When properly maintained, your indoor heating and cooling systems should provide many years of reliable comfort. In addition to heating and cooling the air, a primary job of your HVAC system is to filter and clean the air in your home. One of the easiest ways to keep your HVAC system operating at its best is through routine filter inspections and replacements. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean filter can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.”
Proper filter maintenance starts with regular, monthly inspections. How often you should replace the filter will depend upon many factors. Each filter manufacturer should have a recommended replacement schedule. If not, use the following as a guide:
1-inch Air Filters
1-inch filters are the most basic type of filter available and should generally be replaced or cleaned every 30 to 60 days. They are usually installed in either the return air grilles, the furnace, or in the air handler. If you buy your filter at a hardware store, you have probably noticed how many different price points and options they offer for 1-inch filters. Short Pump Heating & Air recommends a mid-range price point for these filters. The more expensive 1-inch filters are too dense and can restrict airflow to the system, which can cause many issues.
4-inch Media Filters
4-inch filters are typically changed every 6 months to 1 year. They might require changing more frequently depending on variables like the number of pets in your home, or if you have excessive dust in your home. These are the filters we typically recommend when installing a new HVAC system. Short Pump Heating & Air installs an airtight cabinet that mounts to the air handler or furnace, which holds the filter in place. After the new system is installed, we can check and replace these filters on our regular maintenance visits, or our customers are welcome to replace the filters themselves. These filters do a much better job stopping allergens and particles and allow for more efficient airflow through the system.
Aprilaire Filter Systems
Aprilaire filters are similar to the 4-inch media filters and should last 6 months to 1 year. They provide high-quality air filtration for HVAC systems. Short Pump Heating & Air can check and replace all types of Aprilaire filters on our annual or semi-annual maintenance visits. If you have any questions about Aprilaire products, please give us a call!
Whole-Home Air Purifier
Whole-home air purifiers like the Infinity® air purifier use electronic filtering processes to remove airborne particles from the air. Many of our air purifying products capture AND kill the majority of airborne pathogens. If you’re concerned about the indoor air quality in your home, Short Pump Heating & Air offers a variety of home air purification options. These more advanced filtering devices typically include a removable filter that should be inspected and replaced, per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
At Short Pump Heating & Air, our indoor air quality specialists offer many other indoor air quality products including:
- Air cleaners and air purifiers – two examples of good products include the REME Halo and Air Knights
- Ultraviolet lights and air scrubbers
- Whole-home humidifiers
- Whole-home dehumidifiers
- Air filtration systems
For more information about filter maintenance and indoor air quality in your home, contact Short Pump Heating & Air today. We can evaluate your home and make recommendations on air cleaning products that may improve the indoor air quality for you and your family!
