Everything You Need to Know About HVAC Filters

Air filters may not appear to be an essential part of an HVAC system. After all, they have no moving parts, and do not look robust compared to the other parts and components that make up your heating and cooling system.

However, appearances can be deceiving. An air filter is crucial to:

• Your home’s indoor air quality.
• Heating and cooling efficiency.
• HVAC system longevity.

Yes, that box of cardboard and paper-like pleats is essential for maintaining comfort in your Youngstown home.

Maintaining Your HVAC System

At Wm Price Heating Co., we recommend you give your HVAC system a little TLC by getting to know its air filter. Make it a point to understand what an air filter does, how often it needs to be replaced, and what type is appropriate for the heating and cooling system in your Youngstown, home.

When you schedule spring and fall HVAC tune-ups with us, one of our expert Wm Price Heating Co. technicians will inspect your air filter and replace it if required. However, your filter may need to be replaced more frequently, and you should know how to do it yourself.

You should check your filter monthly and replace it if it appears dirty. Your systems operating instructions provide more guidance on which filters to use—following the manufacturer’s instructions is not only vital to the health of your indoor air quality, but also your HVAC system.

Does My HVAC System Really Need a Filter?

Air filters are a barrier between contaminated air and HVAC equipment. They are the first line of defense against particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander that would otherwise enter your HVAC unit, travel through your ductwork, and contaminate the air in your living space.

Instead, air filters trap the contaminants, providing several benefits:

• Cleaner Air: Filters enhance indoor air quality (IAQ), giving you a healthier living environment. That is especially crucial for household members with allergies or other respiratory problems.

• Protect Equipment: Filters prevent dust and dirt from building up on components and causing breakdowns. A clean HVAC unit tends to last longer than and will typically require less repairs.

• Enhanced Efficiency: Your HVAC system operates more efficiently with a clean air filter. A clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause unnecessary stress of your HVAC system’s parts and components. Equipment struggling to overcome airflow restrictions consumes more energy, which increases your utility bills.
  
  According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption.

The Dangers of a Dirty HVAC Filter

Running your HVAC unit with a dirty filter or without a filter is one of the fastest ways to lower air quality and potentially damage equipment. Here is how a clogged filter can affect it:

• Damage: A clogged air filter restricts air flow allowing debris to pass around the filter and settle inside your HVAC unit. That debris can accumulate on components causing them to become clogged and either reducing operation efficiency or possibly causing a breakdown.

• Ductwork: Particles can accumulate in your ductwork and compromise indoor air quality.

• Airflow: Restricted airflow reduces your HVAC unit’s efficiency, possibly causing overheating or the indoor coil freezing leading to a breakdown.

• Health Risks: Allergens that escape a dirty filter, flow through your ductwork, and circulate throughout your home can trigger allergies and respiratory issues.

How to Find and Replace Your Air Filter

The filter location depends on the type of your HVAC system. It is typically attached to the return air ductwork of your furnace or air handler, behind an access door. Consult your owner’s manual or HVAC contractor for specific instructions.

Before replacing the old filter, always turn off your HVAC system. Before removing the air filter take a good look at your old one, it will likely have the size and MERV rating and will indicate the direction of airflow (usually with an arrow symbol). Note which direction the arrow or symbol points. Typically, the arrow or direction symbol should point towards the blower of the unit.

Remove the old filter and install the new one, pointing the arrow or direction symbol in the same direction as the previous filter. Close the access door and turn the system back on.

Some thermostats may allow you to track maintenance and set reminders, so be sure to reset your thermostats reminder that the filter was changed.

What HVAC Filter Should I Use?

Air filters vary in size, materials, thickness, and Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). The MERV rating indicates how well a filter traps small particles. It is recommended for typical residential heating and cooling systems to use filters with a MERV rating between 8 and 10.

At Wm Price Heating Co, we can recommend a compatible filter with a MERV rating of 8 for your heating and cooling system. For guidance on filters, check your HVAC system owner’s manual.

Here is a quick guide to filter composition:

• Fiberglass: Filters made of fiberglass are affordable but less effective at trapping small particles. They typically need to be replaced more frequently than box media filters and do not have a MERV rating.

• Pleated: These filters are made of synthetic polymers. They are more efficient than fiberglass filters at trapping dust and allergens. They are available in a range of MERV ratings. They typically need to be replaced monthly.

• Box Media: These 4” or 5” wide filters are very efficient at collecting small particles and trapping dust and allergens. They are also less restrictive to air flow. They are available in a range of MERV ratings and typically need to be replaced less frequently than fiberglass or pleated air filters. 

Air Purifier Media: These filters capture nearly all particles as small as 0.3 microns. They are ideal for family members that suffer from allergies. They are specifically designed for an air purifier system and rated at or near HEPA. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions and replacement filters.

When a Higher MERV Rating Isn’t Better

It is easy to assume that a higher MERV filter is always the better choice, but that’s not necessarily true.

While high-MERV filters are designed to capture smaller particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and even allergens, they can also restrict airflow in your HVAC system. Most residential HVAC systems are not designed for filters rated above MERV 10.

Many residential HVAC systems are only rated for filters with a MERV rating between 8 and 10. Going beyond that, for example, MERV 11 or higher, could restrict airflow causing unwanted stress on your systems components. Reduced airflow can lead to decreased efficiency, uneven heating or cooling, frozen coils, or even system failure over time.

Always check your system’s owner’s manual or consult a qualified HVAC expert from Wm Price Heating Co. before upgrading your filter. Using a filter that’s too restrictive for your equipment could result in costly repairs and in some cases, may even result in compressor or heat exchanger failure.

If you’re concerned about allergens, dust, or indoor air quality in general, a better solution might be to invest in IAQ accessories such as:

• Whole-home air purifier
• UV Light System
• Air Scrubber
• Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERVs)
• Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRVs)
• Dehumidifier
• Humidifier

These additions work with your HVAC system and filter to improve air quality without compromising air flow or performance. Ultimately, the right combination of filtration and supplemental IAQ equipment will depend on your home, your health concerns, and your system’s capabilities.

Call Your Local HVAC Experts Today!

Our expert team at Wm Price Heating Co. can assist with all your heating, cooling, and indoor air quality needs. Whether you want advice about the HVAC filters in your Youngstown, OH, home or other HVAC solutions, we are here to help! Call us at 330-545-3722 or request service online.