When you think of your Raleigh NC residence's heating and air, what comes to mind first? Most likely the outdoor unit, the indoor furnace/air handler, or perhaps the thermostat. But one of the most vital, yet most overlooked, components of your entire HVAC system is the simple air filter. This rather harmless aspect plays a major role in the health of your system, your energy use, and, most importantly, the quality of air that you breathe day after day.
At Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC, we know that indoor air quality and home comfort go hand in hand. As your trusted HVAC contractor, we value highly the role of filters as part of our comprehensive service plan so that your system can work effectively while maintaining your indoor environment clean.
An air filter is a permeable barrier designed to trap airborne particles as air gets drawn into your HVAC system's return air ducts. Its usual location is typically either in a particular filter slot within the return air ductwork (normally near the furnace or air handler) or located actually within the furnace or air handler unit itself.
The purpose of the air filter is twofold:
Air filters exist in many different types, each with varying degrees of filtration and airflow restriction. Familiarizing yourself with the options is the best way to choose the best one for your particular heating and air conditioning Raleigh NC system:
Choosing the correct size is just as important as choosing the correct type. Always use the exact size your HVAC manufacturer recommends to fit tightly and prevent air from leaking around the filter.
Forget your air filter and create a ripple effect of unwanted repercussions on your heating and air conditioning Raleigh NC system, your energy bills, and indoor air quality:
A dirty or plugged air filter is like a congested nostril for your HVAC system. It causes the blower motor to labor harder to suck in the air, consuming more electricity or gas. This extra load manifests itself in your electric or gas bill as:
The pressure of a clogged filter can lead to serious, costly damage:
The most self-evident advantage of a clean filter in your indoor environment is cleaner air. By effectively capturing:
A clean filter prevents those impurities from circulating. This is especially vital for people with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory sensitivities, since it effectively reduces their exposure to indoor culprits.
The general rule is to check your air filter monthly and replace it every 1 to 3 months. That being said, this depends on a number of factors:
Changing your filter is a simple DIY task, but Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC professional service always includes checking your filters and installing customer-supplied filters, so this critical part doesn't fall through the cracks.
Here at Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC, we realize that such a small item as an air filter can make such a big difference in the comfort, health, and your finances of your home. Our mission is to provide budget-friendly high quality HVAC repair and replacement to residents of NC. Our spring and autumn maintenance packages are crafted to inspect every part of your heating and air conditioning Raleigh NC system to ensure everything is functioning as best as possible.
Our skilled technicians will have the work done and done on time. Being a veteran-owned business, we take pride in customer satisfaction and delivering top-notch service, so your system will run well for many years to come.
Normally every 1 to 3 months. For pet owners, smokers, or allergy sufferers, adjustments might be necessary as often as monthly.
Yes, a dirty filter restricts airflow over the evaporator coil so much that it gets too cold and will actually freeze up, leading to not being able to cool at all.
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) indicates how well an air filter traps airborne particulates. A MERV 8 to 11 filter is a good balance of filtration and airflow for a typical residential system without overloading the system.
No, disposable fiberglass or pleated filters should not be washed. Washing them can ruin the filter material and render them useless. Only those filters that are explicitly labeled "washable" or "reusable" require washing.
Yes, as part of our comprehensive spring and fall maintenance checklists, our technicians will always check the filters and will replace customer-supplied filters at your service visit.
Your Raleigh NC heating and air conditioning system's air filter is a small but mighty component. Neglecting it can result in higher energy bills, costly repairs, and poor indoor air quality. By embracing regular filter replacement and a professional HVAC maintenance, you're ensuring your home's efficiency, longevity, and overall health.
For expert guidance on air filters and complete heating and air conditioning maintenance in Raleigh, NC, trust the professionals at Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC. Contact us today at (919) 348-9399 to get your system operating efficiently and cleanly!
At Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC, we know that indoor air quality and home comfort go hand in hand. As your trusted HVAC contractor, we value highly the role of filters as part of our comprehensive service plan so that your system can work effectively while maintaining your indoor environment clean.
What is an Air Filter and How Does It Work?
An air filter is a permeable barrier designed to trap airborne particles as air gets drawn into your HVAC system's return air ducts. Its usual location is typically either in a particular filter slot within the return air ductwork (normally near the furnace or air handler) or located actually within the furnace or air handler unit itself.
The purpose of the air filter is twofold:
- Protect Your HVAC System: It prevents dust, dirt, pet dander, and other matter from collecting on sensitive internal components, particularly the evaporator coil. This protective role is essential to the life and efficiency of the system.
- Improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): By trapping airborne contaminants, the filter prevents them from circulating in your dwelling, leading to cleaner, healthier air for you and your household.
Types of Air Filters: Choosing the Right One
Air filters exist in many different types, each with varying degrees of filtration and airflow restriction. Familiarizing yourself with the options is the best way to choose the best one for your particular heating and air conditioning Raleigh NC system:
- Disposable Fiberglass Filters: These are the least expensive and most basic filters, normally having a MERV rating of 1-4. They are designed to be used primarily for defending your HVAC unit by capturing larger dust particles and debris but minimal in indoor air quality enhancement. They restrict very little airflow.
- Pleated Filters (MERV 5-13): Folds of cotton or polyester that make up these filters allow for much more surface area for filtration. These filters are better at catching smaller particles like pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and some bacteria. Filters that have a MERV rating of 8 to 11 are typically best for the typical home, offering effective filtration and sufficient airflow. Higher MERV ratings mean more filtration but less airflow.
- Washable Filters: These are washable and are typically MERV rated 1-4. Although green, they must be thoroughly dried every 1-3 months. If not well washed and on a regular basis, they may become breeding grounds for mold and lose effectiveness.
- High-Efficiency Filters (MERV 14-20 - HEPA): These filters, occasionally used in hospitals or cleanrooms, are even more efficient, able to capture very fine particles like viruses and fine smoke. Their density can restrict airflow significantly, though, and can tax home HVAC equipment not rated for their use. Too high a MERV filter on your system can cause catastrophic operating issues and damage.
Choosing the correct size is just as important as choosing the correct type. Always use the exact size your HVAC manufacturer recommends to fit tightly and prevent air from leaking around the filter.
The Important Role of a Clean Filter
Forget your air filter and create a ripple effect of unwanted repercussions on your heating and air conditioning Raleigh NC system, your energy bills, and indoor air quality:
1. System Efficiency and Energy Savings
A dirty or plugged air filter is like a congested nostril for your HVAC system. It causes the blower motor to labor harder to suck in the air, consuming more electricity or gas. This extra load manifests itself in your electric or gas bill as:
- Increased Utility Bills: Your system consumes more power to maintain your home at your preferred temperature, resulting in higher monthly heating and cooling bills.
- Reduced Heat Transfer: Restricted airflow through the evaporator coil (in case of AC) or heat exchanger (in case of furnaces) hinders efficient heat transfer, making your system less efficient in this regard to cool or heat your home.
2. Saving Your HVAC System's Life
The pressure of a clogged filter can lead to serious, costly damage:
- Blower Motor Burnout: The blower motor, which has to work extra hard, gets overheated and burns out early, requiring a costly repair or replacement.
- Frozen Evaporator Coil (AC): In air conditioners, insufficient airflow across the evaporator coil can freeze the coil over with ice and make it unable to absorb heat, with the outcome of no cooling and damage to the compressor.
- Furnace Overheating: In heaters, low airflow is able to cause furnace overheating, triggering protective devices to turn the system off and possibly burn up the heat exchanger.
- Additional Dust on Components: Passing dust through a dirty filter can deposit dust on interior components, reducing their performance and longevity.
3. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Improvement
The most self-evident advantage of a clean filter in your indoor environment is cleaner air. By effectively capturing:
- Dust, dirt, and lint
- Pollen and mold spores
- Pet dander and hair
- Bacteria and viruses (with higher MERV filters)
A clean filter prevents those impurities from circulating. This is especially vital for people with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory sensitivities, since it effectively reduces their exposure to indoor culprits.
When and How to Change Your Filter
The general rule is to check your air filter monthly and replace it every 1 to 3 months. That being said, this depends on a number of factors:
- Home Occupancy: More occupants equal more particles and dust.
- Pets: Pet owners tend to require more frequent changes because of dander.
- Allergies/Asthma: If a member of your household has breathing difficulties, more frequent changes are ideal.
- Construction/Renovation: Home project dust will require more frequent changes.
- Heavy System Use: In extreme heating or cooling seasons, your filter will get more debris quicker.
Changing your filter is a simple DIY task, but Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC professional service always includes checking your filters and installing customer-supplied filters, so this critical part doesn't fall through the cracks.
The Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC Difference: Complete HVAC Maintenance vs. a Simple Filter Change
Here at Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC, we realize that such a small item as an air filter can make such a big difference in the comfort, health, and your finances of your home. Our mission is to provide budget-friendly high quality HVAC repair and replacement to residents of NC. Our spring and autumn maintenance packages are crafted to inspect every part of your heating and air conditioning Raleigh NC system to ensure everything is functioning as best as possible.
Our skilled technicians will have the work done and done on time. Being a veteran-owned business, we take pride in customer satisfaction and delivering top-notch service, so your system will run well for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often do I need to replace my air filter?
Normally every 1 to 3 months. For pet owners, smokers, or allergy sufferers, adjustments might be necessary as often as monthly.
2. Will a dirty filter cause my AC to freeze?
Yes, a dirty filter restricts airflow over the evaporator coil so much that it gets too cold and will actually freeze up, leading to not being able to cool at all.
3. What is MERV rating, and what do I use?
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) indicates how well an air filter traps airborne particulates. A MERV 8 to 11 filter is a good balance of filtration and airflow for a typical residential system without overloading the system.
4. Can you clean a disposable air filter with water?
No, disposable fiberglass or pleated filters should not be washed. Washing them can ruin the filter material and render them useless. Only those filters that are explicitly labeled "washable" or "reusable" require washing.
5. Does Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC replace filters at service?
Yes, as part of our comprehensive spring and fall maintenance checklists, our technicians will always check the filters and will replace customer-supplied filters at your service visit.
Your Raleigh NC heating and air conditioning system's air filter is a small but mighty component. Neglecting it can result in higher energy bills, costly repairs, and poor indoor air quality. By embracing regular filter replacement and a professional HVAC maintenance, you're ensuring your home's efficiency, longevity, and overall health.
For expert guidance on air filters and complete heating and air conditioning maintenance in Raleigh, NC, trust the professionals at Ultra Air Heating & Cooling, LLC. Contact us today at (919) 348-9399 to get your system operating efficiently and cleanly!