Part of responsible homeownership includes, of course, regular home maintenance.  And there are some tasks that, if deferred, can lead to a home system that’s inefficient and overworked, which can result in problems and expenses.  One such task is changing the filter of the home’s HVAC system.  It’s simple and inexpensive, and taking care of it at least every three months can mean the difference between optimum comfort and avoidable repairs. Most homes have some sort of furnace or heat pump, and many of those homes (especially newer ones) have combined heating, ventilation and air-conditioning or HVAC systems.  Each type uses some type of air filter or screen to prevent larger airborne particles (up to 40 microns) from entering the system and clogging sensitive machinery.  A system that has a dirty filter can suffer from pressure drop, which can lead to reduced air flow, or “blow-out,” resulting in no air infiltration at all.  Any of these conditions can cause the system to work harder to keep the home warm or cool (depending on the season and the setting). 

And any mechanical component that has to work harder to run efficiently puts undue stress on the whole system, which can lead to premature failure, resulting in repair or replacement. Also, a dirty filter that’s exposed to condensation can become damp, which can lead to mold growth that can be spread throughout the home by the HVAC system.  This can lead to serious health consequences, not to mention a compromised unit that will likely require servicing and may require replacement, depending on the severity of the moisture problem. Most HVAC and furnace filters are disposable, made of biodegradable paper or similar media, and shaped in cells, screens or fins designed to trap as much airborne debris as possible.  Filters can typically be purchased in economical multi-packs, and there are many types that will fit different models of furnace/HVAC units.  It’s important to use the appropriate filter for your unit; using the wrong filter that doesn’t fit the unit properly can create the same types of problems as having a dirty filter. 

Your HVAC installer can show you where the filter goes and how to remove the old one and install a new one.  central ac unit blower not workingYour unit may also have an affixed label with directions for easy filter replacement.ac unit for laptop Your HVAC or furnace technician should service your unit once a year.  cost of replacing ac unitBecause a furnace/HVAC unit contains moving parts, it’s important that belts are not cracked and dry, ventilation ductwork is not gapped, cracked or rusted, and components, such as coils and fans, are clog-free and adequately lubricated for unimpeded operation.  This sort of evaluation is best left to the professional, unless the homeowner has had the appropriate training. The filter of the unit, especially if it’s an HVAC unit that will tend to get nearly year-round use, should be changed by the homeowner at least every three months, but possibly more often.

Check your filter’s condition and change it once a month if: Change the filter immediately if: Tips on Changing the Filter Call a technician for servicing if:What are HVAC filters? HVAC air filters (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) are broad terms to describe difference types of air filters in HVAC field. HVAC terms include heat pump, air conditioner units, furnace unit, geothermal, window units.etc. HVAC filter is the same as air conditioner filters or furnace filters. Some people use these terms interchangeable. What the purpose of HVAC air filters? The purpose of HVAC air filters may vary from individual need and want. HVAC air filters original purpose was to keep the indoor system parts from clogged with dusty and other foreign material. Indoor AC units, there is evaporator. It is one of the four (compressor, condensers, expansion device) major air conditioner parts. If there was no air conditioner filter or HVAC air filter have not been replaced.

This will happen to air conditioner units. The air conditioner units will lose cooling efficiency, pollute indoor air, and indoor AC units blower consumer more energy. If there no HVAC air filters the blower blade will also fill with dirt and eventually the air conditioning duct system will be damage. The most painful experience a homeowner will feel is to replace central air conditioner units. Yeah, it will short the life of the air conditioner unit if there is no HVAC air filter or the HVAC air filter has not been replaced. A homeowner could save a painful wallet experience, by simply replacing air conditioner unit filters. You could say, “The purpose HVAC filters are to help saves money!” If you're not similar how to replace air conditioner filters read How to change air conditioner filters? How does a dirty HVAC filter cause air conditioner system to lost efficiency? The air conditioner evaporator are a device that absorbs heat from indoor; the blower is a device that pulls or pushes the hot air through the evaporator coils.

If the evaporator coils are dirty, the air conditioner system lost efficiency. The evaporator coils are not effective at absorbing heat; because of the dust on evaporator coils prevent it from absorber the correct amount of heat from indoor AC units. Air conditioner units will also lose efficient if the AC systems have dirty air filter. It is the same as dirt active as an insulator to the evaporator coils, but this time the dirty HVAC filter active as restriction to the blower. The air handler blower main purpose was to pull the hot air through the HVAC air filters and push that hot air to the cold evaporator that is what it does. However, it cannot pull enough hot air through the air filter, since the air filter is dirty and the dirty air filter acts as a restriction to the blower.The air conditioner system does it jobs, but there is not enough airflow to move the cold air from the evaporator. Eventually, the evaporator coils start building ice, and then the air conditioning system will not cool.

Dirty HVAC air filters have the same result as high efficiency air conditioner filters for the wrong air conditioner units. For example, a homeowner read article on air conditioner filter and he find that really high efficient air conditioner filter can collect contaminant airborne particle than low efficiency air filters and that is true. What he did not realize that his air conditioner unit cannot endure high efficient air filter. His AC units are not designed for that specific HVAC air filter. As a result, the high efficiency air conditioner filter act as a restriction to his air conditioning system, similar to dirty or no AC air filters. Although, the original purpose of HVAC filters is to protect indoor air conditioners not to caught micron small particle. Nowadays, there are many purposes of HVAC filters. There is HVAC air filter for the maximum dust removal. For example, HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance) filter is use, mainly for surgical rooms, food processing, pharmaceutical that needs clear air.