A dirty filter restricts the air flow into your HVAC systems air handler, causing it to work harder to cool or heat your home. You notice moisture intrusion from an unknown source anywhere in the system. Regular AC & furnace filter replacements will also help to eliminate dust around your home or building, which can make for a cleaner property and reduce your amount of daily chores. The arrows should point in the direction the air is flowing. Was grateful that he was there to change the filter in my ceiling. A solar generator gives you backup energy from the sun should your electricity fail. If you have pets in the home, you should consider changing your filter every 60 days, or 2 months, and for homes with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend changing your filter every 20-45 days. The role of an air filter is often misunderstood. Discount Filters offers many different types of discount air filters to help you breathe better air inside your home based on your specific needs. 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. To see what your neighbors are saying about our unbeatable services, visit our customers reviews page. More activity means more household dust, dirt and debris. They will call you to let you know service is on the way and call to follow up to make sure everything is to your satisfaction. A dirty filter in your HVAC system will raise your energy bills. CRs take: The 4-inch-thick Aprilaire Healthy Home 213 MERV 13 earns an Excellent rating for removing dust, smoke, and pollen when the HVAC system is running on its highest fan speed. When the filter becomes clogged, this can block airflow and make your system work harder than it needs to, using more energy. Simply pick the filter that suits your needs. Professional Service.At Paschal, you can expect nothing less than professional. Filters are not just replacement parts, they are the water and the air that our families drink and breathe. But at the lowest speed, the filter is only average at removing those same airborne particles. Both have lower MPR filtering ratings than the 2500 Smart Premium. We gauge how well an air filter removes dust, pollen, and smoke from the air, and see how freely air flows through the filter at any fan speed. Note the date of filter replacement in a convenient location for the next time you inspect it. You can do this either at the thermostat, the breaker box, or using the shutoff switch located on/near the indoor unit (often looks like a light switch). document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); "Technician arrived on time. Most single-home residential systems include either a vertical or horizontal indoor air handler unit (furnace or fan coil), typically in a basement, furnace/utility closet, garage or sometimes an attic. Safe Summer Activities for Kids During the Pandemic, What You Need to Know About Bug Spray for Kids, Best Cooling Mattress Toppers From Consumer Reports' Tests, Filtrete 1900 Smart Premium Allergen Bacteria and Virus, Filtrete 1500 Smart Allergen Bacteria & Virus. For the typical homeowner, changing air conditioner filters is one of the easiest AC maintenance tasks you can perform. Allergies, pets, odors and smoking all can greatly affect the quality of your indoor air. Before we talk about WHEN you should change your air filter lets begin with the WHY. There is construction taking place around or near the home. This notice is effective for your use of this website for the next 14 days. Are you wondering if your current system is still under warranty. Twitter. Your opinion matters. We respect your privacy. We don't know what's in your water, but we know there's nothing in your cart. Matthew was very pleasant and went right to work. Using an air filter with a MERV rating higher than what your furnace or air conditioner manufacturer recommends can actually impair its performance. In more extreme cases a clogged filter can lead to the system turning on and off many times in rapid succession (short cycling) or even shut down completely. And the best filters trap indoor pollutants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen, helping to clean the air in your home. The specialists at Blaze Air. Dust jams the moving parts of an AC such as fan motors and valves. Now That Youve Had a Home Inspection book. The list price for this filter is $100, although weve seen it selling for less. All rights reserved. Your unit may also have an affixed label with directions for easy filter replacement. 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. Turn the unit on and observe it while its operating to make sure the filter stays in place. They also cease to filter allergens and other particulates out of your air. 2011 Southtech Drive, Suite 100Greenwood, IN 46143, ©2022 Discount Filters. Your air filter is usually located in one of these two locations: If youre not sure what size and type of air filter your system requires, youll need to remove the current filter to check the dimensions. A dirty filter isnt good for your homes air quality either, as it lets contaminates and allergens build up in your home.

A veteran of online and print journalism, I've worked at People, MSNBC, Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping, and an online Consumer Reports wannabe. In general, filters with a rating of MERV 16 or below are considered to be HVAC-system-grade filters for residential, commercial and general hospital use. Failing to have your HVAC filters replaced on a routine basis by the licensed team of professionals at Blaze Air could create a number of problems for your system. This sort of evaluation is best left to the professional, unless the homeowner has had the appropriate training. Tell us about your website experience. (Keep in mind that prices may vary by retailer and that it may be cheaper if you buy filters in bulk.). It can restrict air flow, which not only affects your comfort, but can lead to your systems air handler working harder than normal. Filtrete recommends that you replace this filter once a year, and at $29 per filter, that makes it one of the more economical filters in our tests. Learn more. How Often to Change Air Filters will vary based on the type of filter you have. In this article, we discuss the importance of changing an air filter and give you tips on how to do it. This website uses cookies and similar technologies to manage your sessions, manage content, and improve your website experience. Ultimately, your company made the decision to replace the unit with a Trane system and we could not be more pleased with the result as we finally have good climate control in our house and the system seems to be working perfectly (as Mike predicted)., "David Bell came to service our Geo-Thermal units, very knowledgeable and friendly! If this is the case, you may have the wrong size filter, or the filter itself may be defective or damaged. But not every HVAC system can accommodate a thicker filterthe most common size is 1 inch thickthough you can retrofit the ductwork of some systems to accept one. In both cases, airflow through the filter is strong. Write the date on the edge of the filter so you can see when it was last changed. Filtrete 2500 Smart Premium Allergen Ultra Fine Particles S-EAX22DC-6. However, unless youre worried about needing to replace your filter early, you can also just set a calendar reminder. If you discover that you have moldy air filter, its important to have the cause investigated further. Filtrete recommends changing this filter four times a year for an annual cost of $68. At Paschal, we earn our reputation every single day by providing you with an exceptional experience that goes above & beyond. The smaller pores in more highly rated air filters create resistance to air flow, and if the filter is used in an HVAC system that is not designed to handle this resistance, it can lower the systems efficiency, decrease indoor air quality, and put strain on the systems fan. Here are some reasons why it essential to replace your filters on a routine basis: For proficient AC & furnace filter replacement services in your area, call the professionals at Blaze Air at (336) 788-3322. For example, many filters use different colors for the front and back (or upstream and downstream flow) so that theyre not installed backwards. Contact us to help find your filter. Which Brands Make the Most Reliable Appliances? But when the dust (and fiberglass) settles, you'll enjoy a fatter bank account and more comfortable indoor temps year-round. For example, a basic, 1-inch air filter will most likely need to be replaced more often than a larger 4-inch filter. They were able to get us on their schedule immediately! By submitting your email, you agree to our. Learn about our energy efficient innovations that can help you save on your heating & cooling energy expenses, while ensuring your home is comfortable. CRs take: The Filtrete Ultra Allergen Reduction 1500 MPR filter earns a Very Good rating for removing smoke, dust, and pollen from the air with the system running on a high fan speed, but its only average when running on its lowest speed. And, its an important facet of routine heating and cooling system maintenance because a clean filter can help keep your system running efficiently and reliably for years. 30? Changing the air filter on your HVAC system is probably one of the best things you can do to keep your system running efficiently and help improve the air quality in your home. The next effects to worry about are the other contaminants that enter a dirty system. Our drug tested, background checked, and factory trained service technicians know full well that the customer comes first. As hard as it is to believe there are more pollutants inside your home or commercial property then there are outdoors, which is why routine HVAC filter replacements are so necessary. Airflow is restricted which creates a strain on the system.

When this happens it could lead to malfunctioning components, multiple repairs, and even having to replace the entire system. Whereas media filters are typically 3 to 5 inches in thickness. However, many homeowners are unaware of how often air filters need to be replaced, leaving their system vulnerable to damage. When your air conditioning system loses efficiency it will create a steady increase in your monthly utility bills, as your AC unit will have to work harder in order to attempt to produce a desirable temperature inside your home or commercial property. Air filters typically arent designed to filter the air forever. Enter your serial number and look up your product to find out about your warranty coverage.

Without a clean air filter, your HVAC unit works harder and is prone to more breakdowns. How to Set the Perfect Temperature in Every Single Room of your House The Mini Split Solution The battle over climate, Theres a common conundrum behind one of the biggest myths in the HVAC industry. Copyright 2022 This Old House Ventures, LLC. For heavy-use months, a good reminder is to change your air filter the day your new utility bill arrives. CRs take: Another good performer, the 4-inch-thick Filtrete Healthy Living Ultra Allergen 4 MPR1550 capably removes dust, pollen, and smoke with the HVAC system running on both its highest and lowest fan speeds, earning Very Good ratings. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. The musty smell produced by a moldy HVAC filter is also unpleasant and may take a while to completely eradicate from inside the home. From the start, Mike was conscientious and gave me his personal phone number to reach out to him as we went through the attempted repairs. Paper filters are disposable, with cardboard frames and a paper screen. CRs take: The 5-inch-thick Lennox Healthy Climate CarbonClean 16 effectively filters dust, smoke, and pollen when the system is operating at both its highest and lowest fan speeds, with little noticeable restriction of airflow through the forced-air system. Air filters typically have a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) that determines the type and size of pollutants the filter will work against. If the dimensions of the filter are not on the filter frame or edge, youll need to grab a tape measure. We also test two other 1-inch smart Filtrete filters, the Filtrete 1900 Smart Premium Allergen Bacteria and Virus and the Filtrete 1500 Smart Allergen Bacteria & Virus. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Home HVAC & Furnace Filter Replacements. Your HVAC or furnace technician should service your unit once a year. Insert the new filter with the arrows facing in the same direction as the old filter. 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). Our customer service representatives are here to help. base their heating and cooling company on a high set of standards. If you live in a multifamily apartment or condo unit, the filter may be located in an in-wall return air grill. Once you have ensured that power is shut off and located the filter, take a moment to determine the direction air flows through the system. With it, you can check the status of your filter from your smartphone to see if and when it needs replacing. Look for a filter cabinet along the sides, top or bottom of the blower cabinet. Free Shipping on Orders Over $50 for all domestic orders. video for S20 E37: Deck Chairs, Damp Basement. Heres how to change your air filter when its time for a replacement. When its time to inspect your filter, always be sure to turn off power to the system. 100? These air filters act as barriers to prevent contaminants from entering your HVAC system or circulating within the air. The general consensus is that you should be replacing the air filter in your home every 3 months, or 90 days. If you havent already removed the old air filter, remember to note the direction of the arrows on the filters edge as you take the old filter out. You live in an area prone to or having recently experienced any wildfires. Call the knowledgeable staff at Blaze Air at (336) 788-3322. We find that thicker filters have two big advantages: They filter particles out of the air better and require replacement less often, says Misha Kollontai, who oversees CRs air filter testing. But the real thing is so much better. Over time, that can cause unnecessary wear and tear on system components. All rights reserved. Yes, it's a messy job. We carry discount air filters in 1-2 inch standard sizes, and 3-5 inch media sizes. If arrows are present, take note of the direction they are pointing so you can properly re-install the old one or install the new one. 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. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Saves you from a slew of costly repairs and eventually having to replace your unit altogether. and provides certification to help you stand out from the crowd. On the blower compartment of your furnace or air conditioner, in an attached filter case. Quadruple your inspection business and reduce your liability with the Use a rag to clean up any residual dust before and after you replace the filter. You can already hear it your HVAC tech is lecturing you about making sure you change your air filter. But youll pay $184 in annual costs because the filter costs more and Aprilaire recommends replacing it twice a year. The filter may be positioned horizontally or vertically, depending on the orientation of the air handler in the indoor unit. But a good air filter keeps your central air conditioner (and furnace) humming along by protecting the mechanicals from dust and debris. InterNACHI can help you get licensed in your state or province, The exact location of the filter can vary depending on the indoor HVAC unit and type of system. Something else to keep in mind as you shop is the filtering grade given by the manufacturer. As always, we offer Fast Shipping & Free Returns on all of our discount furnace filters. At Blaze Air our conscientious cooling experts encourage all of our customers in and around Winston-Salem to replace their AC filters regularly to avoid more serious and potentially costly complications. CRs take: The 5-inch-thick Carrier EZ Flex Filter Cabinet with a filtering rating of MERV10 earns a Very Good rating for removing dust, pollen, and smoke from the air when a system is running on its highest fan speed, but it earns only a so-so rating of Good with the HVAC running on the lowest speed. As air moves through a buildings HVAC system,air filterstrap and collect large and small particles such as dust, allergens and microorganisms. For a ceiling-mounted filter, the arrows should face up. According to theAmerican Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE),thisfiltration helps provide healthier indoor air quality. Your safety and comfort is our top priority. Use the right filter for your unit and make sure its not damaged out of the package. air filter direction flow arrow replacement We recognize this is not very easy to understand for consumers, so we developed our simple to use application naming system. Family-owned and operated since 1979, we continue to serve customers in the best way possible. To learn more about these technologies, your options, and about other categories of personal information we collect through this website and how we may use it, please see our privacy policy. These are made of a much finer mesh than other filters, and so can screen out tiny particles such as allergens, pollen, dander, and mold spores. To avoid these issues, be sure to inspect, clean or replace your AC filter regularly as a part of your air conditioner maintenance routine. Its important to note that there are high efficiency filters that are designed to filter out small bacterial, mold, and fungal particles, but your standard MERV 8-11 filters will just block out larger particles of dust, dirt & hair. How to Install an Electric Heat Pump Water Heater, What Does Propane Tank Installation Cost? When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. The filter of the unit, especially if its 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. Lastly, HVAC filter replacements will improve the efficiency of your unit and help to lower monthly utility bills. Protects your AC system from premature failure. When selecting the right filter for your application, higher is not always better. Vacation homes or vacant homes that dont see much use can typically wait to change out filters every 9-12 months. The best way to measure your air filter size is to get out the measuring tape and measure it directly. This filter provides nearly unrestricted airflow. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. Changing the air filters in your HVAC system is an essential practice that ensures clean air circulates throughout your home. 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. Keep reading to learn when and how to change your air filter. You should follow the filter manufacturers recommendations, but a good rule of thumb is to inspect your AC filter at least once every 2-3 months. But what happens if you let that time lapse a little bit? One such task is changing the filter of the homes HVAC system. Filters can typically be purchased in economical multi-packs, and there are many types that will fit different models of furnace/HVAC units. Ensures the longevity of your cooling system. After you get the measurements, youll need to round the numbers up a little. What Can Safely Go in the Garbage Disposal?

Our ClearChoice fridge and AIRx HVAC filters are made in our factory and headquarters here in Indiana, with great attention to quality. You live in a particularly windy area or experience high winds for extended periods, especially if there are no nearby shrubs or trees to provide a natural windbreak. Professional People. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. Additional factors that can affect the timeline of how often you change your filter regularly include: As filter inspections become a part of your routine, you might want to purchase replacement filters in advance and have a clean filter available in case an inspection indicates its time for a change. Ideally, if you still have the HVAC systems manual, youll find the filter dimensions listed there.

Thats why our indoor comfort pros are available for emergency service 24/7 with no overtime rates! If its somewhere in between, you can default to the filter manufacturers recommendations or use your own judgment based on your own experience. Highly recommend!". Its important to use the appropriate filter for your unit; using the wrong filter that doesnt fit the unit properly can create the same types of problems as having a dirty filter. Filters are not just replacement parts, they are the water and the air that our families drink and breathe. Don't see your brand listed? ", "This was my first time using Blaze Air and will not be my last, excellent experience from the initial call to get info and setup appointment to the tech coming to the house to provide service. Sometimes when you pull out the filter, its painfully obvious whether its time to clean or replace: if caked on dirt and dust are falling off the surface, its probably restricting air flow and youll want to take action. CRs take: In our tests, the Filtrete 2500 Smart Premium Allergen Ultra Fine Particles S-EAX22DC-6 effectively removes airborne particles with the system running on its highest fan speed, earning an Excellent rating. This will be important when you install the new filter. Excellent customer service! 2022 First American Home Warranty Corporation and its licensed subsidiaries. Learn how to choose and maintain your HVAC system. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Filtrete Ultra Allergen Reduction 1500 MPR. Looking for reliable Winston-Salem AC & furnace filter replacement services? promaster flexfuel wiper Learn about our innovative products and how they can help improve your comfort. It is not used to purify the air you breathe, but rather to protect the sensitive components of your HVAC system. This is how dust makes the unit less energy efficient (at best) and can lead to breakdowns. An InterNACHI inspector or HVAC technician can help determine the problem so that it doesnt recur. Even if the activity is only temporary, dust and debris from worksites adjacent to or near the home can be sucked into the homes ventilation system, and this increased activity can tax your HVAC system. If you are looking for a custom size air filter you can request that we make a special size for you. At the lowest speed, however, particle removal is only average. Important: As you remove the filter, take note of the direction of the arrows on the filters edge. Spring Maintenance for Your Air Conditioner, First American Big HVAC Home Warranty Coverage, How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter in 5 Easy Steps. 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. You or someone in your household suffers from allergies or a respiratory condition. We know buying replacement filters can be a challenge, especially if it's your first time. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best solar generators on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you and your home. Repairing a broken HVAC system can end up costing you a pretty penny. Allergies, pets, odors and smoking all can greatly affect the quality of your indoor air. Because a furnace/HVAC unit contains moving parts, its 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. The filter is damp. 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. If you are cleaning the filter, be sure to follow the manufacturers recommendations. Most standard 1-inch air filters have a 3-month life, but when to change your filter depends on these factors: View home warranty plans that could save you hundreds to thousands of dollars each year. In some cases, especially on older models, the filter may be found inside the blower cabinet. Professional Service.

Filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV ratings. Don't settle for poorly-made knock offs.

Make sure there arent any gaps around the filter frame. Dirty HVAC filters will cause indoor air quality to plummet and diminish the efficiency of your unit. But 3M and Home Depot have developed their own classification systems called MPR (microparticle performance rating) and FPR (filter performance rating), respectively. dirty air filters hvac conditioning filter clean unit system central hinder why changing seasonal maintenance trade talk smoothly steps running After you remove the filter, see if the dimensions are written on the edge (length x width x height). The higher the rating, the more effective it is at catching small particles.

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