Air Conditioning Filters

When considering heating and air conditioning systems systems, controlling both air temperature and air quality is crucial. Air conditioning filters ensure that the air your family breathes will be hypoallergenic and free of pollutants, thus making the filter so important to home air conditioning . In order for all of your air conditioning parts to sync, your filter must be kept clean. An air conditioner filter that is dirty will result in increased energy consumption, in addition to your air conditioning system's decreased capacity to cool your home. In other words, a well-maintained filter leads to an effective cooling machine.

How often should your air conditioning filter be changed or cleaned? Home air filters have a life span of approximately one to two months, depending on your rate of usage. Air filters used in an office usually need to be changed more often, as do air filters located in homes with pets, or located in a dusty climate. Dust and debris are an indication that allergens and pollutants are present, and your air conditioner filter is functioning at reduced levels. In fact, air conditioning repair services often begin with a filter check; dirty filters are the source of many poorly functioning air conditioner systems.

Air filters must be matched in size to your air conditioner unit; a filter that is too small will do a poor job of capturing dust particles, while a filter that is too large can block your system's flow of air. When installing a filter, pay special attention to your conditioning system's return ducts , which must be sealed properly in order to prevent dirty air from leaking into your air conditioning equipment . Contact your local air conditioning company if you need ductwork cleaned or repaired.

In order to ensure the efficient operation of your air conditioning in Tampa or Los Angeles, it is necessary to select the best air conditioning filter for your needs. There are three different kinds of filtration systems available on today's market, classified according to their material and operation.

Mechanical air filters are commonly used in home air conditioning units, in addition to small industrial air conditioners and commercial air conditioning system . These filters use mechanical means, such as synthetic fibers, to trap dust and debris before they pollute the circulated air. Charcoal filters , which help control odors such as those emitted by pets, would also fall into this category.

• Conventional fiberglass disposable air filters can be found in both 1” and 2” inch sizes; the measurements refer to the thickness of the fiberglass. While disposable fiberglass filters are the most economical filter choice, they are also the least effective. Fiberglass filters must be replaced every one to two months, because the mesh and adhesive coating that removes air particles can be damaged by cleaning.

• Pleated fiberglass disposable filters , also available in 1” and 2” sizes, are constructed with more densely woven fibers, in order to maximize their efficiency. Because pleated fiberglass filters contain more fiber per square inch than conventional fiberglass filters, they are more effective at trapping particles.

Electronic air filters are more expensive than mechanical filters, but are usually more efficient. Because they use electricity to attract molecules, electronic air filters have the ability to trap finer particles, in addition to pet, cooking, smoke, or mold odors.

• Electrostatic air filters , again available in 1” and 2” sizes, function by charging, or ionizing, the filtered air with static, which magnetizes dust and debris. Because of their effectiveness, electrostatic filters are often marketed as “allergy-free.” They are more expensive than fiberglass or charcoal filters, but only need to be changed every two to three months.

• Electronic air filters must be connected to an electrical source. They can contain collecting plates that trap particles by magnetizing them, but whose ionizing properties produce potentially dangerous ozone. Many electronic air filters are composed of a pre-filter and a main filter; the pre-filter captures the largest dust particles, which therefore cuts down on the frequency of cleaning the main filter. Electronic filters can last up to six months between cleanings, but are the most expensive of all the filter types.

When your air conditioning filters need to be changed, you must select the replacement air filters that best suits your needs and budget. Generally speaking, filters designated as HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting) will trap the most dust and debris, up to 99.7% of airborne molecules. HEPA filters are available in all of the different filter types listed above; please consult your air conditioner unit 's manual for brand recommendations, such as Honeywell air filters . During your home's air conditioning installation , ask your technician to write down his or her recommendation for the appropriate air filters for your air conditioning unit. Your local air conditioning contractor can also direct you to an air conditioning supplystore that will fulfill all your filter needs.