Free returns if you're not completely satisfied for any reason. Many filters, whether disposable or re-usable can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner nozzle attachment, being careful not to tear the filter material. The filter of the unit, especially if its an HVAC unit that will tend to get nearly year-round use, should be changed by the homeowner at least every three months, but possibly more often. If the dimensions of the filter are not on the filter frame or edge, youll need to grab a tape measure. We also calculate the annual costs of replacement filters, based on the manufacturers recommendation for when to change them. Some filters will include air flow arrows to ensure proper installation. If you are replacing or changing air conditioner filters, be sure to either measure the old filter or take note of its dimensions if printed on the casing before you throw the old one away. The general consensus is, the more you use your home, the more you need to change your air filter. Because a furnace/HVAC unit contains moving parts, its important that belts are not cracked and dry, ventilation ductwork is not gapped, cracked or rusted, and components, such as coils and fans, are clog-free and adequately lubricated for unimpeded operation. Lastly, HVAC filter replacements will improve the efficiency of your unit and help to lower monthly utility bills. Here are some reasons why it essential to replace your filters on a routine basis: For proficient AC & furnace filter replacement services in your area, call the professionals at Blaze Air at (336) 788-3322. A system that has a dirty filter can suffer from pressure drop, which can lead to reduced air flow, or blow-out, resulting in no air infiltration at all. When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. Heres how to change your air filter when its time for a replacement. A filter that becomes dirty enough to change within a short period of time may indicate a problem with the unit or ventilation system, so monitoring how often the filter requires changing is important information for your technician to have. Carefully slide the new or cleaned filter back into its housing with the airflow arrows pointing in the correct direction. This can lead to serious health consequences, not to mention a compromised unit that will likely require servicing and may require replacement, depending on the severity of the moisture problem. promaster flexfuel wiper If you are looking for a custom size air filter you can request that we make a special size for you. You or someone in your household suffers from allergies or a respiratory condition. They also cease to filter allergens and other particulates out of your air. Filtrete Healthy Living Ultra Allergen 4 MPR1550. Filtrete recommends that you replace this filter four times a year, so though the price is only $20 per filter, the annual cost is $80. filter furnace ac cleaning hometips filters change heat pump replace reduce replacement tips dust repair air airflow surprising hvac arrows If you live in a multifamily apartment or condo unit, the filter may be located in an in-wall return air grill. But not every HVAC system can accommodate a thicker filterthe most common size is 1 inch thickthough you can retrofit the ductwork of some systems to accept one. You live on a working farm or ranch. Your opinion matters. Find a local Carrier expert you can trust, Air Conditioners, HVAC Education, Maintenance, Removal of airborne particles from the air that you breathe to improve indoor air quality, Keeping internal components free from dust and debris to maintain efficiency and reliability of operation. A dirty filter isnt good for your homes air quality either, as it lets contaminates and allergens build up in your home. The higher the rating, the more effective it is at catching small particles. Ideally, if you still have the HVAC systems manual, youll find the filter dimensions listed there. Without a clean air filter, your HVAC unit works harder and is prone to more breakdowns. When your air conditioning system loses efficiency it will create a steady increase in your monthly utility bills, as your AC unit will have to work harder in order to attempt to produce a desirable temperature inside your home or commercial property. There is construction taking place around or near the home. This notice is effective for your use of this website for the next 14 days. Hidden away in your basement or attic, the air filter in your HVAC system is something you probably dont think about much. If its somewhere in between, you can default to the filter manufacturers recommendations or use your own judgment based on your own experience. We also test two other 1-inch smart Filtrete filters, the Filtrete 1900 Smart Premium Allergen Bacteria and Virus and the Filtrete 1500 Smart Allergen Bacteria & Virus. Even if the activity is only temporary, dust and debris from worksites adjacent to or near the home can be sucked into the homes ventilation system, and this increased activity can tax your HVAC system. We know buying replacement filters can be a challenge, especially if it's your first time. MERV 17 through MERV 20 filters are typically used in surgical operating rooms, clean rooms and other contexts that require absolute cleanliness. If arrows are present, take note of the direction they are pointing so you can properly re-install the old one or install the new one. For heavy-use months, a good reminder is to change your air filter the day your new utility bill arrives. When this happens it could lead to malfunctioning components, multiple repairs, and even having to replace the entire system. These air filters act as barriers to prevent contaminants from entering your HVAC system or circulating within the air. Airborne ash outdoors will eventually find its way indoors. Securely replace any levers, gaskets and/or seals. CRs take: The Filtrete 1900 Maximum Allergen Reduction filter is impressive at removing dust, pollen, and smoke from the air when the HVAC system is running on its highest fan speed, earning an Excellent rating in that test. Ensures the longevity of your cooling system. Important: As you remove the filter, take note of the direction of the arrows on the filters edge. As always, we offer Fast Shipping & Free Returns on all of our discount furnace filters. Air filters are typically made from spun fiberglass (the same thing that makes up your attic insulation) or pleated paper & framed with cardboard for stability and rigidity. Most filters are designed to block out dust, dirt, pet hair, lint, mold, bacteria, and more. It will no longer be able to filter the air properly, letting dust and contaminants get into the HVAC system. Ultimately, your company made the decision to replace the unit with a Trane system and we could not be more pleased with the result as we finally have good climate control in our house and the system seems to be working perfectly (as Mike predicted)., "David Bell came to service our Geo-Thermal units, very knowledgeable and friendly! Eventually, the filter traps so much dust and debris that air cant properly filter or travel to the HVAC unit, leading to: You should ideally change your air filter every three months, however, there are certain factors to consider when determining when to change out an old filter. It has no problem maintaining airflow in either situation. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. Changing the air filters in your HVAC system is an essential practice that ensures clean air circulates throughout your home. Both have lower MPR filtering ratings than the 2500 Smart Premium. ", I just wanted to let you all know how happy and impressed we were with the service that your company provided us when we had issues with our new HVAC installation.

Protect your HVAC system and clean the air in your home with one of these filters from CRs tests. At Blaze Air our conscientious cooling experts encourage all of our customers in and around Winston-Salem to replace their AC filters regularly to avoid more serious and potentially costly complications. But the real thing is so much better. You can do this either at the thermostat, the breaker box, or using the shutoff switch located on/near the indoor unit (often looks like a light switch). For example, a filter that measures 19.5 x 13.5 x .75 means you need a 20 x 14 x 1 filter (in inches). Turn off the unit before replacing the filter. In some cases, especially on older models, the filter may be found inside the blower cabinet. If its only lightly covered, or you can still see light through the filter material, you may want to clean the filter and then check again in another month. When its time to inspect your filter, always be sure to turn off power to the system. You should follow the filter manufacturers recommendations, but a good rule of thumb is to inspect your AC filter at least once every 2-3 months. Make sure there arent any gaps around the filter frame. Discount Filters offers many different types of discount air filters to help you breathe better air inside your home based on your specific needs. But when the dust (and fiberglass) settles, you'll enjoy a fatter bank account and more comfortable indoor temps year-round. Something else to keep in mind as you shop is the filtering grade given by the manufacturer. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is an industry standard to rate a filters efficacy. You will need these dimensions to purchase a replacement if you dont have a replacement filter at home already. For example, many filters use different colors for the front and back (or upstream and downstream flow) so that theyre not installed backwards. rogue cyl

Our ClearChoice fridge and AirX HVAC filters are made in our factory and headquarters here in Indiana, with great attention to quality. In this article, we discuss the importance of changing an air filter and give you tips on how to do it. Insert the new filter with the arrows facing in the same direction as the old filter. (2022 Guide), 9 Air Conditioner Maintenance and Care Tips. Family-owned and operated since 1979, we continue to serve customers in the best way possible. Highly recommend!". CRs take: The 5-inch-thick Carrier EZ Flex Filter Cabinet with a filtering rating of MERV10 earns a Very Good rating for removing dust, pollen, and smoke from the air when a system is running on its highest fan speed, but it earns only a so-so rating of Good with the HVAC running on the lowest speed. Repairing a broken HVAC system can end up costing you a pretty penny. The musty smell produced by a moldy HVAC filter is also unpleasant and may take a while to completely eradicate from inside the home. After you remove the filter, see if the dimensions are written on the edge (length x width x height). Your unit may also have an affixed label with directions for easy filter replacement. One such task is changing the filter of the homes HVAC system. The high price of these filters is somewhat justified by their smart technology. Thats important because the concentration of air pollutants inside your home can be two to five times higher than concentrations typically found outdoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. After you get the measurements, youll need to round the numbers up a little. Call the knowledgeable staff at Blaze Air at (336) 788-3322. Air filters typically have a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) that determines the type and size of pollutants the filter will work against. There is evidence of microbial growth or mold on the filter. These are made of a much finer mesh than other filters, and so can screen out tiny particles such as allergens, pollen, dander, and mold spores. If you have pets in the home, you should consider changing your filter every 60 days, or 2 months, and for homes with multiple pets or people with allergies or respiratory conditions, we recommend changing your filter every 20-45 days. Filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV ratings. The list price for this filter is $100, although weve seen it selling for less. A filter affected by moisture intrusion, system condensation, or even high indoor humidity can quickly become moldy and spread airborne mold spores throughout the home via the ventilation system. Inspecting for Proper Installation of HVAC Filters, International Association of Certified Air Consultants. All rights reserved. As a part of your heating and air conditioning system, the air filter plays two main roles: A dirty filter can cause a number of issues with your system.

Professional Service. Learn how to choose and maintain your HVAC system. Dirty HVAC filters will cause indoor air quality to plummet and diminish the efficiency of your unit. Carrier recommends replacing this filter twice a year, which translates to an annual cost of $128. Once you have ensured that power is shut off and located the filter, take a moment to determine the direction air flows through the system. Changing the air filter on your HVAC system is probably one of the best things you can do to keep your system running efficiently and help improve the air quality in your home. We want you to continue to get the most out of your air conditioning system and ensure a safe and comfortable interior climate during every season. CRs take: Another good performer, the 4-inch-thick Filtrete Healthy Living Ultra Allergen 4 MPR1550 capably removes dust, pollen, and smoke with the HVAC system running on both its highest and lowest fan speeds, earning Very Good ratings. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Home HVAC & Furnace Filter Replacements. and provides certification to help you stand out from the crowd. And any mechanical component that has to work harder to run efficiently puts undue stress on the whole system, which can lead to premature failure, resulting in repair or replacement. 2011 Southtech Drive, Suite 100Greenwood, IN 46143, ©2022 Discount Filters. Allergies, pets, odors and smoking all can greatly affect the quality of your indoor air. Contact us to help find your filter. A solar generator gives you backup energy from the sun should your electricity fail. CRs take: In our tests, the Filtrete 2500 Smart Premium Allergen Ultra Fine Particles S-EAX22DC-6 effectively removes airborne particles with the system running on its highest fan speed, earning an Excellent rating. What Can Safely Go in the Garbage Disposal? Below are the top air filters from CRs tests, grouped by their thickness and listed in alphabetical order. Use the right filter for your unit and make sure its not damaged out of the package. While these factors affect the frequency of air filter replacement, you should visually inspect your filter every month to check for excess particle buildup. Compared to other DIY home improvement projects, changing air filters is a quick and painless process that can be done in less than an hour. Air filters trap pet hair, dust, and other irritating particles so that your air conditioning system delivers fresh, clean air back into your home. If the dirty air filter is completely layered with dust and debris, its a good idea to change the filter even if it hasnt reached the end of its recommended lifespan. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); "Technician arrived on time. Don't settle for poorly-made knock offs. Check your filters condition and change it once a month if: by Nick Gromicko, CMI and Kate Tarasenko, Part of responsible homeownership includes, of course, regular home maintenance. Can't find what you're looking for? 2022 First American Home Warranty Corporation and its licensed subsidiaries. You have a fireplace that you occasionally use. Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. Also, a dirty filter thats exposed to condensation can become damp, which can lead to mold growth that can be spread throughout the home by the HVAC system. How Often to Change Air Filters will vary based on the type of filter you have. Find the right replacement filter for your HVAC/Furnace. However, unless youre worried about needing to replace your filter early, you can also just set a calendar reminder. Allergies, pets, odors and smoking all can greatly affect the quality of your indoor air. Behind a ceiling- or wall-mounted return air grille. For a filter next to your blower, the arrows should typically point towards the blower. Blaze Air offers our thorough AC & furnace filter replacement services to all of our valued customers throughout Winston-Salem and the surrounding communities in order to guarantee a fully functioning cooling system for years to come. Eventually, they will fill up with dust and dirt. You run your unit six months a year to year-round. What's the Best Temperature for Your Water Heater? Failing to have your HVAC filters replaced on a routine basis by the licensed team of professionals at Blaze Air could create a number of problems for your system. Your safety and comfort is our top priority. Protects your AC system from premature failure. We don't know what's in your water, but we know there's nothing in your cart. A dirty filter in your HVAC system will raise your energy bills. Don't see your brand listed? Regular AC & furnace filter replacements will also help to eliminate dust around your home or building, which can make for a cleaner property and reduce your amount of daily chores. Sturdier filters are reusable, usually with metal frames, and can be cleaned according to manufacturer instructions. Air filters typically arent designed to filter the air forever. The most commonly used system applies a MERV number (minimum efficiency reporting value) to each filter, which was developed by ASHRAE (formerly the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers). InterNACHI can help you get licensed in your state or province, Now That Youve Had a Home Inspection book.

Dont settle for poorly-made knock offs or overpriced OEM models. But youll pay $184 in annual costs because the filter costs more and Aprilaire recommends replacing it twice a year. On the blower compartment of your furnace or air conditioner, in an attached filter case. We respect your privacy. How Often Should You Change Water Filters? Use a rag to clean up any residual dust before and after you replace the filter. Your HVAC installer can show you where the filter goes and how to remove the old one and install a new one. You live in a particularly windy area or experience high winds for extended periods, especially if there are no nearby shrubs or trees to provide a natural windbreak. This sort of evaluation is best left to the professional, unless the homeowner has had the appropriate training. Yes, it's a messy job. As hard as it is to believe there are more pollutants inside your home or commercial property then there are outdoors, which is why routine HVAC filter replacements are so necessary. Are you wondering if your current system is still under warranty. We carry discount air filters in 1-2 inch standard sizes, and 3-5 inch media sizes. Our ClearChoice fridge and AIRx HVAC filters are made in our factory and headquarters here in Indiana, with great attention to quality. Vacation homes or vacant homes that dont see much use can typically wait to change out filters every 9-12 months. For example, a basic, 1-inch air filter will most likely need to be replaced more often than a larger 4-inch filter. dirty air filters hvac conditioning filter clean unit system central hinder why changing seasonal maintenance trade talk smoothly steps running Discount Filters offers many different types of air filters to help you breathe easier and choose the correct filter based on your specific needs. Learn more. Copyright 2022 This Old House Ventures, LLC. This will be important when you install the new filter. But what happens if you let that time lapse a little bit? CRs take: The Filtrete Ultra Allergen Reduction 1500 MPR filter earns a Very Good rating for removing smoke, dust, and pollen from the air with the system running on a high fan speed, but its only average when running on its lowest speed. Follow the directions for your unit to make sure youre installing the filter properly.