Air filters are an important component of your HVAC system. They prevent a lot of undesirable particles from entering your home and keep your HVAC system running smoothly. If you live in Las Vegas, you know how important it is to have good air conditioning in your home. Since air filters play a vital role in HVAC function, it’s important to know their ins and outs. Here are some frequently asked questions about the purpose and care of HVAC air filters.
1. What Are HVAC Air Filters?
Air filters are screens that trap debris and particles circulating through your HVAC system. Most HVAC systems have at least one air filter, and there are several different types. Some HVAC systems have cheap, disposable air filters made of fiberglass, while others may require pleated, HEPA, or bacteria-killing UV filters. The main difference between these types of air filters is their MERV rating. Air filters with high MERV ratings can do a better job of trapping contaminants, but they also have a harder time pulling in air.
2. Why Are HVAC Air Filters Important?
The importance of your HVAC system’s air filters can not be overstated. Although you can’t really see it, the air is full of harmful contaminants like dust, dirt, bacteria, mold spores, pollen, and pet dander. These contaminants can make it harder to breathe and maintain a clean home. They can also cause allergies and other health issues, so they need to be filtered out of the air before it gets blown into your home. That is the important function that air filters perform. They trap or eliminate harmful contaminants in the air, so they don’t get circulated into your living space. Air filters also prevent large particles from getting stuck in your HVAC system and causing damage.
3. What Are Signs of Dirty Air Filters?
When your air filters are dirty or clogged, the signs are usually obvious. If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, your energy bills have increased, and you’re noticing more dust in your home, dirty air filters may be to blame. When air filters get too dirty, they block the flow of cool air and are unable to trap any more contaminants. This will reduce your home’s indoor air quality and hinder the function of your HVAC system. If your HVAC system doesn’t seem to be keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, it may be time to clean or replace your air filters.
4. How Often Should You Clean Air Filters?
When you are running your air conditioner every day, it doesn’t take long for your HVAC air filter to get dirty and clogged. Cleaning it regularly will help your system operate efficiently between filter changes. In an area like Las Vegas where there is a lot of dust and pollution in the air, it isn’t unreasonable to clean your air filter once or twice a month. If you have pets in your home, a monthly air filter cleaning should definitely be on your to-do list. Cleaning your HVAC air filter is easy. All you have to do is vacuum it off to remove loose debris. If you want a deeper clean, you can soak it in warm water and vinegar. Just be sure to rinse and dry it thoroughly before replacing it. It’s also important to note that not all HVAC air filters are washable. You should ask your HVAC specialist before cleaning your filter to avoid accidental damage.
5. How Often Do Air Filters Need to Be Changed?
Most HVAC air filters need to be replaced every three months. Air filters can only be cleaned so many times before they start to break down and become unusable. In an area like Las Vegas where your air filter is working hard, it’s important to replace it on time to avoid reduced indoor air quality, high cooling costs, HVAC system damage, and trouble keeping your home cool. When you hire an HVAC company to perform regular maintenance, you won’t have to worry about keeping up with air filter changes. Replacing your air filter every three months will prolong the life of your HVAC system and make your home’s atmosphere more comfortable.
6. Where Are HVAC Air Filters Located?
Locating your HVAC system’s air filters is simple. The air filter is typically located next to the system’s air handler. The air handler is the big box in your basement or closet with the fan and fan motor in it. Once you find the air handler, all you have to do is find the air filter slot, open it up, and swap out your dirty, old filter with a new one. Just make sure you insert the new filter correctly by following the arrows. You should also check near the system’s return vent to see if there is a second air filter. If you don’t feel comfortable changing your air filters yourself, your HVAC company can do it for you during routine maintenance.
7. How Do Air Filters Impact Indoor Air Quality?
In today’s modern society, Americans spend a good portion of their time indoors. When you are spending so much time inside, it’s important that the air you’re breathing is safe and healthy. This is where the concept of indoor air quality comes in. Now that most homes have central heating and cooling, indoor air can be filtered and cleaned by your HVAC system. Your air filters can make or break your home’s indoor air quality, so it’s important to keep them clean. Polluted indoor air can cause a variety of symptoms including allergies, asthma, headaches, congestion, and trouble breathing, so maintaining good indoor air quality is a must. Air filters can be used in combination with UV lights, air purifiers, humidifiers, and energy recovery ventilators to improve your home’s indoor air quality.
A Top HVAC Company in Las Vegas
Founded by two natives of the area, Simply Cooling, Heating and Plumbing services all of Las Vegas, NV. When it comes to maintaining your home’s indoor air quality and the efficiency of your HVAC system, cleaning and changing your air filters is one of the most important things you can do. However, keeping up with HVAC maintenance may not be at the top of your to-do list. Simply Cooling, Heating and Plumbing can provide you with professional indoor air quality and HVAC maintenance services so you can focus on other tasks.
Our locally owned and operated company offers cooling, heating, and plumbing services from highly trained and experienced technicians. In everything we do, we remain 100% committed to customer satisfaction. With this in mind, we only use high-quality products for our work, and we are honest and straightforward with our pricing. We also free estimates for installation projects. Ready to get started? Contact Simply Cooling, Heating and Plumbing in Las Vegas today to set up your appointment.