Even though air filters might seem like a small part of an HVAC system, they are crucial for efficient operation and maintaining indoor air quality. For residents and business owners in Keizer and Salem, OR, understanding the impact of air filters on HVAC performance can enhance equipment longevity, lower energy expenses, and improve overall comfort. In this article, we discuss the role of air filters in HVAC systems, the effectiveness of an HVAC system with a properly maintained air filter, and the reasons an AC system requires regular maintenance and timely repairs, along with its dependence on clean and functional filters.
What is the purpose of an air filter in an HVAC system?
Turns out, an air filter in an HVAC system is supposed to capture airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, pet dander, and anything else that might be of concern. These filters are positioned where air enters the unit, usually located in the vicinity of the return duct. Filters fulfill two critical functions:
Shielding HVAC Parts: The air filter acts as a protective barrier by preventing harmful debris and contaminants that might damage vital parts of the HVAC, for instance, the blower fan and the coils ,along with the ductwork.
Enhancing Air Quality Indoors: Filters capture a wide variety of allergens and contaminants, which in turn helps maintain a cleaner indoor environment, contributing to healthier air in homes and workplaces.
How Air Filters Impact the HVAC System
Your HVAC system functions smoothly when you have a clean air filter since it promotes proper airflow. On the other hand, a clogged and dirty filter will limit airflow and compel the system to work far more than it should. This imbalance could lead to a number of issues, which include:
- Decreased Efficiency: Increased energy consumption while attempting to maintain the desired temperature, in turn, increases utility expenses.
- Strain on Components: Clogged air filters lead to the key HVAC system parts working harder than normal, which increases the frequency of AC repairs needed and consequently, reduces the system’s overall lifespan.
- Inconsistent Temperature Control: Due to insufficient airflow, difficult distribution of air leads to harsh temperature fluctuations around the property.
- Unauthorized Indoor Air Quality: Neglected air filters result in an insufficient trap of indoor pollutants, resulting in the accumulation of dust and leading to various allergy or respiratory-associated problems.
Choosing the Right Air Filter
Fiberglass filters: The simplest filter type, it is extremely cheap to purchase. However, due to its basic design, it will not effectively filter air.
Pleated filters: They are the ones made up of polyester or cotton, which is more readily available. They are preferred by HVAC maintenance because of the more effective filtration and longer duration available.
HEPA Filters: High efficacy filters capture 99.97% of harmful particles. They are perfect for those who struggle with allergies or have health concerns.
Electrostatic Filters: These use static electricity to pull in particles, making them ideal for homes with pets or smokers.
Choosing a filter to go with your setup should be done with HVAC professionals to make sure there are no issues with airflow.
How Often Should You Air Filter?
Regular replacement of filters is a crucial part of your AC maintenance. On average, filters should be changed every 1 to 3 months, depending on:
Usage: Houses that run their HVAC systems continuously have to maintain their filters more often.
Allergies or Pets: These households have more reason to replace their filters every month.
Filter Type: While higher quality filters can last longer, they still need to be consistently checked.
Not following recommended maintenance increases the chance of AC repairs. These repairs can be easily avoided, but poor systems and air quality make them necessary.
Signs Your Air Filter Requires Maintenance
Both homeowners and business owners should be mindful of an air filter that is ineffective or may be clogged. The following are common indicators:
- Unexplained spike in energy expenses
- Visible dust accumulating on surfaces, vents, and air registers
- HVAC system cycling on and off excessively
- Reduced airflow detected from registers
- Increased musty odors or musty smells combined with heightened allergy symptoms indoors
Once these symptoms are detected, it’s important to change the filter or call a professional for AC maintenance immediately.
The Importance of AC Maintenance in Filter Management
At Nelke Mechanical Heating & Cooling, we place a strong focus on the value of complete AC maintenance programs. Our technicians perform the following during routine inspections:
- Replacing air filters or cleaning them if necessary
- Cleaning internal parts contaminated because of dirty filters
- Assessing airflow and the condition of the ducts
- Checking for early signs of damage and malfunction
With routine maintenance, air quality in the building improves, and equipment needs become less frequent, leading to extended efficiency and lifespan of the equipment.
Professional AC Repair or Changing the Filter Yourself
Replacing a basic air filter is a task some people may view as easy, and in most cases, this is true. However, airflow and system performance-associated problems require professional AC repair. Examples of these issues include:
- Unaddressed airflow issues like duct or fan-related obstructions.
- A frozen evaporator coil due to hindered airflow will lead to reduced cooling capacity.
- Filters being neglected may lead to loud and unusual noises that suggest some component has been damaged.
Working on these problems with HVAC professionals in a timely manner will curtail the repairs that need to be done in the future.
Conclusion
We can see air filters are fundamental to ensuring HVAC systems operate optimally. Filters are integral in keeping the systems running efficiently and lowering the repair costs. Business and homeowners in Keizer and Salem, OR, can protect their investment and health by routinely changing filters in the AC systems.
For reliable and trusted AC filters and repairs, and maintenance services, the systems are guaranteed to be running clean, reliable, and efficient throughout the year with Nelke Mechanical Heating and Cooling.
About the Author
In Salem and Keizer, OR, Nelke Mechanical Heating & Cooling is a renowned HVAC service provider. They offer maintenance and repair services in Salem and Keizer. An entire suite of services such as AC repair, air quality services, furnace repair, and heating and cooling services is available to serve our residential and commercial customers.