows to ensure proper airflow). Then close the return. That’s all there is to it—changing filters is a snap!

Sign up and forget about it! Sign up for FilterEasy once and forget about filters for as long as you want. Every time you’re scheduled for a change, your filters arrive promptly. Your free FilterEasy membership offers you top-quality filters, lower prices, auto delivery and easy scheduling. how much for a 3 ton ac unitReturns are hassle-free, delivery is always on your terms, and, if you can’t remember sizes? how to install window ac unit horizontalLet us know—we’ll email a reminder.best split air conditioning units Ready to worry about one less thing?Air conditioning filter in the house or offices is used to remove solid contaminants such as smoke, pollen, dust, grease and pollen to ensure better air quality for the occupants.

A study showed that indoor pollution is common these days due to the chemicals that are used in household furnishings and various goods. These filters are usually placed on the return air of the air conditioning system. The air that contained the contaminants are trapped here. Clean air is then discharged into the space together with the cool air. Types of Air Conditioning FilterPlastic mesh filters are commonly installed at the return air of most indoor unit of room or window air conditioner. They trapped bigger particles of dust and should be cleaned every two weeks and more frequent if the space being conditioned is polluted.If you look at the manual, they are easy to take out from the unit. Wash thoroughly with water and household dish washing detergent to remove dirt that stuck to it. Leave to dry and put back. An air filter on display during one of the HVAC exhibition. These simple steps of cleaning help to ensure the efficiency of the unit and hence save electricity as well besides providing a cleaner air space for you.

Electrostatic air filters are commonly placed in the return air of the air conditioner unit where the air is subjected to high voltage up to 12kV between two plates. The ionized particles are then drawn to the grounded plates. The electronic circuit used to generate the voltage is usually embedded on the control printed circuit board or a separate module.Carbon and Adhesive filters are other types used. Carbon type is made of activated carbon that is effective in removing odour causing gases and bacteria. Adhesive type is made of cotton and fiber glass material coated with adhesive oil or liquid which trapped the particles.The sizes of contaminants that exists in our air ranges from 0.01 microns to 10,000 microns. Virus, oil smoke, fumes and suspended impurities have sizes ranges from 0.01 to 1 microns. Mold, pollen, fog, dust, mists and ashes ranges from 1 to 100 microns. Dust emitted from heavy industry factories is about 100 to 10,000 microns.The ability of the filters to trap particles is measured by using the industry standard known as MERV or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.