Why You Should Change Your Air Filters in Central Florida
Your air conditioning system requires adequate airflow to stay at the top of its game and continue to provide the cooling power you need. Many things impact the airflow of your system, including how clear your ducts are and the condition of your blower motor, coils, and other parts. But the simplest and most important factor? Your air filter.
At Greens Energy Services, our certified HVAC specialists are dedicated to providing flawless service and all the information you need to get the best out of your system. Do you know how often you need to change your filters? Let’s find out.
How Important Are Air Filters?
In a word, very. In more words, your filter and its condition play a role in almost every aspect of your system.
It affects energy efficiency and the life span of your system, and can even impact how well it cools. This is because your filter directly impacts the content of the air in your home. Dust particles, pollen, and other small matter are dense within a home.
These particles will eventually get into your cooling system and settle into the filter. That is, after all, its job. But when your filter fills up, your system is no longer protected and the airflow within it will suffer. This means your system has to work harder for poorer results, and by working harder, you’re losing efficiency and your system is slowly choking.
How Often Should I Change My Air Filter?
There’s really no hard and fast rule. The answer depends on many factors, including:
- How often your system is in use
- Local climate and pollen/allergen counts
- Dust present in the home
- The size of your home
- The size and type of your cooling system
As a general rule, your filter needs to be changed at least every one to three months during peak use. Here in Orlando, we would strongly recommend monthly changes, especially if you use the lower MERV fiberglass filters.
What Is MERV?
A filter’s MERV rating is a direct measurement of its ability to collect particles of dust and debris in the air. The higher the rating, the more it blocks. For home use, there are two major types:
- Fiberglass filters: Kind of the “standard” of air filters, fiberglass filters have the lowest average MERV rating. They’re cheap and available in bulk, making them a popular choice. They’ll do a perfectly fine job, but they need to be replaced frequently.
- Pleated filters: Much the same as a fiberglass filter, but these have better MERV ratings. They’re a little pricier, but they have a demonstrable impact on your air quality. They still need to be changed frequently, though.
There is a third type: HEPA filters boast the highest MERV ratings, but they’re totally unsuitable for residential use. They actually literally block too much and can outright kill your system if you attempt to use them.
These are common in hospitals or large commercial structures where the HVAC units were built to be used with them.
Clogged Drain Lines
When your HVAC filter is dirty and clogged, more particles and contaminants enter the system. Over time, these contaminants can accumulate on the evaporator coil and create a layer of grime and debris. This can make the coil less efficient at removing humidity from the air.
The increased humidity can result in more condensation forming on the coil, and if the drain line is clogged, this excess water can lead to the drain pan overflowing or even backing up into the system.
If a dirty air filter is combined with a clogged drain line, your HVAC system could have major issues. Professional maintenance from experts like those at Greens Energy Services ensures that your air filter and condensate drain lines are both performing as they should, keeping your system running properly.
Orlando HVAC Experts
When you want your HVAC repairs handled right, Greens Energy is the professional HVAC service company to contact in Central Florida. Why risk compromising your comfort by entrusting your HVAC service and repairs to anyone else?
When you need HVAC services, you need a reliable company. Contact us today to learn why Greens Energy Services is a top-rated Orlando HVAC contractor.