Air Conditioning Filter
Air Conditioning Filter
Like any filter, an air conditioning filter has one purpose – to filter one “thing” out of another “thing”; in this case, filtering pollutants from the air. The air conditioning filter is one of the most important components of your cooling system – which makes replacing a dirty filter all the more necessary. A dirty air conditioner filter doesn’t do its job (filtering the air you breathe) effectively, and it can also lead to damage of the very expensive inner parts of your cooling system if they become corroded with dirt (like the coils). Your cooling system or air conditioning unit relies on the air conditioning filter in order to work properly; everything from the ductwork to the refrigerant can be affected by a dirty filter.
Avoid High Energy Costs and Costly Repairs
In addition, a dirty air conditioning filter can cause you to pay more for the energy that it costs to cool your home. Over time, a dirty filter can make your air conditioning system work harder in order to put cool air out for you. If your unit has to run additional time to cool your home, that’s like throwing money out the window. Many heating and cooling technicians will admit that a majority of calls for service regarding air conditioning units are related to dirty filters in one way or another. The parts of your air conditioner rely on one another to perform the job at hand; if one part is bogged down with dirt, it can make the other parts less efficient, too. Most air conditioning filters must be changed at least every two months while many require a monthly or biweekly change. There are certain filters on the market that need only be changed once per year, although they cost more.
Choosing Your Air Conditioning Filter
There are tons of options when it comes to replacing your air conditioning filter. Oftentimes, cheaper is not the way to go when it comes to these filters because you truly do get what you pay for. The ratings system that has been established to allow consumers to judge the ability of the filter to clean the air and protect your air conditioning unit is called the MERV or minimum efficiency reporting value. The MERV runs from 1-12 with 12 being the best at removing particulate matter like pollen, dust, mold, animal dander and other allergies.
Common Air Conditioning Filters
Fiberglass disposable filter – this is the most common filter found in most air conditioning units and are also the type that most commercial units require. The fiberglass filter has an adhesive coating that is useful in trapping dust but is not as effective as many of the other filters on the market; on the plus side, this is the cheapest filter available.
Electrostatic air conditioning filter – this type of filter is usually advertised as “allergy free” and works to create a static charge that collects dust.
Carbon air conditioning filter – this is the most recommended air conditioning filter for homes with pets or other odors problems as the carbon helps to trap certain problematic odors.