Why Filter Choice Matters for AC Maintenance in League City
It is hard to over-value the AC Maintenance League City benefits of the correct air filter for your central heating and air conditioning system. The air inside a home appears to be clean, but it actually contains a number of airborne contaminants in rather high concentrations. The sources of contaminants include:
- Outdoor sources, such as pollen, mold spores, and wind-borne particles
- Indoor sources, such as cooking residue, cleaning supplies, and even gases from most manufacturing processes
- Occupants, both humans and pets, such as dust and dander
- Microscopic insects (dust mites), bacteria, and viruses also float about the home.
- Many of these particles are irritating to humans, triggering allergies, asthma, and breathing problems for many.
The heating and cooling processes move air around the house, but it remains dirty without a good air filter. An air filter removes most airborne particles, making the air healthy and desirable.
How to Size and Select the Right Filter for AC Maintenance League City
The easiest way to determine the proper filter for your system is to locate your current air filter and replace it with the same-sized filter. The filter will be located near the base of the air handler closet, where the return air vent attaches to the cabinet. Slide the old filter out and notice the dimensions stamped on the edge of the filter.
If the existing filter appears to be mis-sized, use a tape measure and measure the opening: measure the height and depth, the breadth will be one inch. A typical filter size will be 20” x 20” x 1”, or a similar configuration.
Doctor Cool’s Pro Tips for AC Maintenance in League City Homeowners
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) created a rating system for air filters.
- The rating is determined by the size of the openings between the filter fibers. Large openings promote airflow and energy efficiency but allow many air particles to pass through the filter. Small openings promote clean indoor air, but the small spaces can restrict airflow and damage the system’s components.
- The rating system is called Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and it measures the percentage of particles of a given size that are captured by the filter. For example, a MERV 10 filter will remove more than 85% of particles 3-10 microns (pollen and pet dander), 50 to 64% of particles 1.0-3.0 microns (fine dust and mold spores), and more than 20% of particles .3-1.0 microns (bacteria).
It might seem sensible to use the highest MERV-rated filter available. However, that is not the case.
- Most residential heating and cooling systems can handle MERV 8-13 rated filters.
- Filters rated MERV 17-20 are considered High Efficiency Rated Air filters (HEPA). You might have heard of HEPA filters: they are used in hospitals and laboratory settings to prevent the spread of pathogens. However, heating and cooling systems that use HEPA filters are designed to compensate for the small openings. The blower motor is very high-powered and overcomes the restricted airflow.
- It is best to check with the manufacturer to determine the proper MERV rating for your system.
Air filters need to be changed at least every three months as a regular part of AC Maintenance League City to ensure the collection of particles does not clog the filter and restrict airflow. If you have questions about your filter or need to find a source for filters, call Doctor Cool for AC Maintenance League City.
Expert AC Maintenance in League City
Don’t let a clogged or improper filter compromise your home’s air quality and system efficiency. Schedule your professional AC Maintenance League City appointment today to ensure your unit is running at peak performance. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat now to speak with an expert and breathe easier knowing your cooling system is in top shape!