What You Might Not Know About HVAC Filters Everyone agrees that you should change your HVAC filter on a regular basis, but not everyone agrees on the type of filter you should use. Next time you go shopping for a furnace (or AC) filter, here are a few things to keep in mind. These tips can save you a bundle and perhaps even prevent you from inadvertently damaging your HVAC equipment. The primary purpose of a filter is to protect HVAC equipment, not to improve indoor air quality, as many homeowners have been led to believe. Many furnace manufacturers recommend that you use a low-cost fiberglass filter, but when I asked a representative of one major maker, his response was “no comment.” Perhaps this was because high-efficiency filters that are too good may actually slow airflow across the heat exchanger, reducing the unit’s efficiency, raising your energy bills, and causing furnace damage due to overheating. Similarly, a high-efficiency filter can freeze the condensing coils on an AC unit.

(A dirty filter can do the same thing.) Even more of a shocker is that furnace filters do relatively little to reduce the number of small particles you inhale. That’s because these particles tend to be in the air wherever there is human activity—and that’s not necessarily where your return registers and ductwork can capture them, according to research by the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation (CHMC). In addition, furnaces (and central ACs) run only seasonally. Even during the heating and cooling seasons, furnaces run only part of the time. So it stands to reason they are not filtering the air when the fan is not running. Want to save money and stop wasting time trying to figure out conflicting furnace filter maker ratings systems? Make your next filter a permanent electrostatic filter (also known as a washable one). The kit I tried is available online and can be cut to fit most filter cabinets. Washable filters may be reused for 5 to 10 years and cost about $20 each.

These filters should be rinsed once a month and prior to re-installation, they should be allowed to dry. Some permanent electrostatic filters include carbon filtration for odor removal. Keep in mind that electrostatic filters are most effective when new and clean, so they should be washed frequently. Pre-made sizes are limited, but some manufacturers, such as WebProducts, will fabricate filters to your specs for about $35 each. For more on HVAC, consider: Really “Cool” Cooling Fans How To: Choose the Right Furnace Filter Quick Tip: Alternatives to Air ConditioningI am an air conditioner repair tech (20+yrs). Describe your problem and I will employ my ancient majiks to ascertain the solution. HomeImprovement)submitted by It's hot. We HVAC companies are expensive. If you are handy, and comfortable checking a few things, you might get away with an easy fix. If it does require a professional, I can at least arm you with knowledge so you don't get taken advantage of.

For those of you EXPERIENCED with meters, voltage that can inconvenience your children with funeral costs, and a firm acceptance that you might cause some serious $$$s in repair, HERE (corrected) is a diagnosis flow chart for newby HVAC techs. ac window units best buyNote, some base knowledge is assumed, and it does not address refrigerant (freon) diagnosis. fix my ac.comAlso, the box talking about checking compressor terminals for "open" should be clarified that meter set to Ohmscheap ac window unit If you have a question please help me out: tell me if your system is anything other than a standard central HVAC system with a furnace or electric heater inside (or under house/attic) with ductwork coming off and an air conditioner outside. let me know if it is a heat pump

5yr old, 10yr old, 73yr old when was the last time it worked well EDIT: I will answer your question, may just take a bit. Even if this thread is months old. I was getting, and answering a couple questions a week all year from the last time I did a post like this. If you have a multi-level/story house with one system, and have temperature balance issues, read all the posts from your fellow sufferers here. If you dont see what you need in these comments, check the questions I answered in 2015 π Rendered by PID 11831 on app-842 at 2016-09-30 20:48:01.181701+00:00 running 62abcea country code: US.Sometimes what’s wrong with your air conditioning and heating system really doesn’t require the service of an expert repair person. Here are some common troubleshooting tips to go over before you call for a repair. A/C Not Cooling or Blowing? Check circuit breakers at fuse box. The outdoor condenser unit and indoor air handler unit have their own breaker. Even if breakers appear to be in the correct position, they are often tripped.

Flip circuit breaker off and back on. Indoor A/C Unit Leaking Water? If the unit is leaking water one of three possible things has occurred Drain line is plugged. Check to see if your A/C drain line outside your home is draining properly. If it is not you can clear it by attaching a wet vacuum to the outside. Evaporator coil is dirty. Dirt, mold, and algae are growing on your coil causing it to drip> Coil is frozen with ice. Your A/C is probably low on freon. You will need to turn off the A/C and call for service. A/C Fan Runs Continuously? Make sure your thermostat is set to the “Auto” position. A/C Runs,Won’t Cool Below 78 degrees Your A/C is possibly low on freon Your ductwork in the attic is leaking Your A/C is old and inefficient and can not keep up with the heat load Your air conditioner is under sized for the heat load demand Are Some Rooms Warmer than Others? In the warmer room, make sure the vent is open or open it further.

If this does not resolve the problem, the situation is the result of one of the following three conditions. The ductwork was not sized properly The system needs to be balanced by adjusting the air flow dampers in the grills The ductwork has come apart and is leaking cool air into the attic. Thermostat Not Registering Correct Temperature? A temperature reading of within three (3) degrees up or down is considered normal. New digital thermostats are more accurate. Musty or Mildew Odor? Your ductwork got wet and is giving off a musty odor or it’s possibly growing mold. No filters were used and the ductwork is dirty and growing mold. No filters or wrong filters were used and evaporator coil is plugged up with algae, fungus, mold and bacteria. Drain pan is full of algae, fungus, mold and bacteria. Call for service and schedule an extensive 21-point Breathe Green Tune-Up When Do A/C Filters Need Cleaning? A/C filters should be kept clean or replaced monthly.

You should be using filters with a minimum MERV rating of 8 or higher. Please visit our section on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). As dirt, debris, pollen and spores accumulates on your coil over time it will grow fungus, mold and bacteria. This build-up will restrict your air flow and cause you to have less cooling throughout your house and, at the same time, increase your electric bill. The bacteria and mold spores will circulate through your entire home and possibly affect your allergies and your health.The only way to fix this problem is to have the coil professionally cleaned. Why Should I Choose a Programmable Thermostat? Most programmable thermostats are capable of four different time and temperature settings. A programmable thermostat will reduce your power bill by fluctuating temperature settings while you are at work, away or asleep.We highly recommend this product. Is a yearly Tune-Up necessary? All A/C units should be maintained at least once per year. Burning Smell on Heat Mode?

Check the circuit breakers at fuse box. Please note that when using your heat for the first time in cool weather, you may smell a slight burning odor. Dust has accumulated over the months and is burning off the heating coils. This is normal and should last no more than 30 minutes. No Heat Coming Out of the System? Make sure the heating temperature is set above the room temperature. Check to make sure the thermostat is set to “Heat” and “Auto” position. Flip your circuit breaker off and back on. Some units can take 60 to 90 seconds before the heat cycle turns on. If you’ve allowed ample time and still no heat, turn your thermostat to the “OFF” position and call for service. Heat From System is Not Warm Enough? Make sure the temperature is set above the room temperature. As air circulates through the system, repeatedly, it will get warmer. If you have had your heat on for over 3 hours and it’s still not getting warm you need to call for service. Make sure the thermostat is set to the “Auto” position.